Meitu buys more crypto; Hong Kong, Singapore tease NFT platforms | The Daily Forkast
Meitu adds to its crypto treasury while Singapore and Hong Kong gear up for the NFT craze.
Asian governments urge ‘extreme caution’ before buying cryptocurrency
As Bitcoin and crypto market swells beyond $2 trillion, even crypto-friendly Singapore is warning the public about risks. Are more regulations coming?
New art and fashion NFT platforms coming to Hong Kong, Singapore
Welcome to crypto’s latest catwalk. Publisher of Vogue Singapore and a Hong Kong exchange unveil plans to turn up the heat on Asia’s NFT market.
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?
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.
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.
India mandates new disclosure rules for cryptocurrency companies
Starting today, India’s crypto firms must report all cryptocurrency transactions to the government. What does this mean for India’s proposed crypto ban?
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.’
What do Hong Kong’s crypto laws mean for exchanges and investors?
HashKey Group’s Angelina Kwan, a former regulator who helped write laws relevant to the crypto industry, also explains why Hong Kong leads the world in fintech regulations.
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.
China writes blockchain and digital currency into nation’s future
China’s new five-year plan — its blueprint for development — pours resources into ‘new infrastructure’ like blockchain technology and DCEP’s digital yuan.
World’s first major crypto art show opens in Beijing
Headlined by crypto art superstars Beeple and Robert Alice, the in-person exhibit also features works by Chinese artists. Next stop: Shanghai.
How blockchain can power the growth of green finance
As interest in green bonds grow around the world, Asia is emerging as a hotbed of sustainable finance. Here’s why China will be leading the way.
KPMG: Virtual asset service providers ready to professionalize and grow
New KPMG report outlines opportunities for investors as well as traditional banks with the rise of VASPs like cryptocurrency exchanges and custody services.
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.
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.
OKEx to shut its crypto exchange in Korea as new AML laws take effect
OKEx will soon follow Binance in leaving South Korea’s cryptocurrency exchange market. Is this what FATF and Korean regulators intended?
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.
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?
Who is really leading the global blockchain patent race?
Boosted by state incentives, companies in China are filing more blockchain patent applications than anywhere else. But how many patents got awarded?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
The brief, meteoric rise of crypto Clubhouse in China
Now that China’s censors are blocking Clubhouse, what are the popular audio networking app’s mainland members doing? VPNs are the new velvet ropes.
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.
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.
Hong Kong plans to ban retail investors from trading cryptocurrency
Industry insiders warn that proposed rule to allow only ‘professional investors’ to buy and sell crypto could drive companies to crypto-friendlier shores.
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.
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.
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.
China’s blockchain network at new milestone with open permissioned chains
Tai’an and WenChang chains join BSN China’s ‘Open Permissioned Blockchain Initiative’ as nation grows its blockchain network while maintaining controls.
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?
Digital payments — not cash — is now king in Asia’s payment ecosystem
Singapore and Thailand launch the world’s first real-time cross-border digital payment system. Here’s what else is happening in Hong Kong and China.
IOHK’s Charles Hoskinson says proof of stake is much better than proof of work
IOHK and Cardano’s founder also explains why new US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is the ‘single biggest development’ for the crypto industry’s future.
China’s blockchain network adds CBDC payment layer, ConsenSys as partner
BSN’s new digital payment network will be a boon to Ethereum, stablecoins and CBDCs like China’s DCEP digital yuan while keeping other cryptos out.
China’s DCEP digital yuan wraps up another mass test
Now renamed e-CNY, China’s new digital yuan has now been tested by 250,000 shoppers in two cities. Is it finally close to launch?
Tale of two nations: How China and US diverge on blockchain policies
China is investing heavily in blockchain technology in government, dwarfing US levels. Forkast.News examines the growing gap and the paths forward.
China tests new phone-free DCEP e-RMB card for helping rural poor
As China presses its digital currency closer to launch, a Shanghai test reveals features aimed at the 700 million Chinese without mobile phones or the internet.
How DLT is fighting the information war in Syria and saving lives
In a special interview, Mance Harmon of Hedera Hashgraph explains how distributed ledger technology is helping quash fake news and warn Syrians about airstrikes.
China’s 5 hottest blockchain developments in 2020
With DCEP nearing launch, China is having a banner year in blockchain-related technologies. Here’s what’s hot in China and what’s too hot to touch.
Urszula McCormack of King & Wood Mallesons: data regulation will be a challenge for the virtual asset sector
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the financial regulatory lawyer and partner at King & Wood Mallesons offers her views on digital assets regulation, CBDCs and Asia’s digital transformation.
Digital Asset’s Yuval Rooz on China’s Blockchain Service Network and CBDC interoperability
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, Digital Asset’s co-founder and CEO offers his views on central bank digital currencies and blockchain developments in Asia.
Looking ahead: 5 predictions for crypto and blockchain in 2021
What will be hot in blockchain next year, and what will be the curveballs? Forkast.News consults top industry leaders and thinkers to bring you a crystal ball.
Ontology’s Jun Li on credit-based DeFi and more real assets coming to blockchain in 2021
The founder of Ontology and co-founder of Onchain explains the path forward for central bank digital currencies and DeFi in China in 2021.
Diginex’s Richard Byworth: Crypto borrowing and lending to increase 10-fold
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, Diginex’s CEO offers his views on CBDC initiatives, crypto custody, and more growth in borrowing, lending of digital assets in the upcoming year.
CoinDCX’s Sumit Gupta on CBDCs, regulation and India’s potential for crypto in 2021
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the co-founder and CEO of CoinDCX offers his views on the growth of crypto in India, regulation and CBDCs.
ConsenSys’ Charles d’Haussy: The ‘staking capital of the world’ will emerge in Asia in 2021
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the director of strategic initiatives at ConsenSys and author of “Block Kong” shares his views on CBDCs, stablecoins and Asia’s blockchain space.
Year in Review: 5 biggest blockchain and crypto stories of 2020
Here are the hottest blockchain news and trends that dominated Forkast.News headlines over the past 12 months. Let the countdown to 2021 begin!
World Economic Forum’s Sheila Warren expects ‘tremendous activity’ on China’s digital currency in 2021
In this edition of Forkast Forecasts, the head of Blockchain, Data and Digital Assets and member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum shares her views on sovereign digital currencies, and the global regulatory landscape.
Hong Kong may be first global ‘sandbox’ for China’s DCEP digital yuan
Hong Kong is in talks to pilot-test China’s new digital currency. How would the e-CNY affect Hong Kong’s future cross-border payments with the mainland?
Forkast Forecasts for 2021: Mance Harmon of Hedera Hashgraph on China, DeFi and industry giants
In this inaugural Forkast Forecast, the co-founder and CEO of Hedera Hashgraph offers his views on China’s blockchain drive and what the industry will be like in 2021.
What is the mood of India when it comes to cryptocurrencies?
Now that India no longer has a crypto banking ban, what are Indian attitudes toward cryptocurrency? CoinDCX surveys 11,000 people for answers.
China widens DCEP digital yuan tests, advancing global ambitions
In biggest test yet of China’s CBDC, 100,000 Suzhou residents will use e-RMB for holiday shopping. Hong Kong is also now laying groundwork for future.
Was China Construction Bank’s $3 billion blockchain bond doomed from the start?
Beijing put a stop this week to Fusang’s China Construction Bank bond listing on the Ethereum blockchain. What was the Chinese government afraid of?
Will India face another crypto ban when Parliament is back in session?
India’s cryptocurrency ban rumor mill will surely rev up again when lawmakers meet for winter session. The CEO of Unocoin explains the worries.
Is China trying to put its cryptocurrency industry out of business?
After crackdowns on crypto exchanges, China is now freezing bank accounts. Why is the world’s largest bitcoin producer tightening the vise over its miners?
Hedera Hashgraph provides provenance for data from Syrian war
Hedera’s platform will help Hala Systems store evidence of war crimes in Syria and Yemen on the blockchain for future prosecution of those responsible
China’s OKEx crackdown is a warning shot to other crypto exchanges
Cryptocurrency exchanges flying flags of convenience is sure to annoy China’s regulators and may no longer be a viable business strategy.
Thailand’s ‘crypto cold season’ makes for a land of frowns
Thailand once marketed itself as a cryptocurrency frontier market and an alternative to Hong Kong and Singapore. What happened?
Ep. 38 | What Biden’s victory means for crypto. Bitcoin rides new wave. Ethereum 2.0 revs for launch.
Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Will TRUMP crypto losers get second chance? Hong Kong to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges.
2021 may be the year of China’s DCEP and other digital currencies
A big trend now: Central banks exploring digital currencies that are ‘programmable money,’ says Charles d’Haussy of ConsenSys. Should users be concerned?
Hong Kong’s new crypto exchange laws will be embraced—with VPNs
Hong Kong SFC lays out plan to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges to allow only institutional money. But retail users likely won’t be deterred.
Why China pulled the rug and Ant Group’s historic IPO stumbled
After regulators intervened, Chinese fintech giant Ant Group will now return billions to investors over its withdrawn IPO. Did Jack Ma say something wrong?