February 2022
RBI chief’s crypto warning; Korean crypto execs jailed
Reserve Bank of India’s chief sends crypto warning. In addition, Korean crypto execs gets jailed
Binance to take $200M stake in Forbes
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, plans to take a US$200 million stake in Forbes through a private placement, making it one of the two largest shareholders of the 104-year-old business magazine. Fast facts The investment comes as Forbes seeks to go public on the New York Stock Exchange via a deal with a special […]
S.Korean gaming giant Netmarble partners with Binance for GameFi
Netmarble revealed Thursday that it has formed a strategic partnership with Binance to establish a global blockchain gaming ecosystem. Fast facts Binance will provide its blockchain platform and tech infrastructure to Netmarble. Netmarble will build a new sidechain on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) for developing GameFi and an initial game offering (IGO) on the […]
January 2022
Are crypto e-red packets a thing for the Lunar New Year?
Digital payments are commonplace in Asia, but gifting crypto as lucky money remains niche.
Fantom overtakes Binance Smart Chain in DeFi TVL
Fantom has overtaken Binance Smart Chain (BSC) to become the third-largest blockchain in decentralized finance (DeFi) as measured by total value locked (TVL), according to DeFiLlama. Fast facts Fantom’s TVL bucked the global crypto market downtrend and increased more than 60% to US$12.2 billion over the past week, as of publishing time. Fantom is an […]
Binance partners with Gulf Energy; Polygon’s upgrade live
Binance partners with Gulf Energy for Thai crypto exchange, meanwhile, Polygon’s upgrade live
Binance, Gulf Energy enter partnership to develop Thai crypto exchange
Binance signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangkok-based power company Gulf Energy Development to establish a digital asset exchange in Thailand, the Southeast Asian nation with a population of 70 million people. Fast facts According to Gulf Energy’s letter to the Thai Stock Exchange on Monday, its local resources coupled with Binance’s exchange technology would […]
As Binance shrinks away in Asia, will it put down roots in the Middle East?
Binance’s CEO is now the richest Asian man, but the crypto exchange giant’s presence in Asia—where Binance got its start—is withering under regulatory heat.
Kazakhstan crypto mining fortunes falter as regime unplugs internet
Top blockchain and crypto news: Bandwidth bust in Kazakhstan. Binance chief CZ tops rich list. Digital yuan app adoption grows.
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao is the richest Asian, Bloomberg data shows
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao is now the richest Asian person with an estimated net worth of US$96 billion, even without counting his crypto fortune, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Fast facts The daily index ranks the world’s 500 richest people, a list on which the 44-year-old Canadian founder would place 11th, according to the […]
Binance faces regulatory rebuke in Ontario, obtains preliminary approval in Bahrain
The world’s largest crypto exchange continues struggling to stay compliant, but it has seen some luck in the Middle East.
December 2021
The top 5 ‘Ethereum killers’ of 2021
Ethereum was game-chaging at its 2015 launch, but today it’s showing its age. As Eth2 upgrades slowly unfold, who are the top rivals trying elbow out the #2 blockchain?
Binance to set up digital asset exchange in Indonesia with local telecom giant
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, today announced that it has set up a joint venture with the venture capital arm of Telkom Indonesia, the country’s largest telecommunication company, to develop a new digital asset exchange there. Fast facts Binance said in a statement that it has teamed up with MDI Ventures — a US$830 […]
Binance withdraws Singapore application; Security tokens on the rise
Binance withdraws Singapore application meanwhile, Security tokens are on the rise.
Binance’s Singapore entity pulls license application for local crypto exchange
Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, announced today that its Singapore entity Binance Asia Services has withdrawn its application to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a license to operate a regulated crypto exchange in the country, according to a company statement. Fast facts The exchange had operated in Singapore under an exemption that […]
SafeMoon sees price surge following update to V2
The price of the native token of the SafeMoon blockchain momentarily surged over 8% in price this morning Asia time, as the developer behind the token announced that it had successfully transitioned to the second iteration of the network. SafeMoon’s price retreated throughout the day, however, and was trading at US$0.0000016 at press time, 2% […]
Binance acquires 18% stake in HGX securities exchange in Singapore
Binance is acquiring an 18% post-money stake in Hg Exchange (HGX) — a private securities exchange that has obtained a recognized market operator license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) — through Binance Asia Services, the blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency provider behind Binance, according to a company statement released Wednesday. Fast facts Binance’s investment […]
Binance, Animoca Brands launch $200M investment program to accelerate GameFi startups
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) has joined hands with Animoca Brands — a Hong Kong-based blockchain gaming, metaverse and non-fungible token (NFT) company — to launch a US$200 million investment program to accelerate and incubate early crypto gaming startups built on BSC, according to a company statement released Monday. Fast facts Specifically, the duo are co-investing up to US$100 million […]
Binance chief CZ wants to bring business back to UK: report
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is working to rebuild its operations in the U.K. after it was told to close down the business there back in June, the company’s CEO Changpeng Zhao, or CZ, told the newspaper the Sunday Telegraph. Fast facts CZ told the local press the company is making […]
Binance crypto license plans in Singapore uncertain
Will crypto exchange Binance withdraw its license application in Singapore and look elsewhere in its search for a new global home?
November 2021
Metaverse picks up momentum; Binance tweet gets yellow card
Metaverse picks up momentum, on the other hand Binance tweet gets yellow card
What is SafeMoon and can it safely reach the moon?
SafeMoon, known for high fees and social media hype, is now 85% below its all-time high. What lies in SafeMoon’s future?
Soccer superstar Iniesta given the yellow card over Binance promo tweet
Andrés Iniesta, former FC Barcelona veteran and current midfielder for Japan’s Vissel Kobe, promoted crypto exchange Binance via Twitter, which prompted a securities market regulator to write a cautionary reply tweet against crypto. Fast facts Iniesta wrote on Twitter Wednesday, saying: “I’m learning how to get started with crypto with Binance,” also posting pictures of […]
Elon Musk takes on Binance with Dogecoin withdrawal glitch
Another day, another fight, on Twitter. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has supported Dogecoin, tagged Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and tweeted Tuesday that “what’s going on with your Doge customers? Sounds shady,” after a technical glitch appeared to occur during a recent upgrade of the Dogecoin network. Fast facts A network upgrade of Dogecoin […]
October 2021
Binance NFT launches initial game offerings
Binance NFT, the non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace of Binance, has launched Initial Game Offerings (IGOs) for customers to invest in gaming NFTs projects at an early stage, according to a Binance blog post. Fast facts The IGOs will feature NFT collections from top-tier gaming projects that are available exclusively on the Binance NFT marketplace, Binance […]
Binance taps former Dubai financial services official as regulatory liaison chief
Binance — the world’s biggest cryptocurrency by trading volume — today announced the appointment of Mark McGinness, former head of international relations at the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), as its chief regulatory liaison officer, according to a company statement. Fast facts McGinness’ appointment comes as Binance bolsters its compliance efforts and navigates regulatory headwinds […]
Coinbase and Binance move to diversify; Stablecoins under scrutiny
Coinbase and Binance move to diversify meanwhile Stablecoins under scrutiny
Crypto exchanges diversify amid growing competition
As non-crypto players like Twitter and PayPal take up digital assets, Coinbase, Binance and others look for ways to expand offerings.
Binance to shut down yuan trading on C2C platform after China’s crypto ban
Binance — the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by market value — is set to close down the yuan trading feature on its customer-to-customer platform on Dec. 31, the company said today in a statement, in a move to “meet regulatory requirements of the local government.” Fast facts Binance also said it will conduct […]
Crypto exchange Binance looks to Ireland for regional HQ
Binance — the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world — is looking at setting up regional headquarters in Ireland, according to Reuters. Fast facts “Historically, we claim that we don’t have headquarters. We are actually just in the process of establishing a few headquarters in different parts of the world,” Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao told […]
September 2021
Binance to restrict Singapore users from buying crypto and spot trading on Binance.com
Amid growing regulatory heat, Binance — the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume — will restrict users in Singapore from buying cryptocurrencies using fiat, spot trading and liquid swaps on its main Binance.com platform starting Oct. 26, according to a company announcement. Fast facts Binance is advising Binance.com users in Singapore to cease all […]
After Singapore, Binance pulls back from Australia under growing regulatory pressure
Following similar moves in Singapore, embattled crypto exchange Binance — the largest in the world by trading volume — is ending its derivatives trading in Australia by year’s end, according to a company blog post on Tuesday. Fast facts Aussie traders will have 90 days to reduce or close their positions on options, futures and […]
Binance faces US probe for possible insider trading and market manipulation
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is reportedly now under investigation for possible insider trading and market manipulation by the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Fast facts According to a Bloomberg report that cited unnamed sources, investigators from the CFTC — the agency that regulates the U.S. derivatives markets — […]
Crypto exchange Binance wants centralized headquarters amid regulatory heat
Under scrutiny around the world, the largest cryptocurrency exchange wants to do a better job engaging with regulators.
Binance Smart Chain one year on — from DeFi to NFTs and gaming
Have DeFi exploits on BSC hindered the blockchain’s success? NFTs and gaming offer a boost.
Korean exchanges offered lifeline; NFL bans crypto sponsorships
Korean exchanges offered lifeline while NFL bans crypto sponsorships
Binance.com to cease trading in Singapore
In response to increased scrutiny from regulators, crypto exchange Binance is removing itself from app stores in Singapore, as well as ending support for trading pairs and payment options in the Singapore dollar (SGD), according to a company press release. The move takes effect Friday, Sept. 10 at 04:00 UTC. Fast facts Last week, the Monetary Authority […]
How aggrieved traders are uniting against Binance after the crypto crash
Too small to fight as individuals, Binance users are now banding together to take on the world’s largest crypto exchange in arbitration. David Kay of Liti Capital explains how it’s done.
Singapore adds Binance.com to list of unregulated entities
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today added Binance.com — the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading value — to its Investor Alert List, according to local media reports. Fast facts MAS’ Investor Alert List flags entities that are unregulated, but may have given the public the impression that they are licensed by MAS. In […]
August 2021
UK’s Financial Conduct Authority: Binance has complied with requirements
Binance Markets Limited, the British affiliate of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is now compliant with the requirements that the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority imposed on the company in June, the FCA said Wednesday. Fast facts The FCA had, back in June, issued a warning to Binance Markets Limited and the Binance Group and imposed […]
Binance taps former SGX chief regulatory officer as Singapore CEO
Binance Singapore today announced the appointment of Richard Teng, former chief regulatory officer of the Singapore Exchange (SGX), as chief executive, bolstering its leadership ranks with former regulators while battling growing regulatory woes around the world. Fast facts Teng was CEO of the Abu Dhabi Global Market for six years before stepping down in March. […]
Binance imposes mandatory KYC for all services with immediate effect
Beset by legal and regulatory woes around the world, Binance — the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume — today announced that it is implementing mandatory know-your-customer (KYC) with immediate effect as it steps up its anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Fast facts All new Binance users are now required to complete “intermediate verification” — which […]
Coinbase launches in Japan: Binance users take legal action
Coinbase launches in Japan while Binance users take legal action
Binance users burned by outage band together to take legal action
Crypto traders who suffered losses on Binance due to tech outages are turning to arbitration and crypto litigation finance.
Netherlands warns Binance is illegally offering crypto services
The central bank of the Netherlands has issued a warning that Binance — the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by trading volume — is illegally operating in the country. Fast facts Binance is providing crypto services in the Netherlands without the required legal registration with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), according to the regulator. “This […]
Binance names new global anti-money laundering chief as it beefs up compliance efforts
Binance — the world’s biggest cryptocurrency by trading volume — today announced the appointment of Greg Monahan, a former U.S. Treasury criminal investigator, as its global anti-money laundering officer, according to a company statement. Fast facts Monahan’s appointment comes as Binance seeks to bolster its compliance efforts amid increasing scrutiny from regulators around the world — […]
Binance bans derivatives in Hong Kong: Ethereum fork boosts trading
Binance bans derivatives in Hong Kong while Ethereum fork boosts trading
Binance winds down derivatives trading in Hong Kong
Binance — the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume — today announced that it will be restricting the use of its derivatives products for customers from Hong Kong. Fast facts Hong Kong customers will, with immediate effect, not be able to open new Binance deriviative product accounts, according to a Binance announcement posted at […]
Binance partners with Shopify and others to offer crypto payments online
Amid a turbulent time for the world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance has announced a new partnership with Alchemy Pay to bring crypto payment options to e-commerce platforms such as Shopify. Fast facts Running on the exchange’s Binance Pay feature, the partnership will allow users and merchants to send and receive crypto globally in over 40+ […]
HSBC blocks UK customer payments to Binance
Binance’s woes continue to mount as global banking giant HSBC is now blocking its customers in the United Kingdom from making credit card payments to Binance, according to Yahoo News. Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Fast facts HSBC’s move follows similar actions taken by NatWest — a Scotland-based bank with 12.5 million customers […]
Binance in Malaysia ban as it ends derivatives trading in Germany, Italy, Netherlands
World’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange steps up compliance and cuts product offerings, with a ban in Malaysia and end of lucrative derivatives business in three EU nations.
July 2021
Battle for blockchain talent is heating up. What and where are the crypto jobs?
Flush with capital, blockchain and crypto firms are on a hiring spree. Here’s how the battle for crypto talent is playing out.
Bitmain spins off Antpool; Binance CEO willing to step down
Binance CEO CZ confirms that a new executive may lead the organization. Meanwhile, Bitmain spins off one of the world’s largest mining pool Antpool.
Binance CEO reiterates willingness to replace self, beefs up KYC
Binance also tightens withdrawal limits and unveils new tax reporting tool, to counter recent flurry of government investigations and bad publicity.
Binance and FTX slash leverage limit from 100x to 20x amid crypto regulations heat
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried says it’s time to move on from high leverage in crypto trading. Binance also seeks new CEO with a stronger regulatory background.
Binance chief ‘CZ’ seeks regulatory expert to lead as exchange looks to boost image
Speaking at an SCB 10X DeFi virtual summit, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao says an IPO is not out of the question, but that the exchange first needs to set up corporate structures as it navigates increased regulatory scrutiny.
Has the NFT bubble burst? The data says otherwise
Axie Infinity, Meebits and Bored Ape Yacht Club are some of those keeping the market for non-fungible tokens alive.
Binance suspends SEPA euro deposits as CZ calls compliance a ‘journey’
Facing an onslaught of regulatory scrutiny, Binance CEO calls crypto regulations ‘positive sign’ of a maturing industry and announces new hires in compliance.
June 2021
Bye-bye, Binance. Elon Musk spawns Floki Shiba Inu craze. Tickets for tokens in China.
Top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Binance bounced out of Britain. Musk moves Shiba Inu prices again. China’s digital currency gets ready to roll.
Crypto exchange Coinbase to launch crypto app store in international strategy
Nasdaq-listed Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, announced today its plans to expand its business internationally as it seeks to improve its asset-listing process and build a crypto app store. Fast facts: “We’re seeing crypto quickly mature from its initial use case of trading bitcoin to the trading of thousands of new […]
Huobi bans users in China, Taiwan from crypto derivatives trades
Chinese cryptocurrency exchange Huobi has stopped providing crypto derivative trading services to users in China and Taiwan.
Britain bans Binance UK, but users continue business on crypto exchange
FCA says Binance is not permitted to offer regulated activities in the UK, but users of the world’s largest crypto exchange remain unaffected — for now.
South Korean crypto exchange fee revelations deal blow to sector’s credibility
Payment for listings raises questions over integrity of cryptocurrencies’ credit scores as compliance deadline nears.
Building construction meets blockchain, Binance launches NFT platform | The Daily Forkast
Construction meets blockchain in Australian and Binance’s NFT marketplace is open for business.
Suspects arrested in US$500M ransomware crypto laundering case
Law enforcement agencies in several countries have arrested suspected members of a crypto-linked cybercrime group believed to be responsible for laundering more than US$500 million from ransomware attacks.
Binance NFT marketplace launches with auction of Dali, Warhol
Crypto exchange Binance is launching a non-fungible token marketplace, auctioning NFTs of artworks by Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
Angry Aussie crypto investors eye Binance class action
Australian investors adversely impacted by repeated system failures on Binance are considering taking a class action lawsuit to recoup their losses.
Binance launching NFT platform with ‘100 Creators’ campaign
Binance today announced a “100 creators” campaign featuring creative talents from around the world as part of the launch of its non-fungible token marketplace on June 24.
Luno crypto exchange looks to expand into Indonesia and SE Asia
Global crypto exchange Luno is in talks with conglomerate Lippo Group to launch operations in Indonesia in order to enter the Southeast Asian market.
WazirX launches India’s first NFT marketplace
WazirX launched the country’s first NFT marketplace on Tuesday, featuring artists from India and other South Asian nations.
May 2021
Can Elon Musk shrink Bitcoin mining’s carbon footprint? PancakeBunny’s $200 million hack. Ray Dalio admits to owning crypto.
Other top blockchain and crypto news: Australia signals progressive approach to crypto as Hong Kong moves closer to banning retail crypto trading.
Thailand’s The Brooker Group still bullish on crypto, planning US$3M investment in DeFi
The Booker Group announced that it now holds approximately US$35 million in crypto and plans to invest US$3 million into DeFi in Q2.