February 2022
Is Bitcoin really a hedge against inflation?
Bitcoin’s recent slumps have been coupled with macroeconomic activities, bringing its status as an inflation hedge into question.
Ukraine’s crypto demand soars; Russian sanctions tighten
Trading volume on Ukrainian crypto exchanges triples as Russia continues its attack on Ukraine. Meanwhile, there is still no sign of Russia using crypto to evade sanctions yet,
Russia unlikely to turn to crypto if SWIFT sanction is imposed
Measures to detect sanctioned entities’ crypto transactions can come into play, experts say.
Here’s why Australia can’t use its empty deserts to mine Bitcoin
Sunny skies and wide open spaces may seem the perfect place to mine Bitcoin using cheap solar power, but one industry insider tells Forkast there’s much more to it than that.
Russian attack hits crypto: MUFG to close blockchain venture
The crypto market tanks after Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a military operation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Japan’s biggest financial group closes it’s blockchain payment venture.
India’s crypto brain drain may accelerate once again
Government indecision on crypto regulation prompted some businesses to move abroad. Investors and crypto professionals may follow if uncertainty prolongs.
Crypto losses not protected in China; India’s bitcoin premium
Chinese court reiterates its stance that the law cannot cover crypto losses. Meanwhile, Indian investors are paying double the South Korean kimchi premium.
Why India’s Bitcoin premium is now higher than South Korea’s
The RBI is casting a cloud of regulatory uncertainty over the local digital assets industry, but the nation’s Bitcoin premium shows India wants crypto.
Axie Infinity breaks $4BN; China’s brewing metaverse frenzy
Axie Infinity breaks $4BN mark. Meanwhile, China’s brewing metaverse frenzy sees over 16,000 trademark applications.
Why digital assets are poised to disrupt philanthropy
Charitable giving in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is growing by leaps and bounds. Michael B. Greenwald and Logan Weber explain the risks and benefits.
Jump in NFT demand reflects crypto prices, right? Wrong
An asset bought and valued in crypto becomes decoupled from crypto prices, a split that reflects the differences between crypto investors and NFT buyers.
India needs to make up its mind over crypto
Although India hoped that taxation would be a step toward regulation rather than a ban, the high tax rates and proposed rules seem to be geared toward dissuading crypto trading.
Crypto market rebound is short-lived as Russia tensions loom
Investor relief at last week’s slight market rebound gave way to concerns over military tensions in Ukraine, sending crypto and traditional markets reeling.
Korea’s crypto unicorns; Hong Kong’s e-CNY pilot
Korea’s crypto sector spawns two unicorns, meanwhile Hong Kong is set to be an idea cross-border e-CNY test city.
Hong Kong makes apt testbed for e-CNY cross-border use
The city’s global reach, Hong Kong dollar and mainland ties make it a good fit for Chinese authorities to trial e-CNY international payments.
How DeFi’s user interface problems are deterring widespread adoption
DeFi can put investors at risk if they don’t understand how it works, writes Korapat Arunanondchai. Here’s how to improve user experience.
Pakistan’s crypto warning; Indian banks’ crypto reluctance
Pakistan’s State Bank governor warns crypto’s risks, also in India, banks show crypto reluctancy.
RBI is causing crypto hesitancy among Indian banks
India’s crypto tax plan was expected to bolster adoption, but the central bank’s hold on the banking sector puts a check on crypto-related services.
HK watchdog’s NFT warning; DBS plans crypto expansion
HK watchdog’s sends out warning calling NFT a threat, meanwhile in Singapore DBS plans a crypto expansion
Bitcoin’s 30-day performance shows it’s not just another tech stock
As Bitcoin’s price movement began to mirror that of traditional markets, some likened it to tech stocks. Its recent price action shows otherwise.
Forget synthetic wombs. Give women more opportunities in DeFi and Web3
Vitalik Buterin’s advocacy of synthetic wombs misses the point, writes Izzy Howell of Cypher. Here’s why crypto can do more for gender equality.
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
Collision or coexistence: Can CBDCs and crypto live side by side?
As more countries announce plans for central bank digital currencies, will that break crypto’s promise as the future of money?
Guilty verdicts handed down in S.Korea’s biggest crypto scam
Seven executives of scam crypto exchange V Global were found guilty on Friday and sentenced to jail time — but it might not be enough to console victims.
Will the growing regulatory heat on stablecoins stifle innovation?
As stablecoins face pressure to adopt traditional safeguards, the industry’s efforts to self-regulate should not be overlooked, writes Charlie Martin of Gro.
Bandai Namco plans IP metaverse; Russia’s crypto flip
Japanese gaming giant Bandai Namco plans on a metaverse with their IP meanwhile, Russia does a crypto flip.
China’s e-CNY pilot to boost Hong Kong as offshore yuan trading center
Upcoming digital yuan trial to piggyback on Hong Kong’s popular Faster Payment System for smoother cross-border transactions.
Indian crypto tax creates more confusion than clarity for traders, exchanges
The announcement of a crypto tax dispelled fears of a ban but left exchanges wondering whether they may be hurt in the long run.