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Coinbase blames India’s central bank for exit

The travails of the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S., highlight the perilous path foreign companies have to brave in India’s evolving, but often ambivalent regulatory environment, especially when it comes to new technologies, and industries. 

Terra plunges back to earth as UST stablecoin loses dollar peg

Top blockchain and crypto news: UST knocked out of Luna orbit. Making NFTs Instagrammable. China’s black market ‘digital collectibles’ trade.

Covid-19, postponed Asian Games to push digital yuan into the slow lane?

China’s central bank is driving the adoption of the digital currency, but a spate of lockdowns is slowing the economy and raising questions about the rollout.

Coinbase halted India services due to RBI’s ‘informal pressure’: Armstrong

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong admitted in Tuesday’s earnings call that the exchange disabled the unified payments interface (UPI) in India because of the central bank’s “informal pressure.” See related article: Coinbase snafu sets the cat among the crypto pigeons in India Fast facts Armstrong’s comments come a month after Coinbase suspended its India services three […]

Bitcoin kimchi premium spikes to 2022 high before dropping to 3%

South Korea’s kimchi premium dropped to around 3.39% on Wednesday after climbing up to its highest since December, 6.28%, on Tuesday, according to CryptoQuant data. See related article: Korea’s Bitcoin kimchi premium explodes as Kakao rises on Upbit rumors Fast facts Kimchi premium describes the higher price gap between tokens on South Korean exchanges and […]

Terra’s UST fiasco cited by Yellen, who warns about stablecoins

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated her stance on stablecoin regulations and said it’s “highly appropriate” to have a framework ready by the end of this year, as TerraUSD (UST) loses its dollar peg. See related article: Run on UST cuts the ground from under Terra’s feet Fast facts Yellen said at a Tuesday hearing […]

Terra’s UST loses dollar peg; Philippines expects Marcos Jr win

Coinhako becomes third Singaporean exchange to receive full license. Meanwhile, the blockchain industry reacts to Philippine election results.

CoinDCX investment arm to invest US$13 mln in Web3 startups

CoinDCX Ventures has pledged Rs 100 crore (US$13 million) to early stage cryptocurrency, blockchain and Web 3.0 startups over the next 12 months, cofounder Sumit Gupta announced on Tuesday. See related article: India’s crypto shakedown be damned, CoinDCX raises $135 million Fast facts Crypto exchange CoinDCX has vouched at least US$258,000 in blockchain and Web […]

TZ APAC, NUS join for blockchain, computing education

Blockchain consultancy TZ APAC has partnered with the National University of Singapore School of Computing (NUS Computing) to set up the Centre for Nurturing Computing Excellence, the company said in a statement.  See related article: CoinDCX chimes in on India’s growing blockchain education needs Fast facts The new center will enable students to learn from […]

India GST Council weighs 28% tax on crypto transactions

Indian tax authorities are exploring the implementation of a 28% goods and services tax (GST) on all cryptocurrency transactions, adding to a 30% tax on profits from crypto asset trading that kicked in on April 1, according to local media reports.  See related article: After crypto, India wants to come after DeFi Fast facts The […]

China broadens digital yuan trial to select hospitals, Tianjin civil salaries

The city of Tianjin has begun paying the wages of some finance department workers in digital yuan, while local Chinese media reported that selected hospitals in Hangzhou and Guangzhou have begun accepting digital yuan payments for medical treatments. See related article: Central banks double down on CBDC issuance: BIS report Fast facts See related article: […]

Three Australian crypto ETFs to debut on Thursday after delays

Australia’s first cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are set to go live on Thursday May 12 on the country’s Cboe exchange after delays kept the financial products off the market for two weeks. See related article: Launch of three crypto ETFs in Australia delayed Fast facts Three funds were initially announced for listing in late April […]

Coinhako receives full license in Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore granted the crypto exchange a Major Payment Institution license, allowing it to provide Digital Payment Token (DPT) services under the Payment Services Act, the company said.  See related article: Singapore wants to bring some adult supervision to crypto Fast facts In Singapore, cryptocurrency exchanges are required to be licensed and […]

How tokenization could transform Hong Kong’s fixed income markets

Tokenizing capital markets could offer greater efficiency and liquidity. How would that work in Hong Kong’s regulatory environment?
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El Salvador snaps up US$15 mln in Bitcoin after price plunge

El Salvador this week bought 500 Bitcoins for US$15.37 million, taking advantage of a sharp price decline to add to its holdings of the cryptocurrency, which is also legal tender in the Central American country.  See related article: El Salvador to build world’s first ‘Bitcoin City’ to be powered by volcanoes Fast facts “El Salvador […]

India’s oldest depository launches blockchain for bonds

India’s National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) introduced a distributed ledger technology platform for the Debenture Covenant Monitoring system on Saturday to enhance monitoring of bonds. See related article: Indian market regulator asks depositories to use blockchain Fast facts The Debenture Covenant Monitoring system’s decentralized ledger will provide an immutable and verifiable audit trail of transactions […]

Digital yuan gets green light on buses, trains in Xiamen, Guangzhou cities

China’s digital yuan is now accepted on Guangzhou city trams and can be used to recharge Xiamen’s city public transport card, as the metropolises join an expanding network of cities using the digital currency. See related article: Chinese state media calls for wider e-CNY adoption Fast facts See related article: Xiamen issues China’s first blockchain-based […]

China’s diktat against NFT flipping spawns an ingenious industry

Despite Beijing’s rhetoric against speculation in non-fungible tokens, some in mainland China are trading on WeChat groups, spawning an industry that caters to the fervor over the asset class.

Global NFT Sales Rise; Hong Kong Embraces NFTs

Bitcoin falls as Nasdaq hits its worst drop since 2020. Meanwhile, NFT exhibitions are popping up in Hong Kong.

SEC places Chinese crypto mining rig maker Canaan on pre-delisting list

T​he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it determined that Canaan used an auditor whose working papers cannot be inspected or investigated completely by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).  See related article: Canaan to buy back up to $100M shares to drive value Fast facts The SEC Wednesday said it is placing 88 […]

Pantera Capital closes 10 deals in India, including one with crypto unicorn CoinDCX

Pantera Capital, a U.S. hedge fund specialized in cryptocurrency investment, has closed about 10 deals in India, including one with crypto unicorn CoinDCX, Paul Veradittakit, a partner at Pantera, told The Economic Times. See related article: Temasek leads $200M funding round in crypto firm Amber Fast facts “We plan on doing a lot more (investments) […]

KoinBasket raises US$2 mln from global marquee investors

KoinBasket, a cryptocurrency investment start-up, has raised US$2 million in an early-stage funding round with the participation of leading global crypto veterans, the company said in a statement. See related article: India’s crypto shakedown be damned, CoinDCX raises $135 million Fast facts The Singapore-based company will use the funds for product and geographical growth, technology […]

President-elect’s crypto plans disappoint S.Korean fintech groups

The Korea Society of Fintech & Blockchain (KSFB) and the Korea Digital Asset Service Provider Association (KDA) labeled President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol’s cryptocurrency policy proposals as disappointing for leaving out crucial objectives. See related article: S.Korea’s incoming administration pushes to end ICO drought Fast facts South Korea’s incoming right-wing administration released 110 national tasks on Monday […]

Pakistan mulls crypto future; Bitcoin’s Fed boost

Pakistan forms subcommittees to consider the future of crypto. Meanwhile, the Fed Rate hike sees Bitcoin flirt with US$40K.

Binance bags its first European license in France

Binance has received regulatory approval in France, as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange continues its global expansion and push for regulatory compliance. See related article: Binance wants to play ball with regulators Fast facts Binance has obtained a digital asset service provider (DASP) registration with France’s Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the finance market watchdog […]

Pakistan takes a fresh look at cryptocurrency

Pakistan’s federal government has formed three subcommittees to explore the future of cryptocurrencies and related services, local media report.  See related article: Pakistani central bank echoes RBI’s concerns over crypto Fast facts The first panel is chaired by the law secretary with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and […]

Kazakhstan orders Bitcoin miners to file status reports

Kazakhstan is mandating that cryptocurrency miners file regular status reports in a new ministerial order, as the Central Asian nation attempts to gain a stronger grip on the sector. See related article: Ex-Kazakh president’s brother busted for illegal crypto mining Fast facts Crypto miners must submit information including locations of mining facilities, IP addresses, power […]

Bitcoin’s role in a recession; Virtual NFT vacations

KakaoBank reviews a partnership with a local crypto exchange. Meanwhile, an Indian travel company launches NFTs of travel landmarks.

Otherdeeds NFT sale puts Ethereum scalability in glaring spotlight

Top blockchain and crypto news: Otherdeeds debacle stings with gas fee spike. Algorand scores World Cup deal. Will China be forced to embrace Bitcoin?

Wildlife conservatory Australia Zoo announces NFT project with Algorand

Australia Zoo, a wildlife conservatory related to the family of noted conservationist Steve Irwin, has announced a non-fungible token (NFT) series on the green blockchain Algorand to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Wildlife Warriors conservation project.  See related article: Algorand becomes 2022 Qatar World Cup’s new blockchain partner Fast facts Created in partnership with […]

S.Korea’s incoming administration pushes to end ICO drought

South Korean president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration has included approval of initial coin offerings (ICOs) among its 110 national tasks announced Monday. See related article: Crypto is presidential election campaign issue for South Korea Fast facts The right-wing government will prepare a two-lane regulatory framework for ICOs by classifying digital assets as securities and non-securities. The […]

S.Korean KakaoBank considers crypto exchange partnerships

South Korean digital bank KakaoBank announced on Tuesday at its quarterly business performance conference it is reviewing a partnership with a local cryptocurrency exchange. See related article: South Korean banks seek green light on crypto Fast facts “As [crypto] is considered a major asset amongst customers, we are reviewing how we can provide virtual assets […]

MakeMyTrip launches NFT collection of top Indian travel spots

Indian online travel company MakeMyTrip has launched a non-fungible-token (NFT) collection of Indian tourist destinations, becoming the first Indian travel brand to step into the NFT space.  See related article: Is there a future for the NFT beyond digital art? Fast facts The NFT collection “Virtual Vacations!” aims at bringing to life “a kaleidoscopic meta-world […]

The SEC is building a SWAT team to combat crypto crime

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is expanding its crypto asset enforcement team by adding 20 positions, in a move to bolster its efforts to combat cybercrime associated with cryptocurrency. See related article: Peirce dissents from SEC’s US$100M BlockFi settlement Fast facts The SEC on Tuesday said that its staff strength in a […]

Square Enix sells Tomb Raider; US, China’s crypto fate

Algorand becomes FIFA’s new blockchain partner for the 2022 competition. Meanwhile, Square Enix sells Tomb Raider IP for blockchain ventures.

After crypto, India wants to come after DeFi

The Indian government is exploring ways to levy additional taxes on interest earned on cryptocurrencies through decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms located outside India, according to an Economic Times report. See related article: India tax breaks crypto’s back Fast facts The government wants to impose a 20% tax deducted at source (TDS) or factory-gate levy for […]

The Mooch is back, and batting for crypto!

Anthony Scaramucci, founder of investment firm SkyBridge Capital and former White House communications director, says governments such as those in China and the US will inevitably allow for people to own and trade cryptocurrencies.

S.Korea finance minister nominee wants to delay crypto tax for two years

Choo Kyung-ho, the yet-to-be-confirmed nominee for deputy prime minister and finance minister, said Monday a planned 20% tax on capital gains from digital asset investments and stock market investment should be pushed back until January 2025. See related article: South Korea’s 20% tax on virtual asset gains is postponed Fast facts During a National Assembly […]

Indian crypto exchanges ordered to record customer data for five years

The Indian Ministry of Electronics and IT has issued a new directive that requires cryptocurrency exchanges to collect and preserve a wide range of client data for five years, 60 days after the date of issuance on April 28.  See related article: Indians see future in crypto, government sees revenue, FM says Fast facts “During […]

Bitcoin lobbyists rebut ‘misconceptions’ over environmental impact

Signed by MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor, Castle Island Ventures’ Nic Carter and Block’s Jack Dorsey, the Bitcoin Mining Council’s (BMC) letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sought to respond to legislators’ “serious concerns.” See related article: Almost 60% of Bitcoin mining now on sustainable energy: BMC Fast facts BMC’s letter was written in response to […]

Canada’s 3iQ could be first to launch Australian crypto ETF

Last-minute delays to three Australian cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could allow Toronto-based 3iQ Digital Asset Management to launch the first of such products in the country, the Australian Financial Review reported. See related article: Launch of three crypto ETFs in Australia delayed Fast facts The Canadian firm lodged disclosure documents with the Australian Securities and […]

BTC Markets partners with Australian Fashion Week for couture NFT

Australian crypto exchange BTC Markets Pty Ltd has partnered with the 2022 Australian Fashion Week (AFW) in launching a couture dress as a non-fungible token (NFT) in collaboration with local designer Daniel Avakian. See related articles: How high fashion is waking up to blockchain’s possibilities Fast facts The dress will be displayed physically during the […]

Another crypto firm leaves Singapore; South Korean secrets sold for crypto

Another crypto exchanges moves out of Singapore into Dubai. Meanwhile, two South Koreans have been charged for treason.

Perpetrator of South Korea’s ‘Bitcoin-gate’ untraceable

A loophole in South Korea’s recent ‘Travel Rule’ means the North Korean hacker behind the stunning espionage saga involving Bitcoin may evade authorities, Forkast learns.

John Legend’s OurSong raises US$7.5 mln to fuel music NFTs

Our Happy Company, cofounded by musician John Legend, has raised US$7.5 million in its seed round, as the company looks to expand its music non-fungible token (NFT) platform OurSong. Watch explainer: What does Music have to do with NFTs? Fast facts The financing round was led by Infinity Ventures Crypto and Animoca Brands, the company […]

Samsung Asset to list blockchain ETF in Hong Kong: report

South Korean asset manager Samsung Asset Management is reportedly set to list a blockchain exchange-traded fund (ETF) on the Hong Kong stock exchange (HKEX), local media reported on Thursday. See related article: South Korea’s largest financial group mulls crypto ETFs Fast facts The ETF set to list in Hong Kong will have the identical structure […]

Chinese streaming service Bilibili debuts NFTs for foreign buyers

Bilibili, a video streaming platform popular with China’s Generation Z, Thursday announced a batch of Ethereum-based non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for sale overseas. See related article: Resist the temptation on NFTs, Chinese state-backed developer says Fast facts Bilibili said the NFTs will be a series of auto-generated characters with different features such as faces, clothes, skin […]

Flipkart launches innovation lab to explore future of e-commerce

Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce marketplace, plans to explore Web 3.0 and metaverse use cases including non-fungible-tokens, virtual storefronts, play-to-earn and other blockchain technologies under its new initiative, Flipkart Labs, the company said.  See related article: Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com offers NFTs despite state media criticisms Fast facts Flipkart Labs, based in Bengaluru, will also serve […]

Three Arrows Capital to ditch Singapore for Dubai

Three Arrows Capital, a cryptocurrency trading and hedge fund manager, is moving its headquarters to Dubai from Singapore, becoming the latest among a growing number of firms looking to expand their presence in the Middle East. See related article: Dubai could be crypto’s promised land, Citi says Fast facts Su Zhu, cofounder of Three Arrows […]

Singapore’s responsible crypto aim; Okay Bears storm the charts

Singapore says it wants to be a “responsible crypto hub”. Meanwhile, the Okay Bears lift Solana’s sales figures.

South Korean crypto CEO, soldier, sold military secrets to North Korea for Bitcoin

The Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a local executive from a cryptocurrency investment firm and an active-duty military officer for violating the National Security Act by leaking military secrets to a North Korean hacker in exchange for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, according to the prosecutor’s investigation report shared with Forkast. See related article: […]

Singapore wants to bring some adult supervision to crypto

The city-state wants to position itself as a hub for cryptocurrency service providers while holding onto its reputation as an important cog in the global AML, ATF compliance machinery.

Crypto regulation has to ‘take its time’: India FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Regulating crypto will take time to ensure the government takes a considered approach, Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at Stanford University on Wednesday. See related article: Indians see future in crypto, government sees revenue, FM says Fast facts “We recognize that there is a lot of potential and already well-grounded progress made in the […]

Tax authorities in China jump onto NFT bandwagon

More state departments in China are embracing NFTs, with tax bureaus in Shanghai and Chengdu releasing tokens based on Tencent’s blockchain. See related article: ‘Voice of April’ NFTs highlight Shanghai’s struggles amid harsh lockdown Fast facts Shanghai will drop 2,000 NFTs themed on its tax office mascot on Friday. Chengdu’s tax office dropped 1,000 NFTs […]

Philippines central bank to trial wholesale CBDC

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will launch a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot project, coined CBDCPh, as part of its efforts to promote the stability of the country’s payment system. See related article: Report: Stablecoins, CBDCs may not resolve financial inclusion, international remittance challenges Fast facts The central bank’s pilot will test the […]

South Korean police arrest man behind NFT sale of cat-like character CatSle

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s cyber bureau has arrested a 26-year-old man for allegedly defrauding nine investors of 210 million KRW (US$165,798) over the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of a cat-like character named CatSle. See related article: S.Korean regulators to strengthen watch over NFTs and the metaverse Fast facts According to the police, the […]

Singapore grants in-principle license to Revolut

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has granted in-principle approval to fintech firm Revolut to offer digital payment token (DPT) services under the Payment Services Act, according to media reports. See related article: Caught between a rock and a hard place, Singapore tightens crypto oversight Fast facts Revolut Technologies Singapore Pte. Ltd. (RTS) is already […]

Bitcoin officially legal tender in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) became the second country in the world — and the first in Africa — to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender on Wednesday. See related article: What does El Salvador’s new Bitcoin law mean for crypto markets? Fast facts President Faustin-Archange Touadera on Wednesday approved the bill regulating cryptocurrencies, which passed […]

Two charged over North Korea sanctions; Crypto market falls

U.S. Justice Department charges two Europeans for aiding North Korea. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s Covid lockdown popularizes blockchain.

Is Elon Musk’s Twitter grab good for crypto?

Top blockchain and crypto news: Tweet dreams come true for world’s richest man. Instagram scam hits Bored Apes. Bilibili tests China’s NFT boundaries.

Hong Kong flirts with e-HKD as it talks of marriage with e-CNY

The city’s de facto central bank Wednesday sought public consultations on the e-HKD, as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) chief expressed concerns on a retail digital Hong Kong dollar intensifying competition in the retail payments space. See related article: Hong Kong to press ahead with digital dollar, e-CNY plans Fast facts See related article: […]

‘Voice of April’ NFTs highlight Shanghai’s struggles amid harsh lockdown

As many as 600 NFTs featuring a montage of audio calls and complaints made by Shanghai residents as they interacted with medical staff and neighborhood compound managers have appeared on OpenSea.

China expands digital yuan trial to cover tax, social security, toll gates

China has broadened the range of public services and the number of cities included in its digital yuan pilot project underway in the provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian. See related article: Chinese state media calls for wider e-CNY adoption Fast facts See related article: Hangzhou races to showcase digital yuan at Asian Games

New York State Assembly votes to pause crypto mining

The New York State Assembly said it passed a cryptocurrency mining moratorium bill on Tuesday, blocking new permits and expansion for proof-of-work (PoW) mining facilities using carbon-based energy sources.  See related article: New York’s Bitcoin mining showdown sets stage for battles elsewhere Fast facts The bill needs approval by the New York State Senate. Existing […]

Kraken gets Abu Dhabi nod to offer full services in MENA

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Monday said it granted a full license to the global cryptocurrency exchange, allowing it to service customers across the Middle East and North Africa region. See related article: Dubai could be crypto’s promised land, Citi says Fast facts The license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM […]

Binance launches crypto card for Ukrainian refugees

Binance has partnered with European banking service provider Contis to launch a crypto card for Ukrainian refugees, enabling crypto payments in the European Economic Area for those displaced by the war. See related article: Russians turn to crypto as Western sanctions hit the ruble Fast facts Kirill Khomyakov, Binance’s Ukraine general manager, said the crypto […]

US charges two Europeans with helping N.Korea evade sanctions with crypto

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says it has charged Spaniard Alejandro Cao de Benos and U.K. citizen Christopher Emms with allegedly assisting former Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith in presenting the uses of crypto to avoid U.S. sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). See related article: Former Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith gets […]

Binance may set up shop in G-7 country in Europe, says founder CZ

The world’s largest crypto exchange may soon establish a regulated entity in a G-7 nation in Europe, Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao said Tuesday at the Financial Times Crypto and Digital Assets Summit. See related article: Binance wants to play ball with regulators Fast facts Zhao said Binance already has a standard corporate structure […]

Bitcoin, stocks fall as US dollar hits two-year high; Doge concedes top 10

Crypto and stock markets tumbled as the U.S. dollar rallied to its highest point since March 2020 amid concerns of looming interest rate hikes at the U.S. Federal Reserve. See related article: Is Bitcoin really a hedge against inflation? Fast facts The U.S. stock market fell with Nasdaq dropping by 4% on Tuesday over concerns […]

DOGE jumps on Twitter deal; Australian crypto ETFs delay

Dogecoin skyrockets as Elon Musk’s Twitter deal finalizes. Meanwhile, a Korean music platform registers NFTs patent.

Fidelity allows retirement investments in Bitcoin

Fidelity, one of the largest providers of 401(k) retirement plans in the U.S., is allowing participants to invest a piece of their retirement portfolio into Bitcoin, provided the employers allow it. See related article: Nexo and Fidelity Digital Assets expand institutional lending services Fast facts Fidelity introduced a digital assets account to hold Bitcoin, integrating […]

Zombie Zoo Keeper, Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen maker team up for PikoZoo NFT

Pikotaro, the Japanese singer-songwriter and creator of the 2016 global sensation Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen (PPAP), is teaming up with famed nine-year-old non-fungible token (NFT) artist Zombie Zoo Keeper to create a unique NFT project. See related article: Japan’s messenger app LINE launches NFT marketplace Fast facts The new music video, named “Zombie Zoo to PIKOTARO DESU,” will […]