Asia
Blockchain Asia: Technological Solutions to Cultural Mistrust
Jochen Biedermann is also the Founder and CEO of Blockchain Asia which was established in 2016. In this second installment, we discuss Blockchain’s applications throughout Asia, clashes in culture and China’s mission to be the first country with an operating central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Tether CTO: Moving DeFi forward in Asia
Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether gives his take on the Decentralized Finance DEFI Ecosystem in Asia standing on the cusp of a global digital banking revolution.
Catch Lil Bubble at BlockShow Asia 2019
BlockShow Asia 2019 powered by Cointelegraph will bring together experts, media and PR persons, startups as well as investors. This year’s BlockShow Asia is being celebrated as a Festival of Decentralized Technology and there will certainly be elements of entertainment in the two day long conference. An exciting development announced by BlockShow is that Lil Bubble who shot to fame due to his parody of Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road titled ‘All Time Lows’ has been roped in for BlockShow Asia 2019.
Gemini Eyes Singapore Expansion With New Asia Pacific Managing Director
The Gemini crypto exchange, owned and operated by the Winklevoss’ Twins, has set its sights into a further expansion into the Asian market with the hiring of Jeremy Ng as Managing Director for Asia Pacific. Ng was formerly the CEO of Leonteq Asia.
NEXT BLOCK Asia 2.0 Revisits Bangkok; Ends with GURUS Influencer Awards
NEXT BLOCK Asia 2.0 Revisits Bangkok; Ends with GURUS Influencer Awards
Why Hong Kong Will Be a Leading Digital Asset Trading Centre in Asia
Reasons why Hong Kong will a leading digital asset trading centre in Asia.
Bangkok to Host NEXT BLOCK ASIA 2.0 “Affiliate Marketing in the Age of Crypto” This December
NEXT BLOCK ASIA returns to Bangkok for another landmark Crypto and Affiliate industry event on December 3, 2019.
What Are The Key Takeaways from Block Live Asia?
What Are The Key Takeaways from Block Live Asia? The Block Live Asia in Singapore was a great success! Held in Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre 18 – 19 April, the event gathered over hundreds of crypto professionals on the latest blockchain development and the emergence of initial exchange offerings (IEO).
Coinfest Asia Uses Web2.5 Theme and Will Feature Over 100 Speakers
Coinfest Asia 2023 by Coinvestasi is ready to return on August 24-25 2023, in Jimbaran, Bali. Carrying the theme of Web2.5, Coinfest Asia wants to strengthen the linkages between the Web2 and Web3 industries, thus forming a more resilient Web2.5 industry.
Crypto Bank Anchorage Digital To Make Entry into Asia
Crypto Bank Anchorage Digital is making an entry into Asia with five new partnerships, including crypto exchange Bitkub, asset management firm Dream Trade, blockchain investment firm FBG Capital, venture firm IOSG Ventures and digital assets financial services provider Antalpha.
Ripple Operations Expand in Asia as it Looks to Explore CBDCs with Central Banks despite SEC Legal Pressure
Despite the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against its firm, Ripple has continued to expand its services as a fintech firm.
Sale of Asian Exchange Data Could Create Revenue Stream of $4.23 Billion Per Year Says Leading Strategy Consultants
Quinlan & Associates, a leading independent strategy consultancy released a report exploring how Asian exchanges can monetize the large volumes of exchange data.
Spike in COVID-19 Cybercrime Is Stimulating Mass Adoption of Blockchain in Asia
With COVID-19 forcing businesses to adopt digital means of transacting, there is a spike in blockchain adoption, Bitcoin price surge, rise in Bitcoin scams.
Women in Southeast Asia Leverage AI and Tech Skills for New Career Opportunities
Microsoft's AI and digital skilling programs are empowering women across Southeast Asia, opening doors to new career opportunities.
HKMA Issues Alert on Fraudulent Websites and Phishing Messages Related to ICBC (Asia)
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued an alert regarding fraudulent websites and phishing messages linked to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited.
Institutions Drive Crypto Adoption in Eastern Asia, Chainalysis Report Finds
Chainalysis' 2024 report reveals how institutions in South Korea and Hong Kong are spearheading cryptocurrency adoption in Eastern Asia.
Binance Launches USDT Simple Earn Promotion for MENA & South Asia New Users
Binance introduces a limited-time offer for new users in MENA & South Asia, providing 15% APR on USDT Simple Earn Locked Products for 30 days.
Immutable (IMX)'s Impact on Asia's Web3 Gaming Ecosystem
Immutable (IMX) is transforming Asia's gaming market by leveraging blockchain technology, partnering with leading studios, and spearheading Web3 gaming innovations.
Binance Launches Diwali Promotion for South Asian P2P Merchants
Binance announces a Diwali promotion offering South Asian P2P merchants a chance to upgrade their VIP level and enjoy discounted maker fees.
HKMA Partners with Global Institutions for Climate Investment in Asia
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) collaborates with multilateral organizations to enhance climate investment strategies in Asia, aiming for sustainable growth and reduced emissions.
Binance Introduces Zero-Fee Crypto Buying for Southeast Asia Users
Binance announces a zero-fee promotion for Southeast Asia users, offering up to $3 in USDT rebates on crypto deposits and purchases. Promotion runs from December 4 to December 31, 2024.
HKMA Warns of Fraudulent ICBC (Asia) Websites and Banking Screens
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority alerts the public about fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited.
Binance Introduces 8% APR BTC Offer for New MENA & South Asia Users
Binance has launched a special offer for new users in MENA and South Asia, providing an 8% APR on BTC Simple Earn products for a limited period.
Hong Kong Embraces Virtual Asset Spot ETFs
Hong Kong is set to become the first market in Asia to allow Virtual Asset Spot ETFs, with around ten fund companies preparing for launch. This move signifies a major shift in the region's approach to virtual assets.
Reebonz Tracks Provenance of its Luxury Products Using a Vechain-Powered Digital Certificate
Reebonz, the biggest luxury e-commerce company in Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, has incorporated blockchain technology into its ecosystem to determine the provenance of its products.
“Warriors of Future” Set to Debut as Asia’s First NFT Blockbuster Movie
Warriors of Future, a multi-million-dollar Hong Kong sci-fi action movie by One Cool Group, seeks to be the first Asian blockbuster film to feature a non-fungible token (NFT) collection.
UNODC: Surge in Cryptocurrency Misuse and Technology-Driven Crime in Southeast Asia
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime's latest report reveals an alarming increase in cryptocurrency misuse and advanced technological crime in East and Southeast Asia. The study focuses on the challenges faced by law enforcement against the backdrop of evolving online casinos, cyberfraud, and tech-driven underground banking networks.
OKEX Suspends Withdrawals Causing a Bitcoin and OKB Token Price Plunge
OKEx has caused a mild selling panic in the crypto markets after suspending withdrawal services to cooperate with an investigation with the BTC price plunging nearly 3%.
Coinfest Asia is Back in 2023, Carrying the Theme of Web2.5!
Coinfest Asia, the immersive Web3 festival in Asia, will be back on 24-25 August 2023 in Bali. Previously, the 2022 edition of Coinfest Asia managed to have more than 2,000 participants from more than 50 countries, these participants started from the institutional level, retail, and regulators.
Hong Kong Firm Prima Asia to Launch Blockchain Payment in APAC
Hong Kong-based startup Prima Asia Limited said it will launch innovative blockchain payment technology in the Asia-Pacific region this year.
Korea’s Jeju Island Introduces Blockchain-Fueled COVID-19 App for Tourism
To recover from COVID-19 tourism losses, South Korea has introduced a blockchain-powered digital app for visitors of Jeju Island to ensure safe travels.
Bitdeer and NVIDIA Partner to Launch AI Cloud Service in Asia
Bitdeer Technologies Group and NVIDIA are set to launch Bitdeer AI Cloud in Asia, utilizing NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD technology, to meet the growing demand for AI computing power in the cloud PaaS market.
Crypto Adoption Grows among Asian Countries, Says Chainalysis Report
Chainalysis has released the analysis report, showing that countries in Central & Southern Asia and Oceania (CSAO) region received more than $900 billion in crypto value from July 2021 to June 2022.
Correlation Between Performance of Equity Markets and Crypto Assets in Asia Increased: the IMF
The International Monetary Fund said that the returns and volatility correlations between Bitcoin and Asian equity markets have increased significantly since 2020, before the pandemic.
R3 and Asian Central Banks Join Forces to Unravel Central Bank Digital Currencies
Blockchain.News spoke with Carl Wegner, the Head of Asia Pacific at R3, who has been with the company for over three years, with a major focus on developing business and partnership opportunities for the consortium. Having been in the trade finance industry for over 30 years, Wegner feels that it is an incredible opportunity for blockchain to help streamline processes.
Over 115 Billion USDT Used in Southeast Asia's Illicit Activities in 2022: Revealed Bitrace
Bitrace, a blockchain analytics firm, revealed that 115 billion USDT was involved in illegal cryptocurrency activities in Southeast Asia in 2022, highlighting the transparency of blockchain ledgers.
DeFi - Find Out What's Happening in Macau on This Exciting Topic
DeFi is explored in Macau by some of the leading names in this space. The FinWise Summit is second to none in delivering quality content at a fast pace
Mastercard Partners with 3 Firms to Launch First Crypto-Linked Payment Cards in Asia Pacific
Mastercard said that it has cooperated with three well-known digital asset companies in the Asia-Pacific region to launch a Mastercard payment card funded by cryptocurrency.
China Leads Pan-Asian Digital Currency Project to Compete with Facebook's Libra
Led by China, four Asian countries are in the early stages of developing a joint digital currency. The currency will help keep the Dollar and Libra in check
Conflux to Deploy Uniswap v3 on Its Blockchain
Conflux plans to deploy Uniswap v3 on its blockchain, which would offer access to millions of potential new users, particularly in China and Asian markets. This comes days after the Uniswap v3 code license expired, allowing developers to fork the protocol and deploy their own decentralized exchange. Conflux has a market capitalization of nearly $1 billion and has $45 million in total value locked on-chain. The network also announced a partnership with China Telecom to develop a blockchain SIM card.
Australia Surpasses Asia in Crypto ATM Installations
Australia has surpassed Asia in the total number of crypto ATMs installed, with 364 machines as of January 2023. The country has consistently added Bitcoin ATMs over the last eight months and is on a crypto ATM installation spree. Internal documents from Australia’s Department of the Treasury suggest that crypto legislation is on the horizon.
Institutional Bitcoin Adoption in Asia is Making a Big Step Forward
Bitcoin adoption in Asia is taking a new turn as more institutional investors are joining the network.
Malaysian Universities to Expand Women’s Blockchain Knowledge Base with Programmers Course
Women in Blockchain Asia (WIBA) has partnered with various Malaysian universities to propel the number of female blockchain developers and coders in Malaysia.
OpenTrade and WOO X Unite to Offer Tokenized T-Bills to Asian Investors
OpenTrade collaborates with WOO X to unveil access to tokenized T-Bills for Asian investors. This partnership, leveraging Circle Research’s Perimeter Protocol, is a response to the escalating demand for tokenized T-Bills over DeFi yields. Concurrently, WOO X advances its strategic footprint in South Korea, aligning with CODE compliance solutions to broaden its product accessibility in the region.
Thailand’s SEC to Eradicate Any Stumbling Blocks to Digital Asset Advancement
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Thailand has revealed plans to revise the royal decree on digital asset businesses in 2020 to boost digital assets’ growth, as well as shielding investors from avoidable risks.
Blockstack’s STX Token Starts Trading on KuCoin Today
Blockstack is increasing its presence in Asia with the addition of its token Stacks (STX) to popular Asian-based cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin.
Crypto Executives Launch Investment Firm Tangent to Help Web3 Startups Growth
The launch of Tangent comes amid financial market turbulence that has triggered venture capital funds to slow down investment in the tech sector.
SEBA Bank Secures SFC License, Expanding Crypto Services to Hong Kong
Swiss cryptocurrency bank SEBA Bank has been granted a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission license to offer trading, distribution, advisory, and asset management services in the Asia Pacific region.
OKB Token Price Rises Over 10% on News of OKEx Exchange Founder’s Release
Circulating rumors of OKEx exchange founder Mingxing “Star” Xu’s release from the custody of Chinese authorities has seen the OKB token surge over 10% today.
Tencent Cloud Tech to Support Blockchain Digital Records for Travel Amid COVID-19
Tencent Holdings has joined hands with blockchain firm ShareRing to deploy a blockchain-powered digital document and identity management solution.
Crypto Interest in Asia is Brewing, Showing Long-Term Optimism in the Market
Crypto analyst Joseph Young has disclosed that Asia is showing considerable interest in the crypto market.
Ninety Eight Launches $25M Ecosystem Fund to Boost Web3 Startups in Asia
Ninety Eight, transitioning from Coin98 Finance, has launched a $25M Ecosystem Fund to support Web3 startups in Asia, leveraging the Viction blockchain and $C98 token.
Gemini co-founder: Crypto's next bull run will start in Asia
Last October, former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes and Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss predicted that Asia will lead the next bull run.
Unveiling the Top 5 Surprising Views on Blockchain by AFF leaders
Blockchain, cryptocurrencies, fintech and virtual assets will be at the centre of many of the discussions and we have selected a few of the speakers that we are most intrigued by and some that our readers may not realize are important or outspoken in the blockchain and crypto space. We have purposely excluded the usual suspects—if you don’t know what PWC’s Henri Arslanian thinks about crypto by now, we really can’t help you.
OKEx Founder Star Xu Arrested After Crypto Exchange Suspends Withdrawals
Following the sudden suspension of OKEx's withdrawal services, it has been reported that the exchange's founder Star Xu has been taken into police custody.
Central & Southern Asia Lead in 2023 Crypto Adoption, Chainalysis Reports
The 2023 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index shows Central and Southern Asia are leading in global grassroots adoption of cryptocurrencies. The index measures countries' involvement in the crypto space using on-chain data and real-world statistics. India leads the index, with six of the top ten countries from the CSAO region. Lower-middle-income countries, including India, Nigeria, and Ukraine, have seen robust recovery in grassroots crypto adoption.
RippleNet Expands Access to Cross-Border Payments in the Asian Market with Thai FinTech Partnership
Thailand-based fintech company DeeMoney has joined RippleNet to process more efficient money transfers with competitive rates and low fees for all of Asia.
China Passes Civil Code Which Will Allow its Citizens to Inherit Cryptocurrency
At the Thirteenth National People’s Congress held in Beijing China, the parliament passed a new civil code that protects the civil rights of inheritance, marriage, property, personality, and contract infringement. According to Lixin Yang, a professor at Renmin University of China, the civil code states that “When a natural person dies, the legacy is the personal legal property left by she/he.” Personal legal property in this case also means “internet property” including virtual currencies. Chinese citizens will be able to leave their cryptocurrency and virtual assets to their heirs, coming into effect on January 1, 2021.
Eastern Asia’s Crypto Market Growth Halts, China's Crypto Transaction Volume Drops by 31% YoY
Eastern Asia's crypto growth came to a near standstill since last year triggered China crackdowns.
Asia Crucial to Web3 Gaming Industry
A report by DappRadar highlighted the importance of Asia in the Web3 gaming industry, due to the region's majority share of gamers and gaming revenue, as well as its high interest in blockchain technology. While China prohibits gaming companies from integrating blockchain technology, Japan and South Korea are leading the way in adopting blockchain technology in gaming.
GSR Secures Major Payment Institution Licence from Singapore's MAS
GSR, a global cryptocurrency trading firm, has received In-Principle Approval for a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The approval allows GSR's Singapore subsidiary, GSR Markets Pte. Ltd., to better serve the cryptocurrency community. The news comes a day after Coinbase Singapore announced its full licence, highlighting the competitive yet regulated crypto landscape in Singapore.
Messaging Giant LINE is Developing a Platform for CBDC
Japanese messaging giant Line is developing a platform to aid Asian central banks in their pursuit of central bank digital currencies (CBDC).
92% High-Net-Worth Individuals in SG & HK Are Interested in Digital Assets: KPMG
KPMG China conducted a study dubbed “Investing in Digital Assets” and found that family offices and high-net-worth individuals in Singapore and Hong Kong have a growing interest in terms of virtual digital assets.
Alipay Facilitates First Digital Cauldron Lighting in Asian Games History
Alipay, the digital payment giant and Official Prestige Partner of the Hangzhou Asian Games, has made history by supporting over 100 million digital torchbearers in the first-ever digital cauldron lighting ceremony. The initiative was part of the Smart Hangzhou 2022 platform, a one-stop digital service for the Games. Alipay's technology ensured that even phones produced 8 years ago could participate in the digital interaction.
China and Malaysia discuss Asian Monetary Fund
China and Malaysia are discussing the creation of an Asian Monetary Fund as a way to move away from U.S. dollar hegemony. The fund was proposed at a forum in Hainan, China, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that China is open to the proposal.
Microsoft Loses TikTok to Tech Giant Oracle – What This Means for Bitcoin and Blockchain Industry
TikTok, the multibillion-dollar video sharing platform popularized by millennials and Gen Z, has chosen Oracle Corporation as its tech partner over Microsoft.
FINEXPO Brings FinTech Industry Leaders and Enthusiasts Together at FinTech Festival Asia 2023
Bangkok, 3 April 2023 – FINEXPO, the world's leading event organiser, announced today that it is hosting its first-ever FinTech Festival Asia (FTF Asia) on 27 and 28 September 2023 at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ripple Tapped by Novatti to Improve Australian Remittances to Southeast Asia
Ripple has sealed another partnership, this time with Novatti, an international payments firm.
Techlinker Asia Partners with TripleA to Remit Payments in Crypto
Tech talent and HR consultancy, Techlinker Asia has partnered with TripleA to allow clients to remit payments in cryptocurrencies or stablecoins.
Monetary Authority of Singapore Sets Up New Institute of Digital Finance for Boosting Fintech and Digital Asset Research
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has teamed up with the National Research Foundation, and the National University of Singapore to set up a research institute that will develop and support the needs of digital financial services in Asia.
DFINITY Unveils $20 Million ICP Asia Alliance to Propel Web3 Adoption
DFINITY Foundation launches the ICP Asia Alliance and a $20 million fund on September 28, 2023, to accelerate Web3 and AI adoption in Asia. The alliance aspires to unite diverse stakeholders, foster innovation, and catalyze the growth of the Internet Computer blockchain across the region, underlined by the establishment of multiple ICP.Hubs and strategic partnerships.
PwC: Crypto M&A and Fundraising in Asia Reports Major Growth
PwC previewed its latest white paper—PwC Global Crypto M&A and Fundraising Report—last Thursday at CoinDesk’s Invest: Asia event. This is the first report by PwC on the broader crypto ecosystem, but the firm will continue to publish updates twice a year moving forward.
American Investors are in Bitcoin Buying Frenzy as BTC Price Rises, Crypto Flows in From Asia
As the Bitcoin bulls continue to run and push the BTC price to new levels, a massive amount of crypto has been shifting from East Asia to North America—a trend which could represent a huge shift in the crypto market according to Reuters.
PwC Reports Huge Shift in M&A and Fundraising from US to Asia and EMEA in 2019
In 2019, crypto fundraising and M&As began migrating over to Asia, Europe and the Middle East and saw a lack of new VC investments as the majority of funding came from crypto firms within the industry, according to PWC’s latest report released on April 6.