May 2020
How FATF’s anti-money laundering guidelines for cryptocurrency are putting the heat on banks and VASPs
David Jevans, CEO of CipherTrace, explains FATF’s global influence and recent enforcement actions that have proven to be expensive for those caught.
Lessons from Covid: How the blockchain community can rise to its ideals
What can the blockchain industry do to adapt its work to the current crisis? Acknowledging the widening socio-economic divide would be a good start.
April 2020
Celebrating Earth Day 2020 — and not letting Covid overshadow the Paris accords and blockchain climate solutions
A co-founder of the original Earth Day urges world leaders to not be complacent about the temporary dip in emissions and lose sight of urgent climate goals.
Why South Korea’s new law against bitcoin and other crypto could damage its DeFi sector
The financial watchdog’s ruling would prevent cash from being loaned out for bitcoin and other cryptocurrency. Forkast.News analyzes its likely impact on the sector.
March 2020
How the FATF’s travel rule could push cryptocurrency into the mainstream
How are crypto companies complying with the travel rule, and what does it mean for decentralization and privacy? In a Forkast.News exclusive, industry experts analyze FATF’s impact on regulations around the world and what to expect next.
Complying with anti-money laundering regulations is a growing need for crypto companies
FATF is setting international standards, shifting the crypto world from a “wild west” mentality to a more compliant space, says CoolBitX CEO Michael Ou.
Ep. 4 | Bitcoin’s wild ride, Robinhood in tough times, Covid-19 hacks Ethereum event
Also: Blockchain voting after the Voatz debacle, IOTA limps back after cyber attack, smart cities in China, and Forkast.News insights to help you make sense of the top headlines.
Is death of the STO an exaggeration – or market reality?
Despite all signs that interest just isn’t there for STOs, and ICOs are too tarnished by scams to be a legitimate investment vehicle, this investor thinks there’s life left in both.
Asia has ‘crypto groove’ – and Korea’s mom and pop shops are helping lead the way
Asia’s blockchain and cryptocurrency projects have more vitality than other regions, says the chairman of the Cardano Foundation. But he also notes the variations within the region. How does Hong Kong differ from Vietnam and Singapore?
Ep. 3 | Top blockchain news on China, France and S. Korea – and a new Ethereum protocol. What’s next for India?
What’s up with South Korea’s new blockchain regulations? And where is bitcoin now legal tender? (Mai oui!) Other headlines around the world: a storm over STEEM, the new Baseline protocol for privacy, HTC’s Exodus 5G Hub, and how the coronavirus has affected blockchain firms in China.
India crypto leader calls Supreme Court victory against central bank ‘game changer’ for industry
India’s crypto sector saw a major boost after its Supreme Court ruled to lift a ban on crypto trading, paving the way for more blockchain development.
IRS crypto summit airs many questions
Specific identification, hard forks and mainstream use: U.S. crypto investors are scrambling to figure out how new guidelines will affect their tax returns.
Crypto has the potential to revitalize India’s economy
The uncertain legal status of cryptocurrencies is under the microscope in India.
February 2020
What does the future hold for blockchain in India?
Blockchain has had an interesting, albeit slightly paradoxical journey in India. On one hand, the technology itself has seen great support from the startup ecosystem as well as the Government. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies have faced huge regulatory hurdles in India, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issuing a directive to ring-fence regulated entities like banks from the risk of trading virtual assets.
Swiss Bankers Association wants to help blockchain firms do business
The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) is seeking ways to bridge the traditional financial sector to new blockchain-related industries, including ways to open bank accounts, says said SBA deputy CEO August Benz.
How Swiss banks seek to link traditional finance to blockchain
The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) is seeking ways to bridge the traditional financial sector to new blockchain-related industries, including ways to open bank accounts, says said SBA deputy CEO August Benz.
‘Crypto Congressman’ ex Rep. Jason Hsu: Taiwan is losing momentum in blockchain
Taiwan’s cryptocurrency evangelist and former congressman says the island is falling behind in STO guidelines, fintech regulations and forming a tech hub.
Digital commerce leader ‘gravely concerned’ over U.S. losing edge in tech, global reserves
The Chamber of Digital Commerce is “gravely concerned” about how the U.S. Government is addressing technological challenges and opportunities posed by blockchain according to founder and president Perianne Boring. The U.S. could be ceding technological leadership as well as the dollar’s reserve currency status to other nations including China if it does not revamp policies toward emerging blockchain innovation.
January 2020
Tech is making Chinese charities more transparent
The modern convenience of Alibaba enables rapid, on-demand consumerism that’s worth tens of billions of dollars. So what if Alibaba — and its competitors — turned the technological might that it used to develop modern Chinese consumerism over to developing modern Chinese charity?
Can blockchain guarantee food safety in China?
Having a high standard in food safety and security demands that the food is of good quality, free from disease or infection, and safe for consumption. Keeping up with this standard is a matter of international concern and the responsibility of food producers and governments.
Indonesia’s decentralized island society makes blockchain a must-have | Opinion
Indonesia is a country of 17,508 islands and 260 million people, including 171 million internet users. It’s a huge market, dominated by the digital economy that’s ripe for blockchain disruption.
Switzerland is a blockchain haven, but government lags behind, says Trust Square CEO
Although Switzerland’s Crypto Valley may seek to become a global blockchain hub, its government is too slow to adopt the technology even as Facebook’s Libra incorporates in the country, according to Trust Square cofounder Daniel Gasteiger.
December 2019
Privacy doesn’t equal anonymity on blockchain, says Concordium CEO
Identification on a protocol level could help blockchain become mainstream for blue-chip companies like MasterCard, Volvo and Geely if international regulations are met. Anonymity is “exactly what is hindering wider use of blockchain,” said Concordium CEO Lone Fonss Schroder.
Facebook’s Libra will push regulators to take a stance, says R3 chief David E. Rutter
And that’s a good thing for legitimizing blockchain and paving the way to tokenize real assets across industries, the enterprise blockchain creator said at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2019.
India vs. the people: The battle over cryptocurrency ownership continues
Public support in India is strong for cryptocurrency ownership. But regulators’ blanket ban may lead to a gray market, increasing the chances of fraud.
November 2019
More traditional investors are eyeing cryptocurrency to diversify their portfolios
Traders use commodity trading adviser funds to reduce risk of custody or money laundering, says Jan Brzezek, founder of Crypto Finance AG.