July 2022
Japanese bank SMBC plans to develop NFT business
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group), which runs one of Japan’s largest banks, said Friday it will work together with blockchain startup HashPort to develop non-fungible token (NFT) and Web3 projects. See related article: PSG sells US$220,000 NFT tickets for first Japan tour in 27 years Fast facts SMBC and HashPort plan to set up […]
Dunamu’s NFT venture with BTS’s HYBE to launch services later this year
Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s Upbit crypto exchange, told local media that Levvels, its Los Angeles-based joint venture established in May this year with HYBE Co., will start services in the latter half of this year. See related article: NFT credit card in the works for top S. Korean crypto exchange Fast facts Dunamu […]
Tencent to cut domestic NFT marketplace team, look overseas: report
Tencent will lay off an undisclosed number of staff on its mainland China non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace team and adjust the platform’s business strategy, as it prepares another NFT marketplace serving overseas users, sources close to Tencent said, Chinese financial media Caixin reported on Thursday. See related article: Tencent to shut Huanhe NFT marketplace: report […]
Kakao’s Ground X forms business alliance to expand NFT use cases, services
South Korean internet giant Kakao’s blockchain subsidiary Ground X has formed GRID, an alliance of some 50 local companies to popularize and expand use cases in the non-fungible token (NFT) ecosystem, the company announced Thursday. See related article: Kakao’s Klaytn partners with OpenSea for NFT expansion in Asia Fast facts Ground X will support companies […]
Minecraft developers not looking to integrate NFTs
Developers behind Minecraft, one of the biggest video games in the world, said they are not looking to support integration with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or blockchain technology, arguing they “encourage profiteering.” See related article: Polium’s NFT/Web3 game console plan meets with plenty of skepticism Fast facts In a recent blog post, developer Mojang Studios said […]
Art Blocks – Snowfro’s generative genius | NFT Moments in History Ep. 8
Forkast x CryptoSlam! are proud to present Moments in NFT History — an explainer video series hosted by Forkast’s Joel Flynn that gives you a front-row seat to history-in-the-making. For most artists, profiting from their passion has been a challenge. And then came NFTs. We talked about the importance of the “CryptoArt” movement in Moments […]
Tencent to shut Huanhe NFT marketplace: report
Tencent this week will shut down Huanhe, the Chinese tech giant’s non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace that has been operating for less than a year, according to unnamed Tencent sources cited in a report by Shanghai-based technology news outlet Jiemian on Wednesday. See related article: WeChat bans NFT accounts, citing ‘crypto speculation’ Fast facts Tencent has […]
This is what the metaverse will look like 20 years from now
The metaverse of the future will transform how we work and our sense of self — and what we see now is only scratching the surface, writes Eaven Portillo.
Celsius bankruptcy deepens chill over crypto sector
Top blockchain and crypto news: Celsius plunges into Chapter 11. Otherside’s promised land. Mixed picture for Chinese NFTs.
Shanghai turns to metaverse, NFTs to counter lockdown economic fallout
China’s second-most populous city will introduce a three-year plan to promote the metaverse in the tourism industry, and encourage non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the art and culture industry, as part of a recovery plan for the city’s economy. See related article: ‘Metaverse’ enters government radar at China’s Two Sessions Fast facts See related article: NFTs, […]
How the crypto winter is laying groundwork for Web3 to reach its potential
Digital assets are powering new industries, and DeFi will be the financial system of the future internet economy, writes Alex Tapscott in his new book, ‘Digital Asset Revolution.’
Tencent shuts down one of its NFT marketplaces
Launched in January, Tencent News’ NFT marketplace was shut down, citing the need to “adjust” and “transform” the business. See related article: China’s diktat against NFT flipping spawns an ingenious industry Fast facts Wang Shimu, former head of Tencent News, left the news division in May and was reassigned to Tencent’s NFT arm Huanhe due […]
Hyundai Motor runs NFT memberships for new IONIQ 6 EV
Hyundai Motor unveiled a non-fungible token (NFT) membership program for its new electric vehicle (EV) IONIQ 6, which unlocks exclusive access to Web3 content to holders, according to a press release. See related article: Hyundai Motor drives into metaverse branding with Meta Kongz NFT project Fast facts The IONIQ Citizenship includes access to VIP rights […]
Touchdown: How ex-NFL players are helping college athletes score with NFTs
As the NFT market slumps, some savvy former American footballers and their business partners have been spurred to push the technology’s potential.
Celsius reveals US$1.2B financial hole; Terra subsidiary investigated
Celsius reveals it has a US$1.2 billion hole in its balance sheet. Meanwhile, a Terra subsidiary is under investigation by South Korean authorities.
Play-to-earn game developers pivot to engaging fans
A focus on economic sustainability, or play-and-earn, is driving the P2E industry to rein in incentives and instead attract and engage gamers in the hope that they will end up spending on in-game assets.
Bored Apes, Sneaky Vampire NFT Champagne sold for US$2.5 mln
A Champagne bearing five non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the surface of its bottle, including the likes of well-known collections Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) spinoff Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) and a Sneaky Vampire, sold for US$2.5 million in a private sale last Friday. See related article: Scottish whisky brand The Dalmore to offer limited-edition […]
The ‘CryptoArt’ Movement — It all started with Pepe | NFT Moments in History Ep. 7
Forkast x CryptoSlam! are proud to present Moments in NFT History — an explainer video series hosted by Forkast’s Joel Flynn that gives you a front-row seat to history-in-the-making. NFTs are defining what an artistic piece is in the digital age by allowing artists to open brand new frontiers and pushing the boundaries to challenge […]
NFTs are democratizing content creator revenue | The Great Disruption Ep. 12
Did you know that artists received about 12% of the music industry’s 2017 revenue? The other 88% was swallowed by record labels, managers, and numerous other business intermediaries. Can blockchain decentralize the music industry and drive more artist empowerment? Find out in this Forkast video explainer. What you’ll learn: How non-fungible tokens (NFTs) can be […]
NFTs, metaverse, blockchain, Web3 included in Shanghai’s five-year plan
The Shanghai government has included metaverse entertainment, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Web3 technologies into its five-year digital economy plan, according to a policy paper published on Tuesday. See related article: ‘Metaverse’ enters government radar at China’s Two Sessions Fast facts See related article: Xiamen reveals plan to bolster its metaverse, NFT-related firms
Animoca Brands ups valuation to US$5.9B despite slumping markets
Animoca Brands has raised US$75 million in a new round of fundraising in a move toward an “open metaverse,” defying plummeting markets and a drop in non-fungible token (NFT) sales during the crypto winter season, the Hong Kong-based blockchain game specialist announced on Tuesday. See related article: Animoca says crypto winter ‘a great time’ for […]
NFT gallery drops on Tencent’s SEA music app JOOX
JOOX, Tencent’s music streaming service for the Southeast Asian market, has launched a non-fungible token (NFT) gallery in its app, taking another step in the Chinese tech giant’s Web3 drive. See related article: Tencent’s music app tests NFT avatars, virtual music room Fast facts In collaboration with music NFT marketplace MusicY, the new NFT gallery […]
GameStop NFT marketplace goes live, gets closer to Web3 gaming
GameStop has launched its non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace, allowing artists, gamers, content creators and community members to buy, sell and trade NFTs, the video game retailer announced on Tuesday. See related article: eBay acquires NFT marketplace KnownOrigin Fast facts The marketplace can be accessed through Web3 wallets such as the GameStop Wallet unveiled in May. […]
CrossTower in pact with Ripple to offer NFTs on XRP Ledger
Crypto trading platform CrossTower has partnered with Ripple to add non-fungible tokens (NFTs) minted on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to its marketplace. See related article: China’s ‘Instagram’ gets into virtual fashion with users strutting NFT clothes Fast facts The partnership will significantly lower the costs and entry barrier for creators who want to mint their […]
CoinFLEX enters arbitration; Mt Gox dump fears
CoinFLEX’s deficit rises to US$84 million as it enters arbitration. Meanwhile, a report claims Celsius Network had lost over US$350 million in DeFi.
PSG sells US$220,000 NFT tickets for first Japan tour in 27 years
Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (PSG), the winning football club of the French Ligue 1, is selling non-fungible token (NFT) tickets worth 30 million yen (US$220,000) each for its friendly matches this month with local teams in Japan as well as VIP access to players. See related article: NFTs Explained in Less than 4 Minutes Fast facts […]
CryptoPunks — The ultimate profile picture flex | NFT Moments in History Ep. 6
Forkast x CryptoSlam! are proud to present Moments in NFT History — an explainer video series hosted by Forkast’s Joel Flynn that gives you a front-row seat to history-in-the-making. CryptoPunks is one of the most popular NFTs. Some argue that it’s the collection that started the entire NFT movement. Watch and learn how these pixelated […]
China’s ‘Instagram’ gets into virtual fashion with users strutting NFT clothes
Will fashion shows move from Paris and Tokyo catwalks to potential audiences of millions in the metaverse? China’s Xiaohongshu social media site is testing the idea.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Voyager debt emerges; Celsius reshuffles board
SBF’s Alameda Research debt to Voyager emerges. Meanwhile, South Korea agrees to cooperate with the US on Terra-Luna investigation.
China’s BSN says daily NFT transactions surpass Ethereum
Transaction volumes on the Chinese state-backed blockchain’s non-fungible token (NFT) ecosystem were higher than that of Ethereum, the most popular blockchain for such deals, China’s Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN) said in a press release on Wednesday. See related article: China’s Ant Group, Tencent, Baidu, JD.com push for NFT self-regulation Fast facts With 974,517 transactions, the […]
MAS mulls crypto limits; Pacquiao’s Pacman NFTs
Singapore’s monetary authority mulls on crypto limits. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao drops his NFT collection despite the crypto winter.
Polium’s NFT/Web3 game console plan meets with plenty of skepticism
Web 3.0 company Polium’s plan to make the world’s first “multi-chain gaming console” to support games across different blockchains is an ambitious goal that has met a chorus of skepticism. See related article: What is Axie Infinity and how is it ushering in gaming 3.0? Fast facts Polium, a startup that first announced its plans […]
Can Cardano pack a punch with Pacquiao NFTs?
The boxer-dog themed collection by Filipino boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, scheduled for minting on July 15, will be released on the Cardano blockchain, the team behind the official non-fungible tokens (NFTs) said on Monday. See related article: Manny Pacquiao is launching NFTs in memory of dog ‘Pacman’ Fast facts The collection is named in […]
S.Korean dancer NO:ZE uses NFTs to safeguard choreography IP
South Korean star dancer NO:ZE unveiled Dance with NO:ZE on Friday, a non-fungible token (NFT) project that sets out to safeguard intellectual properties of choreographers with blockchain technology. See related article: S.Korean music sharing platform to use NFTs for copyright protection Fast facts “The choreographies created so far have not been copyrighted,” NO:ZE said in […]
Crypto winter hits NFTs; Three Arrows Capital files for bankruptcy
Three Arrows Capital files for bankruptcy in the US. Meanwhile, SBF and FTX agrees deal with option to buy for up to US$240 million.
Monthly NFT sales fall below US$1 billion for first time in 12 months
Crypto industry sales are slumping, but it’s not just hedge funds and lenders that have been hit hard by the crypto winter. The NFT industry has also begun to feel the chill.
As the frenzy fades, what value do NFTs really have?
With NFT trading volumes slumping and regulators stepping in, Vignesh Sundaresan, who paid US$69 million for a Beeple artwork, shares his views on the space.
China’s Ant Group, Tencent, Baidu, JD.com push for NFT self-regulation
Chinese tech giants including Ant Group, Tencent, Baidu and JD.com are joining yet another self-disciplinary initiative on eliminating speculation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), also known as “digital collectibles.” See related article: China’s diktat against NFT flipping spawns an ingenious industry Fast facts The companies pledged to resist secondary trading and ensure real-name identification in a […]
June 2022
Garbage Pail Kids — NFTs 80’s legacy | NFT Moments in History Ep. 5
Forkast x CryptoSlam! are proud to present Moments in NFT History — an explainer video series hosted by Forkast’s Joel Flynn that gives you a front-row seat of history-in-the-making. The Covid-driven NFT boom paved the way for businesses to explore alternative blockchains as Ethereum gas fees soared to eye-watering heights. At the forefront of that […]
Protecting your intellectual property via tokenization | The Great Disruption Ep. 09
Protecting an artist’s intellectual property can be difficult in the digital age. Proving a stolen track or digital painting belongs to its creator seemed to be impossible in the near past. Can non-fungible tokens (NFTs) bring more artist empowerment and protect digital property rights? Find out in this Forkast video explainer. What you’ll learn: What […]
Voyager calls time on Three Arrows as crypto fund teeters on the brink
Top blockchain and crypto news: Three Arrows fallout spreads. BIS calls BS on crypto. Chinese regulatory vacuum chills an NFT platform.
China’s alcohol lobby group seeks to standardize liquor NFTs
The China Alcoholic Drinks Association on Tuesday said its standards will cover but not be limited to cultural and creative products of liquor-based “digital collectibles” or the physical liquor accompanying such assets. See related article: Looking to invest in vintage wine? There’s an NFT coming for that Fast facts The group said the standards will […]
Chinese marketplace repurchases NFTs, citing uncertain policies
Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace Yucang Digital Collectibles announced that it is buying back assets sold on its platform due to lack of regulatory clarity. See related article: NFTs in China must be reviewed: China media watchdog Fast facts The marketplace said operations will continue, but sales and transfers of digital collectibles will be frozen and […]
S.Korea’s Korbit issues employee IDs in CryptoPunk-like NFTs
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Korbit said on Monday that it has issued employee identification cards (IDs) in CryptoPunks-inspired non-fungible tokens (NFTs). See related article: NFT credit card in the works for top S. Korean crypto exchange Fast facts Various South Korean industries have experimented with NFTs for official documentation, such as graduation certificates. Korbit, one […]
Kakao’s Klaytn partners with OpenSea for NFT expansion in Asia
Singapore-based public blockchain platform Klaytn and non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace OpenSea announced on Friday a partnership to bolster the Asian NFT ecosystem. See related article: Kakao’s Klaytn to build blockchain in China with BSN Fast facts The partnership includes conference collaborations and ecosystem grants to promote Asian NFT projects to the global audience. Klaytn is […]
Covid-19 — lockdowns and the NFT boom | NFT Moments in History Ep. 4
Forkast x CryptoSlam! are proud to present Moments in NFT History — an explainer video series hosted by Forkast’s Joel Flynn that gives you front-row seats of history-in-the-making. The Covid-19 pandemic will go down as one of the most siloed years to live through in recent memory. But for NFTs, those were the days — […]
eBay acquires NFT marketplace KnownOrigin
E-commerce giant eBay has acquired U.K.-based non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace KnownOrigin, the company announced in a press release on Wednesday. See related article: Alibaba Cloud launches service to build NFT marketplaces Fast facts According to the press release, both companies signed and closed the deal on Tuesday, but the purchase price and further details on […]
Crypto winter ushers in account freezes as platforms feel the chill
Top blockchain and crypto news: Investors snowed in as liquidity crunch hits. Solend harpoons anti-whale maneuver. Chinese NFTs prove a tricky target.
Cardano delays upgrade; Shib and Doge make gains
Dogecoin and Shiba Inu make gains as Elon Musks tweets support. Meanwhile, Vauld joins other crypto exchanges in axing staff.
Calls for policing NFTs gain ground as fraud cases rise
A perceived failure to address increasing fraud in the NFT industry prompts calls for regulation and the adoption of a more centralized approach to weed out bad actors.
STEPN’ing it up with crypto move-to-earn
Enticed by promises of crypto rewards, Joel Stein hits the streets of Los Angeles with a beautiful NFT sneaker. What does he earn — and learn?
NFT fraud in focus; Bybit job cuts
Crypto exchange ByBit lays off 30% of its staff. And as the NFT market grows, how do we combat against scams?
Chinese NFT platform apologizes for using Hong Kong movie star Louis Koo’s images
Lianwan, a Chinese “digital collectibles” platform that sells blockchain-based images, had claimed it was working with the Hong Kong action star. But Koo’s agency has denied any involvement. See related article: Storm in a teacup? WeChat bans account for flipping NFTs Fast facts On Saturday, Lianwan apologized for using Hong Kong action star Louis Koo […]
Crypto self-custody is no longer a choice. It’s an imperative.
Celsius and Babel Finance’s freezing of customer accounts highlights the risks of intermediaries, writes Nick Saponaro. Crypto users should take back control.
Storm in a teacup? WeChat bans account for flipping NFTs
The ban comes as Chinese companies seek to comply with Beijing’s diktat against speculative activity in non-fungible tokens (NFTs). See related article: China’s diktat against NFT flipping spawns an ingenious industry Fast facts WeChat banned the official account of a Chinese NFT platform for “business activities related to secondary trading of digital collectibles or cryptocurrency.” […]
Tax, bear market temper India’s enthusiasm for NFTs
High taxes amid a bear market are tempering the enthusiasm for NFTs among Indians. But industry participants expect the country’s unique cultural and demographic characteristics to provide a long-term fillip to the industry.
You can’t spell nonprofit without ‘NFT’
More than a passing fad, NFTs can empower philanthropic organizations in ways never thought possible before, writes Nick Lynch of Collidescope.io.
Game theory: What’s holding back an explosion of play-to-earn?
Despite its rising popularity, GameFi has lessons to learn from Web 2.0 and elsewhere before it can gain a comparable user base, says Ethlas chief Wui Ngiap Foo.
3AC foreclosure concerns grow; Fed boost short lived
BlockFi’s Zac Prince says they have fully liquidated 3AC positions. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s central bank works with the Bank of Israel to study CBDC security.
NFTs in China must be reviewed: China media watchdog
Digital collectibles in mainland China will enjoy copyright protection only after a review, National Press and Publication Administration blockchain copyright director Liu Tianjiao said. See related article: China’s diktat against NFT flipping spawns an ingenious industry Fast facts See related article: China-run media outlet criticizes NFT platform as a payment risk
MLB Champions — Sport’s big NFT pitch | NFT Moments in History Ep. 03
Forkast x CryptoSlam! is proud to present Moments in NFT History — an explainer video series hosted by Forkast’s Joel Flynn, that gives you a front-row seat of history-in-the-making. In Episode Three, we take a look at how NFTs are loading the bases in the world of sports. Here’s how MLB Champions hit a home […]
The metaverse isn’t a fad but part of the future economy
An open and interoperable metaverse economy will drive consumer activity — and it’s on a similar track for growth as e-commerce, writes Ben Caselin of AAX.
Manny Pacquiao is launching NFTs in memory of dog ‘Pacman’
Philippines senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is launching non-fungible token (NFT) project Pacman to commemorate his late Jack Russell Terrier. See related article: Are PewDiePie, Manny Pacquiao and Spencer Dinwiddie riding the blockchain wave? Fast facts The cartoonish boxer dog-themed NFT collection pays tribute to Pacquiao’s pet Pacman, who was accidentally run over by […]
Steph Curry, Jaylen Brown NBA Top Shot NFTs to be on China public auction
Beijing Poly International Auction teased an online auction of 32 NBA Top Shot non-fungible tokens (NFTs), including collectibles of basketball stars Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving, with starting prices ranging from 100 yuan (about US$15) to 50,000 yuan (US$ 7,471). See related article: NBA is taking the lead with blockchain, crypto Fast facts […]
NFTs make the jump: The First Unicorns | NFT Moments in History Ep. 02
Forkast x CryptoSlam! is proud to present Moments in NFT History — a new video series hosted by Forkast’s Joel Flynn, that gives you a front-row seat of history-in-the-making. In Episode Two, we take a look at the aftermath of the CryptoKitties craze — this time, it’s NFT unicorns. Watch and learn, and you might […]
Japan’s government approves policy to drive Web 3.0 adoption
The Japanese government on Tuesday gave the green light to a new policy that plans to develop and expand the Web3 environment in the country, including the use of cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). See related article: Japanese crypto firms team up to form a metaverse association Fast facts The approved […]
Alibaba Cloud launches service to build NFT marketplaces
Alibaba Cloud on Wednesday said its service will help build NFT marketplaces in a fast and reliable way, without addressing compliance issues. See related article: Resist the temptation on NFTs, Chinese state-backed developer says Fast facts See related article: Move-to-earn app STEPN to limit service in China
Binance comes out swinging as report links it to money laundering
Top blockchain and crypto news: Binance BNB slips amid allegations. STEPN marches through attacks. Is China’s slowdown straining crypto prices?
Hyundai Card building its first NFT marketplace and wallet service
Hyundai Card, Hyundai Motor Group’s credit card arm, announced a joint venture with South Korean tech startup Like Lion to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace in the second half of this year. See related article: Hyundai Motor drives into metaverse branding with Meta Kongz NFT project Fast facts The joint venture, coined Modern Lion, […]
Illuvium elevates Immutable X NFT sales
Immutable X, a layer-2 scaling solution on Ethereum, has exploded onto the scene, with secondary non-fungible token (NFT) sales volume doubling in the past month as it expands into new partnerships and collaborations. See related story: NFT startup Immutable valued at $2.5 billion in Temasek-led financing Fast facts The Immutable X blockchain has exceeded US$100 […]
FTX, OpenSea make the cut to Forbes Fintech 50
Nine cryptocurrency and blockchain companies, including crypto exchange FTX, made it to the 2022 list of the Forbes Fintech 50 released Tuesday, with all nine raising a total of US$6.5 billion in venture capital, according to the business magazine. See related article: FTX.US forays into stock trading Fast facts The latest list features private companies […]
Binance claps back; Hong Kong scrutinizes NFTs
Leading crypto exchange Binance swats away double-helping of allegations. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s regulator scrutinises NFTs.