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19 articles

Philippines adopts USDT for social security payments

Filipinos now have the option to use cryptocurrency for SSS contributions.

South Korean VC Hashed Ventures expands to Abu Dhabi

Hashed Ventures partners with Hub71 to explore MENA’s tech and crypto markets.

Australia’s first Bitcoin ETF to debut on ASX

VanEck’s Bitcoin ETF, launching on ASX, marks a pivotal moment for Australian crypto investment.

South Korea classifies select NFTs as cryptocurrencies

New guidelines by South Korea’s FSC will regulate certain NFTs under cryptocurrency laws.

Hong Kong debuts Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs

Hong Kong’s first spot Bitcoin ETFs rise on first trading day as Ether ETFs drop.

Hong Kong to debut Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs on April 30

City’s first spot cryptocurrency ETFs to offer regulated investment options.

Binance converts US$1 bln fund; eyes India comeback after obtaining Dubai license

Cryptocurrency giant Binance converts $1B safety fund to USDC, signaling a strategic move to enhance transparency and re-enter the Indian market.

Hong Kong expected to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs mid-April

Hong Kong’s SFC is set to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs, offering new investment avenues.

South Korean crypto criminals to face life sentence

Crypto criminals with more than US$3.76 billion in profits may face life in South Korea.

Unlicensed crypto exchanges face shutdown in Hong Kong

Only two exchanges are licensed to provide crypto trading services to Hong Kong’s retail sector so far.

Bybit eyes Hong Kong license: crypto expansion plans

Crypto derivatives exchange Bybit seeks to enter Hong Kong’s market with a new license application.

Hong Kong sees first spot Bitcoin ETF application

Hong Kong could welcome its first spot Bitcoin ETF, courtesy of Harvest Global’s recent filing.

HashKey joins unicorn club after US$100 mln raise

HashKey Group achieves unicorn status following a US$100 million funding round, reaching a US$1.2 billion valuation.

Apple removes Binance, KuCoin apps in India

Major crypto exchanges vanish from Apple’s App Store in India, adhering to FIU mandates.

Upbit Singapore secures coveted MPI license

Upbit joins 15 other crypto firms permitted to provide digital payment token services in Singapore.

What asset tokenization will look like in 2024 and beyond

Tokenization is on the rise not only in the private sector. In Asia, governments are leading the charge to use this technology for the greater public good.

From Silicon Valley to Sand Dunes: Why Indian crypto firms eye Dubai expansion

Indian crypto companies flock to Dubai, escaping high local taxes and finding solace in the emirate’s favorable regulatory environment.

Why a16z chose London for its first non-US office

Silicon Valley venture giant Andreessen Horowitz plants flag in London: fuels UK’s ascent as a Web3 innovator.

UBS allows crypto ETFs for Hong Kong investors with at least US$2 mln assets

Three SFC-authorized crypto ETFs will be available on UBS’ Hong Kong platform.

UK & EU push ahead on stablecoins, HK approves another crypto exchange & Apefest marred by complaints

The UK’s crypto hub dream is coming to life while some attendees of Apefest 2023 in Hong Kong complaint on severe eye pain post-event.

Taiwan identifies new suspects in alleged JPEX fraud case: report

Prosecutors have reportedly identified new suspects after searching nine locations related to JPEX.

Grassroots crypto adoption to follow real-world use cases, says Chainalysis APAC policy lead

Blockchain-based gaming and remittances among top drivers toward adoption in central and South Asia.

Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures, SBI Holdings launch crypto investment firm in UAE 

The move is part of SC Ventures’ expansion into the United Arab Emirates.

EBA proposes new liquidity guidelines for stablecoin issuers

The proposed guidelines will work as a liquidity stress test for stablecoin issuers, according to the EBA.

HSBC plans tokenized securities custody service with Ripple’s Metaco

HSBC’s new service is expected to launch in 2024.

Ripple partners with Onafriq for African cross-border payment channels

The partnership aims to reduce the high costs and lengthy transfer times associated with traditional remittance payments.

SEBA crypto bank receives license in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s legal system provides a solid foundation for crypto-related services, said SEBA Group CEO Franz Bergmueller.

Dubai calls on crypto firms to finalize applications by Nov. 17

Over 1,000 crypto firms will have to complete their applications by Nov. 17 to avoid regulatory consequences.

Mitsubishi UFJ launches joint stablecoin study with Ginco, Progmat

The joint study aims to create the infrastructure for issuing regulatory-compliant stablecoins for improved cross-border settlement.

Is Hong Kong really in the forefront of the global digital money race?

Hong Kong is charging ahead in its digital currency initiatives, but more must be done to address the e-HKD’s environmental impact and security concerns.

SBF convicted on all charges, Hong Kong buzzes with Web3 events

SBF is found guilty of fraud, Hong Kong hosts Fintech Week, Neo advances Web3, Backpack launches NFT exchange, and more.

Okto pledges US$5 mln to support Vauld users

The US$5 million fund aims to help Vauld users who can’t withdraw their assets from the platform.

XRP approved by Dubai’s Financial Services Authority

The XRP token now stands to benefit from legal and regulatory clarity in the DIFC, according to the announcement.

PayPal registers crypto service with UK FCA

The registration enables PayPal to advertise its crypto services to U.K. customers.

Nomura-backed Komainu partners Crypto Garage for institutional crypto services

The collaboration aims to build institutional crypto services in Japan.

Mad Lads creator Backpack to launch licensed crypto exchange in Dubai

Backpack said it also secured operational licenses in other jurisdictions.

Singapore, Japan, Switzerland and U.K. to collaborate on digital assets pilots

The MAS said that its previous tokenization pilots demonstrated great potential benefits of the technology.

UK plans to introduce fiat-backed stablecoin rules in early 2024

The U.K. intends to introduce rules on fiat-backed stablecoins in early 2024, according to the government’s latest cryptocurrency policy update published on Monday.  See related article: Singapore, Thailand clarify crypto rules; NFTs become new cultural frontier Fast Facts See related article: Blockchain tech in Thailand gets boost from new pro-crypto lead

Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody to launch in Hong Kong

The move is part of an Asia Pacific expansion effort by the cryptocurrency custodian.

Thailand’s Kasikorn Bank buys majority stake in Satang crypto exchange

The lender, known as K-bank, said it will also open three additional crypto subsidiaries.

Bitcoin ETF fever sends crypto prices up, SBF trial testimony, Nepal’s blockchain future

Bitcoin soars to its highest price in a year and a half as Grayscale’s legal victory against the U.S. SEC gets finalized.

Taiwan introduces crypto regulation proposal

Taiwan’s new bill mandates crypto platform permits, addressing self-regulation gaps.

Binance loses two more top execs in UK and France

Global regulatory pressure on the world’s largest exchange continues to take its toll.

North America retains crypto crown even as US regulatory clouds loom: Chainalysis

The United States is the region’s top driver of crypto activity.

Astar, Startale Labs announce Web3 partnership with Japanese telecom giant, KDDI 

Astar Network and Startale Labs partner with Japanese telecom giant KDDI to boost Web3 adoption.

Philippines’ Coins.ph may have lost US$6 million worth of XRP in hack: The Block

Coins.ph, a cryptocurrency exchange based in the Philippines with millions of users, appeared to have lost 12.2 million XRP tokens, The Block reported on Friday.

Dubai’s crypto boom, Australia’s rules & Binance’s battles

Web3 leaders gather in the Future Blockchain Summit in Dubai and we take a deep dive on the woes of crypto’s largest exchange, Binance.

Binance says it signed agreements with new euro banking partners 

Binance announced it has secured new fiat partners for euro services after its former partner cut ties with the exchange last month.

Coinbase taps Ireland as European hub ahead of MiCA regime

Coinbase said that the regulatory clarity MiCA provides to the industry is “hugely welcome.”

Binance’s rollercoaster week: expansion, setbacks, and the ghost of FTX’s collapse

Top blockchain and crypto news: Is Japan a new frontier for Binance? AI art sweeps NFT sales. ETF buzz electrifies Bitcoin.

ECB to kick off digital euro preparation phase on Nov. 1

The central bank said that the preparation phase is not a decision on the issuance of a digital euro.

UK emerges as world’s third-largest economy in terms of crypto transaction volume: Chainalysis

The U.K. is also listed as the 14th economy on Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index.

Over 40% of Hong Kong investors shun digital assets post-JPEX Scandal, survey reveals

The survey aimed to measure the public attitude towards virtual asset investments, following the JPEX incident.

EU adopts new crypto tax rules, mandate data sharing from crypto firms

The new data sharing rules will go into effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal.

Rampant scams highlight critical need for greater crypto literacy

The plight of the Philippines — which has a high rate of crypto adoption but is also plagued by fraud — offers a window into why the industry’s ‘do your own research’ mantra isn’t enough.

Binance freezes over 100 accounts on Israeli police request: Financial Times

Israeli police requested information on 200 additional crypto accounts.

Binance Japan — death knell or savior for the nation’s smaller crypto exchanges?

Few tokens and too many exchanges are a bad recipe for Japan’s smaller crypto trading houses. The experts say there’s room for up to five only. So what happens to the little guy now that the world’s largest exchange Binance has rolled back into town?

OSL exchange’s HK$1 billion sale is “factually inaccurate,” says BC Technology

OSL’s parent firm said investors should exercise caution due to the “unusual movement” in the company’s stock price.

Binance halts new user registration in the U.K.

The exchange added that it will also stop releasing new products and services in the country.

Tether freezes 32 addresses related to terrorism in Israel and Ukraine

Tether says it froze US$873,000 in USDT linked to terror activities in Israel and Ukraine. CEO Ardoino stresses crypto’s traceability.

Solana Foundation partners with DMCC Dubai

The SOL token rose over 5% in the 24-hour after the partnership was announced.

Upbit Singapore receives in-principal license from MAS

Singapore’s major payment institution license will enable Upbit to continue offering regulated digital asset services while awaiting its full license.

Australian Treasury to release crypto draft legislation by 2024 

The Australian Department of the Treasury said it will accept feedback on the draft bill by December.

Israel launches aid fund, SBF trial enters week 2, China looks to NFTs

Several crypto firms join forces to set up a humanitarian fund amid ongoing war and star witness in Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial gives testimony.

Weekly Market Wrap: Bitcoin falls below US$27,000 following CPI and Israeli conflict

Bitcoin was subdued by the mounting geopolitical concerns around Israel’s war with Hamas and the ongoing FTX lawsuit.

Russian hackers may be behind FTX hack: Elliptic

The research firm said that on-chain data point toward Russian hackers, instead of the previously-suspected North Korean Lazarus Group.

Japanese yen-backed digital currency set to launch next July

The DCJPY could play a central role in the future’s currency system, according to DeCurret Holdings.

Digital assets are here to stay, Bahamas prime minister says

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said the island nation will continue to be a pioneer in the digital asset space.

FTX collapse helped the evolution of crypto regulation, says Bahamas securities regulator

FTX’s collapse and the crypto winter helped regulators familiarize themselves with the rapidly evolving crypto industry, said Christina Rolle of the Bahamas Securities Commission.

Sam Bankman-Fried planned to raise money from Saudi crown prince, Ellison testifies

Caroline Ellison details how Sam Bankman-Fried planned to raise capital from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as FTX struggled to repay lenders.

ESMA says DeFi can bring greater financial inclusion, but warns of volatility risks

The regulator said that DeFi doesn’t pose a risk to financial stability, due to its small size, but said it needs to be monitored in the future.

Philippines Coins.ph partners with Circle for USDC remittances

Coins.ph joins forces with Circle to introduce USDC remittances, targeting a more efficient and affordable money transfer solution for millions of Filipinos abroad, supporting the UN’s goal of trimming remittance costs by 2023.