April 2021
Korea’s BTC Premium Nosedives; Officials Take Aim at Crypto | The Daily Forkast
Government dismay at crypto frenzy in South Korea brings the country’s Bitcoin premium down a few notches. But despite threats and policy chills, it’s only got more South Koreans interested in the dizzying crypto world.
Bitcoin’s ‘kimchi premium’ plummets, Upbit exchange suspends services
After surging to 21%, the higher prices that South Koreans pay for Bitcoin are now plunging. What role did Korean regulators and overseas traders play?
Lawyer for 11,000 XRP holders pushing to fight SEC in Ripple lawsuit
As Ripple and SEC intensify their legal battles, attorney John Deaton and his clients are trying to jump into the fray. Will XRP investors get their day in court?
Filecoin’s crypto top 10 stint. Coinbase wows with earnings for Nasdaq debut. Japan opens door to CBDC.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Hong Kong is new test bed for China’s e-CNY digital currency. Decentraland’s token bridge to Polygon.
Ripple wins access to SEC’s internal documents on Bitcoin and Ether
In a ruling that can boost Ripple’s defense, judge says SEC must disclose discussions on whether XRP, Bitcoin and Ether are securities. Is a settlement now near?
Korea’s Bitcoin kimchi premium explodes as Kakao rises on Upbit rumors
Are South Korea’s new cryptocurrency exchange regulations skewing its crypto market? Meanwhile, Upbit’s parent Dunamu surges on NYSE listing rumors.
Will China’s rising crypto crimes prompt tighter regulation?
Rising Bitcoin prices have inspired a wave of crypto-related Ponzi schemes, fraudulent giveaways and other scams around the world — especially in China.
DeFi insurance: Why buy coverage for your digital assets?
Insurance policies for DeFi can cover losses from theft to smart contract issues. But do read the fine print — and know the industry is ‘self-regulated.’
SEC agrees to redact two documents in Ripple lawsuit as XRP prices surge
XRP prices soar after Ripple and the SEC agree to partially redact some of Ripple’s email exchanges — but not the CEO’s financial information
5 questions investors must ask before buying Bitcoin or digital assets
How do cryptocurrency investors know whom to trust, avoid scams and not buy coins with a shady history? Gunnar Jaerv of First Digital Trust explains.
Hoping to ride NFT wave, Taiwanese basketball team launches NFTs
Taking a page from NBA Top Shot’s playbook, the Lioneers of Hsinchu County are now selling NFT video clips of their basketball stars. How is the sale going?
March 2021
China opens digital currency door to all. NFTs go wild. Is Singapore’s Temasek buying virgin Bitcoin?
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Bitcoin prices rise as BTC and ETH options expire. DeFi market steps up as Elon Musk says, ‘Don’t defy DeFi.’
XRP holders step closer to joining Ripple in fighting SEC lawsuit
In a new ruling, the judge presiding over SEC v. Ripple Labs opens the door to allowing XRP holders to intervene as a third party in the government’s lawsuit.
Sailing around the world for digital gold with the Liberty Bitcoin Cup
Young sailors are competing to win one Bitcoin in the Liberty Bitcoin Cup — a youth version of the America’s Cup — heading to Hong Kong in early 2022.
Ripple plans major Southeast Asia expansion by buying 40% of Tranglo
Despite its legal battles in the US over the XRP token, Ripple continues its push in Asia to grow its cross-border payments and money-transfer business.
SEC tries to block XRP holders’ bid to intervene in Ripple lawsuit
SEC tells court that allowing XRP holders to join as third parties would create an ‘avalanche’ of claims and ‘undue delay, complexity and confusion.’
Justin Sun: Next generation traders will prefer NFTs and DeFi
Gen Z and millennials will transform investing. Here’s why one of their own — TRON CEO Justin Sun — thinks NFTs and DeFi are the wave of the future.
World’s central banks come together to collaborate on CBDCs
As the world increasingly turns to Bitcoin, stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies, a brain trust of central bankers want to take back control.
What’s in DeFi’s future — and what does it mean for traditional banks?
Will DeFi replace centralized finance, and how might regulators respond? An all-star panel with leaders from SEC, WEF, ConsenSys and USDC explains.
Bithumb, OKEx roiled by Korea’s new law. Why Thailand hates baht-pegged stablecoins. What’s behind Metakovan’s NFT art buys?
Other top blockchain and crypto news: Japan’s SBI Crypto opens mining pool to public. In China, more companies turn to crypto to boost bottom line.
Why Roger Ver prefers Bitcoin Cash to the original BTC
Early Bitcoin investor and cryptocurrency promoter Roger Ver tells Forkast.News how faster transactions and lower fees are fueling Bitcoin Cash adoption.
Hong Kong now exploring retail CBDC in upcoming Project Aurum
Hong Kong Monetary Authority intensifies its CBDC efforts with a new study into ‘hybrid’ digital currencies and private CBDC-backed stablecoins.
Fed Chair Powell calls Bitcoin ‘speculative,’ says US not in CBDC rush
Countries around the world are exploring central bank digital currencies. But US and European central bank leaders say they value stability over speed.
Ripple recasts embattled XRP as a ‘bridge’ currency for CBDCs
As XRP holders step closer to intervening in SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, the payment platform gears up to grow its CBDC business with a new white paper.
Bank of Thailand outlines stablecoins policy as it explores retail CBDC
Thailand’s central bank says it is ‘open’ to considering stablecoins but declares Terra’s THT to be illegal. What does this mean for Tether or USD Coin?
How JPMorgan’s Onyx is redefining payments in banking with blockchain
From JPM Coin to payments on Ethereum in outer space, JPMorgan’s Onyx division is pushing the blockchain frontiers in traditional banking.
Chia Network launches eco-friendly blockchain and XCH cryptocurrency
Founded by BitTorrent creator Bram Cohen, Chia Network’s new ‘proof of space and time’ blockchain aims to be a more sustainable alternative to bitcoin.
Japan to start digital yen tests as CBDCs gain momentum across Asia
As central banks in China, Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand ramp up CBDC efforts, Bank of Japan is now planning a proof of concept for a digital currency.
Guide to Cardano and ADA: What is Cardano, and why it matters
Cardano’s ADA, up by 7,400% since last year, is now the 3rd most popular cryptocurrency in the world. Why is it called a ‘Ethereum killer’? Let’s find out.
Beauty selfie app Meitu buys another $50 million in bitcoin and ether
Another financially troubled Chinese company turns to blockchain to improve its bottom line — this time, by buying up cryptocurrency a la Tesla.
Are bitcoin ETFs coming soon to America? Korea’s Shinhan Bank joins CBDC pilot. Argo seeks greener crypto pastures in Texas.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: As China tightens vise on crypto, Beijing to host 60-artist crypto art exhibition featuring NFT superstar Beeple.
Judge denies XRP holders’ bid to intervene in SEC v. Ripple lawsuit
XRP holders’ motion to join as third-party defendant was denied without prejudice as Ripple tries to bolster its ‘fair notice’ defense against SEC.
As big investors buy into bitcoin, demand for crypto custody grows
The race is on as crypto-native players and traditional banks ramp up cryptocurrency custody services for investors who can’t or don’t want to do it themselves
XRP holders seek to join Ripple in fighting SEC lawsuit
In new legal filings, XRP holders blame SEC for causing ‘multi-billions in losses’ and say they intend to file a class-action lawsuit against the agency.
Looking past bitcoin: How tokenized real estate can diversify portfolios
Despite bitcoin’s new highs, BTC remains a volatile and risky investment. Are tokenized hard assets like real estate a better alternative for investors?
Will DeFi upend traditional finance and democratize capitalism?
GameStop’s drama is over, but it may signal big changes ahead for finance. Here’s why one former banker thinks ‘DeFi is going to absorb traditional finance.’
SEC: no duty to warn about XRP; denies Ripple’s fair notice defense
Intensifying its legal warfare against XRP, SEC takes aims at the heart of Ripple’s defense. But Ripple scores wins in Tetragon and YouTube lawsuits.
Jack Dorsey cashing in on NFT frenzy. Ripple turns to CBDCs amid XRP’s legal troubles. Is India rethinking a crypto ban?
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Ethereum takes up with Amazon, plans gas fee changes. China likely to increase blockchain spending.
Does India have room for both bitcoin and a CBDC?
As debate rages over whether India should ban private cryptos in favor of a central bank digital currency, a case could be made that India needs both.
Ripple: SEC did not give fair notice that XRP violated law
In its latest court filing, Ripple also says SEC led market to believe that XRP was not an investment contract. Outside court, Ripple pursues the CBDC business.
China’s bitcoin miners flee Inner Mongolia ahead of crypto mining ban
One of world’s biggest bitcoin-producing regions will soon ban cryptocurrency mining to meet China’s clean air goals. Where will all those miners go?
2021 will be the tipping point for institutional investors in digital assets
In a 2021 report, the HashKey Group predicts that more than 50% of institutional and professional investors will have exposure to digital assets by the year’s end.
Coinbase to go public on Nasdaq. Cardano upgrades amid ADA price rally. Beeple’s pop art riding high on NFT wave.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Goldman Sachs, more big banks line up behind bitcoin. Short-sellers probe crypto miners in China.
China’s DCEP project launches biggest digital yuan test yet
As China widens the e-CNY’s testing to Chengdu, the future of WeChat Pay and Alipay becomes complicated. What are the new CBDC’s pros and cons?
Cardano transitions to multi-asset blockchain amid ADA price surge
Cardano blockchain, a so-called ‘Ethereum killer,’ completes its Mary hard fork upgrade as ADA becomes 3rd largest cryptocurrency behind bitcoin and ether.
Non-crypto firms in China jump into bitcoin mining to lift fortunes
Inspired by bitcoin’s boom, companies with no business in crypto are pivoting to cryptocurrency mining. A New York investors lawsuit offers a cautionary tale.
February 2021
NFT mania: Are blockchain art and NBA crypto collectibles a fad or the future?
From Beeple’s digital art to LeBron James video trading cards, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are transforming the way we create, own and profit from content.
4 central banks and BIS exploring CBDC bridge for Asia and Middle East
China, UAE, Hong Kong, Thailand and Bank for International Settlements collaborate on ‘m-CBDC Bridge’ digital currency project for cross-border payments.
Bitfinex, Tether banned in New York. No end yet to Ripple XRP’s SEC lawsuit woes. CBDC bridge for Asia and Middle East.
Other top blockchain and crypto news: Bill Gates on bitcoin. Nvidia protects gamers from crypto miners with separate CMP and GeForce RTX graphics cards.
No Ripple-SEC lawsuit settlement in sight as XRP prices tumble
Ripple and SEC face off in a pretrial conference as MoneyGram, the world’s second largest money transfer provider, suspends trading on Ripple’s platform.
In Singapore, bitcoin is challenging gold as a store of value
Eugene Ng of Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange that recently expanded in Singapore, explains why the Lion City is good for doing crypto business.
Robinhood, GameStop frenzy players face Congressional questioning
Congress investigates links between Robinhood, Citadel, Reddit’s WallStreetBets and GME prices amid shifting investor interest to cryptocurrency and DeFi.
BNY Mellon, Jay-Z join bitcoin conga line. Will NFTs take over real world? Roadmap for Biden to take blockchain leadership.
Other top blockchain and crypto news: DeFi under Fed study. Andrew Yang, Wyoming vie for crypto attention. Hong Kong and India edge toward crypto bans.
Bitcoin miners seek 2nd hand gear to drive output amid rally
Tesla’s bitcoin dive is recharging an already hot crypto market, worsening the run on new mining equipment and heating up the second-hand rig market.
Want in on bitcoin? Here are 5 things new crypto investor must know
If you’re wondering how to get started in investing in bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, this Forkast.News guide is for you. But beware the risks and pitfalls.
Will India be left behind in the digital currency race?
India is moving toward banning all cryptocurrency and creating a state-backed digital rupee. But Tesla’s big bitcoin buy-in may be giving lawmakers pause.
Ripple co-founder Jed McCaleb unloaded $69 million worth of XRP in a week
Ripple co-founder Jed McCaleb has resumed selling his XRP holdings, dumping 130 million tokens over the last week, according to data from XRPscan.
Will 2021 be a bull year for crypto e-hongbaos?
Red packets are going digital, and e-hongbaos for cryptocurrency are on the rise across Asia this Lunar New Year of the Ox.
Tesla drives bitcoin to the moon. Ripple XRP finds love in Japan. First Boulevard partners with Visa.
Other top blockchain and crypto news: ETH hits new high with CME Ethereum futures. DeFi yawns at YFI attack. China steps up DCEP digital yuan tests.
US must embrace digital dollar and cryptocurrency: Blockchain institute report
The Blockchain Research Institute-led report for Biden’s administration also outlines recommendations for crypto regulations and a national blockchain strategy.
Is the Tesla-inspired bitcoin gold rush the sign of a rational market?
Before Tesla’s bitcoin moves, big money was already placing BTC bets. What are bitcoin’s long-term fundamentals? Geoff Morphy of Bitfarms explains.
Binance Labs invests in Plasm Network to expand Polkadot
Plasm Network, a leading DApps hub on Polkadot and first parachain on its Rococo testnet, secures $2.4 million to build out the growing Polkadot ecosystem.
Bitcoin prices skyrocket after Elon Musk’s Tesla reveals $1.5 billion BTC buy
Tesla has invested $1.5 billion into bitcoin, according to an SEC filing published today. The news sent bitcoin prices rocketing into a new stratosphere.
As bitcoin hovers near all-time highs, what does it mean for investors?
2021 is already shaping up to be a very different bull market for bitcoin compared to the past, writes Kadan Stadelmann of Komodo. Here’s why.
How crypto forensics traced $32 million worth of ‘lost’ bitcoin
Is cryptocurrency use totally private and anonymous? Think again. The Cubits/Dooga case shows just how easy it is to trace bitcoin compared to fiat.
GameStop sinks as ETH hits all-time high. Ray Dalio weighs in on crypto. Elon Musk, bitcoin’s new warrior.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: India pushes CBDC and proposes banning crypto. Korea’s DeFi future. How does Bitmain’s drama end?
GameStop crashes as Ethereum-led crypto rally takes center stage
GME and other r/WallStreetBets-pumped stocks are now down over 50%. But Ethereum prices are soaring to new heights in a wave that’s also lifting Bitcoin and Cardano ADA.
XRP prices see ‘pump and dump’ as Ripple outlines legal defense strategy
In its response to SEC’s lawsuit, Ripple denies that XRP is a security, points out the clash with FinCEN and questions why SEC is not going after Ethereum.
January 2021
Facebook-backed Diem, now close to launch, is propelling crypto into the mainstream
Formerly named Libra, the Diem stablecoin is now awaiting regulatory approval, writes Ilia Maksimenka of PlasmaPay. What are Diem’s odds of success?
GameStop copycat rally pumps up Dogecoin, Ripple XRP and other cryptos
Small investors drove up Dogecoin’s price by 1,000% after the GameStop saga, but money quickly left—and then Ripple’s XRP and Stellar prices went up.
Binance’s CZ predicts bitcoin prices will go as high as $400,000 in 2021
The founder and CEO of the world’s largest crypto exchange explains why he thinks bitcoin prices will keep rising but DeFi won’t be as hot as it was in 2020.
Binance report: over 100 million people are now crypto users
About half of cryptocurrency users are hobbyists while 15% consider crypto their primary source of income, according to a survey of 61,000 crypto users.