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Hong Kong IFEC Warns Against Trading on Illegal and Foreign Platforms for Virtual Assets
The investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), a public organisation under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), has issued a warning regarding the potential risks connected to unlicensed and foreign virtual asset trading platforms.
List of Important Resources on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Blockchain has the potential to change the whole monetary and financial industry. But it still has a long way to go, as currently, the money issuance power is in the hands of central banks. The compromised way of welcoming blockchain technology in the monetary and financial industry are the central bank issued stablecoins - CDBC.
DeFi Broker Porter Finance Shuts Down Bond Issuance Platform
Porter Finance said low lending demand from the DeFi ecosystem has forced it to close its bond trading platform, and mentioned that it now wants to focus on other business opportunities.
Ripple Sees 1760 Percent Increase in Institutional Over-the-Counter Sales of XRP in Q2 2020
Ripple reported an increase in over-the-counter (OTC) sales of its XRP cryptocurrency in the second quarter of 2020, totaling $32.55 million, compared to $1.75 million in Q1 2020.
BDSwiss Expands Crypto Offerings, Launching 9 New CFD Products
BDSwiss introduced the new CFD crypto-pairs in response to growing customers’ demands.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission Drafts New Crypto Regulations
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission drafts crypto regulations for 2023, focusing on anti-money laundering, token issuance, asset segregation, and transparent trading. Overseas platforms face advertising restrictions.
Binance Launches May Missions to Share 1,000,000 Binance Points & Unlock Exclusive Rewards
Binance, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced its May Missions campaign, offering users the opportunity to earn Binance Points and unlock exclusive rewards. Participants can complete various missions to receive activity attempts, which can lead to winning Binance Points, trading fee rebate vouchers, and token vouchers. The campaign runs from May 1st to May 15th and is open to eligible users who have completed the KYC process.
Solana Launches Real-Time Carbon Emissions Tracking Dashboard
The Solana Foundation has launched a real-time tracking dashboard to measure carbon emissions on its blockchain, making it the first "major smart-contract blockchain" to do so. The dashboard, available on the Solana Climate website, aims to set a new standard for measuring emissions in the blockchain industry and encourages transparency. The data used to power the dashboard is open-source and modeled on the estimated carbon footprint of the Dell PowerEdge R940. The move comes as global efforts are being made to utilize blockchain technology to monitor carbon emissions.
Crypto Mom Hester Peirce Officially Sworn in as SEC Commissioner
Crypto Mom and blockchain forward SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has been sworn in for a second term at the US SEC.
UN Research Unveils Bitcoin's Environmental Toll Beyond Carbon Emissions
A UN study reveals Bitcoin mining's significant environmental impact, including carbon emissions, water and land damage, and heavy reliance on fossil fuels. It calls for urgent regulatory and technological interventions to promote a sustainable digital currency ecosystem.
Citi Partners with World Bank on Euroclear's DLT Platform for Digitally Native Note Issuance
Citi's Issuer Services acted as the Issuing and Paying Agent for the first Digitally Native Note (DNN) issuance via Euroclear's D-FMI distributed ledger technology platform, marking a significant step in digital bond issuance and showcasing a scalable model for blockchain integration within existing capital market structures.
StanChart and UnionBank of the Philippines Collaborate on PoC of $187 Million Blockchain-Powered Bond
The UnionBank of the Philippines and Standard Chartered have created a proof of concept required in the issuance of a blockchain-powered retail bond.
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.
McDonald's in Swiss Town Accepts Crypto Payments in BTC & USDT
Multinational fast food giant McDonald's accepts Bitcoin and USDT as payment methods in the southern Swiss city of Lugano (Lugano).
Coinbase CLO Responds to SEC's Opposition
Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, responded to the SEC's opposition to the company's motion to dismiss the case against it. Grewal criticized the SEC for making unsupported legal claims and emphasized that the assets listed on Coinbase are not securities. He also called for regulation that listens to the crypto community and mentioned that Coinbase will file its reply on October 24, 2023.
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
European Commission Unveils Strategy to Lead Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds
A new strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds has been unveiled by the European Commission in an effort to steer the next technological revolution and guarantee a safe, open, and welcoming online environment for individuals, organizations, and government agencies across the EU.
SEC to Regulate Binance Chain With Blockchain Analytics Firm CipherTrace
The US Securities and Exchange Commission plans to award CipherTrace blockchain analytics firm with a contract pertaining to Binance Chain.
Signature Bank Under Investigation by US Government Bodies
Signature Bank is reportedly under investigation by both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice over concerns that the bank did not take adequate measures to detect potential money laundering by its clients. The bank was closed on March 12 as part of a series of bank closures that also included Silvergate Capital and Silicon Valley Bank.
Allison Herren Lee Steps Down as US SEC Commissioner
Commissioner Allison Herren has departed the SEC. Her departure gives Biden more room to fill the role at the agency.
Japan Appoints Crypto-Friendly Leader as New Financial Services Agency Commissioner
Japan’s government seeks to appoint crypto-friendly leader Ryozo Himino as the next commissioner of the country’s Financial Services Agency.
Nigerian Securities Commission to Release Official Guidelines on Crypto Regulations
The Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission has announced a proposed crypto regulation guideline.
Ripple’s First Court Date for SEC Lawsuit of XRP Tokens Set for February 2021
The official pre-trial court date for the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple for the sale of XRP tokens has been set.
The Future of Blockchain Is Regulated, Permissioned And Decentralized
Blockchain has come a long way since it was first proposed as the technology powering Bitcoin’s distributed ledger. Since then, it has come to be understood as a technology that exists in its own right, as the base layer of second generation blockchain networks that are the foundation for all kinds of decentralized applications, or dApps.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission in Exploratory Phase for Crypto ETFs
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission is cautiously considering the introduction of cryptocurrency ETFs, focusing on self-regulation and gradual liberalization in the digital asset market.
Animoca Brands to Focus on Markets Outside U.S. after SEC Labels Sand Cryptocurrency an Unregistered Security
Hong Kong-based blockchain giant, Animoca Brands, has announced its plans to shift its focus to markets outside the U.S.
Microsoft's OpenAI Investment Faces EU Merger Regulation Scrutiny
The European Commission is investigating Microsoft's investment in OpenAI, a significant partnership since 2019, under the EU Merger Regulation, as part of a larger plan to control tech giants' influence in the AI field, focusing on potential anti-competitive impacts.
Swiss City Lugano Partners with Tether to Adopt Crypto Tax Payments
The City of Lugano in Switzerland has entered into a partnership with Tether Operations Limited to drive its technological advancement while enabling its capabilities to allow its residents to pay their taxes through cryptocurrencies.
How Far Away is Japan’s CBDC? Bank of Japan Meets with Monetary Authorities on Potential Digital Yen Issuance
Japan’s Monetary Authorities Get Serious About CBDC Research and Roll Out
Bank for International Settlements to Issue a PoC CBDC With the Swiss Central Bank Before the End of 2020
The Bank for International Settlements is set to issue a CBDC at the Proof of Concept stage in conjunction with the Swiss National Bank before year-end.
Thailand SEC Eases ICO Restrictions
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to lift restrictions on retail investment in initial coin offerings (ICOs). The SEC aims to permit bigger investments in asset-backed ICOs, including those backed by real estate and infrastructure.
SEC Withdraws Lawsuit Against Debt Box Amid Misleading Evidence Controversy
The SEC has withdrawn its lawsuit against Debt Box, accusing it of a $50 million fraudulent scheme, paving the way for future charges and a significant shift in crypto firm regulatory landscape.
Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Tether and Bitfinex Affirmed, Plaintiff Drops Appeal
Tether and Bitfinex have won a lawsuit against Shawn Dolifka and Matthew Anderson, despite allegations of misleading statements about USDT reserves, underscoring the importance of transparency in the cryptocurrency sector.
European Commission Launches Research Unit to Investigate Algorithms Used by Big Tech
The European Commission has launched a new research unit called the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) to investigate the impact of algorithms used by prominent online platforms and search engines such as Facebook and Google. The team will analyze and evaluate the AI-backed algorithms used by Big Tech firms to identify and address any potential risks posed by these platforms.
Alpaca Debuts Private Equity Real Estate
Alpaca, a New York-based alternative investment firm, has launched a private equity real estate platform, Alpaca Real Estate (ARE), led by Daniel Carr and Peter Weiss. The platform, with significant backing from GCM Grosvenor, aims to leverage technology and operational strategies to enhance real estate investment returns amid current market dislocations.
South Korea's FSC to Submit Two Crypto-Related Acts to National Assembly
According to Newsis on July 13, the People's Power Party and the Financial Services Commission of South Korea are planning to submit amendments to the Electronic Securities Act and the Capital Market Act to the National Assembly within this month.
Marathon Digital Initiates Bitcoin Mining Powered by Renewable Landfill Energy
Marathon Digital Holdings and Nodal Power are launching a 280 kW Bitcoin mining pilot project in Utah, converting harmful methane emissions into electricity for sustainable mining.
European Commission Moves to Tighten Rules on Cryptocurrency Transfers
The European Commission has announced that firms transferring Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies must collect details of payers and payees to help regulators prevent the flow of dirty money.
Crypto Scams Have Swindled At Least $1B From Nearly 50,000 People Since 2021 - FTC
Despite crypto penetrating the masses from Bitcoin ATMs to Super Bowl ads, scams in this sector have been going through the roof because more than $1 billion has been lost since 2021, according to a study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
PayPal Confirms Its Plan to Develop Cryptocurrency Capabilities in its Letter to the European Commission
In a letter to the European Commission in March 2020, payment giant PayPal has now confirmed that has it is actively working to bring cryptocurrencies capabilities on its platform. In the detailed letter, PayPal said that it has taken tangible and unilateral steps to further develop its capabilities in the cryptocurrency space.
Crypto Debit Card Issuer Wirecard Missing Over $2 Billion in Cash as Auditor Raises Questions
Wirecard announced that it is missing $2.1 billion after auditors Ernst & Young raised questions.
Regulatory Pressure and Operational Challenges: Huobi Faces Penalties, Hotbit Suspends Operations
In an unexpected turn of events in the crypto industry, two cryptocurrency exchanges - Huobi Global and Hotbit - face substantial roadblocks.
Microsoft Ventures into Nuclear Energy to Power AI Development
Microsoft is venturing into nuclear energy to support its growing AI and cloud computing needs. The company has posted a job listing for a Principal Program Manager in Nuclear Technology, focusing on the development of an energy strategy based on SMRs and microreactors. While this move aims to address the energy-intensive nature of AI models, it also raises questions about the environmental and logistical challenges associated with nuclear energy.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Touts Cryptocurrency’s Potential Amid a COVID-19 Digital Normal
The Securities Commission of Malaysia backs cryptocurrency use and says it has great potential, despite a lack of understanding regarding digital assets in the country.
Mercedes Partners with Blockchain Company to Track Carbon Emission in Cobalt Supply Chain
A collaboration between the major car manufacturers, Mercedes Benz and Circular, a Blockchain Startup to carry out a combined program which would be for the purpose of tracing the emissions of carbon in the cobalt supply chain.
Paxos’ Blockchain Settlement Platform Goes Live with Settling Credit Suisse and Instinet Trades
New York-regulated stablecoin issuer, Paxos, launched its blockchain-based settlement platform, after announcing the service in late 2019. The new service enables settlement of US-listed equity trades between broker-dealers Swiss financial services firm Credit Suisse and Nomura Group-backed Instinet.
Spanish Renewable Energy Firm Partners with Climate Blockchain Initiatives to Boost Carbon Offset Sales on Blockchain
Acciona, a leading Spanish renewable energy company, has joined hands with Climate Blockchain Initiatives (CBI), a Valencia-based startup, to boost the sale of its carbon offsets using the latter’s blockchain-powered trading platform.
Facebook Diem Project to Launch USD Stablecoin after Dropping Swiss License Application Plan
Diem Association is planning to move its main operations from Switzerland to the United States.
Switzerland’s Sygnum Crypto Bank Launches Swiss Franc-Backed Stablecoin to Facilitate Trading of Financial Assets
Sygnum, a Swiss-based crypto bank, has launched a fiat-based stable coin, DCHF token, tied to the Swiss Franc, in an effort to increase transaction efficiency by enabling faster payment when trading financial assets.
IOSCO Releases Landmark Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), a leading international body of securities regulators, recently published an influential report titled 'Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets Consultation Report.'
Ether’s Net Issuance Dropped from Over 4% to 0.21% Last Week
Ethereum's supply continues to diminish based on the London Hardfork or EIP-1559 upgrade.
Hong Kong SFC Warns Against Crypto Entities HongKongDAO and BitCuped for Suspected Fraud
The SFC of Hong Kong warns against HongKongDAO and BitCuped for suspected fraud, blocking their websites and extending caution to other virtual asset platforms.
Sberbank Executive Touts Blockchain for Russia
Sberbank executive Alexander Vedyakhin believes blockchain technology could help Russia solve current settlement issues, offering new capabilities for payment systems.
CFTC Demands $572 Million in Penalty and Restitution for Bitcoin Scam, Defendant Nowhere to be Found
US CFTC demanded that the founder of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency scam company Control-Finance pay $572 million in penalty and restitution fees for Bitcoin fraud.
Taiwan's Major Crypto Exchanges Form Association to Align with Upcoming Regulations
Taiwan's major crypto exchanges form an industry association to align with upcoming regulations by the Financial Supervisory Commission. The association aims to serve as a unified voice for the industry and facilitate effective communication with the government.
Marathon Digital Admits to Mining an Invalid Bitcoin Block
Marathon Digital Holdings encountered a setback as it mined an invalid block on the Bitcoin network due to an internal bug amidst an operational optimization experiment. The company acknowledged the error and praised Bitcoin's self-corrective security measures.
Switzerland Begins Consultation Before Finalizing its Proposed Blockchain Law Amendments
Switzerland announced it has initiated a consultation process ahead of its plans to effect amendments in its extant laws to accommodate blockchain technology
Could Twitter Bitcoin Hack Have Been Prevented? Twitter Faces Heat From SEC
There is ongoing speculation that the massive Bitcoin hack that overtook Twitter on July 15 could have been prevented if Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and his multi-billion dollar social networking company had taken matters into their own hands and addressed the security concerns outlined by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2015.
Worldcoin (WLD) Investigated by South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission
Amidst privacy concerns, South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission has launched an investigation into Worldcoin's data collection practices.
BlackRock and SEC Discuss iShares Bitcoin Trust Listing on Nasdaq
The SEC is reviewing multiple proposals for iShares Bitcoin Trust's listing as a spot Bitcoin ETF on Nasdaq, marking a significant step in mainstream cryptocurrency acceptance.
The Likelihood that Ripple Will Win the Legal Battle against the SEC over XRP May Be Promising
As the pretrial court date between Ripple and the Securities and Exchange Commission is rapidly approaching, the outcome of XRP still remains uncertain.
Exclusive: LabCFTC's Melissa Netram Talks Advancing Policy and Regulation in FinTech and Blockchain Through Times of Crisis
The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) established LabCFTC as an initiative under the General Counsel’s office in 2017 aimed at promoting FinTech innovation and competition. The office has been very active with over 400 different private meetings held with innovators in the last three years. In addition, LabCFTC has published three primers in the marketplace based on their understanding of smart contracts, artificial intelligence, and crypto-assets.
Bittrex Faces Potential Legal Action from US SEC
Bittrex, a US-based cryptocurrency exchange, may face legal action from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over alleged violations related to investor protection, despite preparing to shut down its local operations.
Italian Banking Association Chose Decentralized Blockchain Route
The Italian Banking Association, Associazione Bancaria Italiana (ABI), chose to leverage the blockchain-based system Spunta, as they could not identify an appropriate single actor to run a centralized system.
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Bitcoin Dark Web Chemical Weapon Purchase
A 45-year-old man from Columbia, Missouri pled guilty yesterday in a US federal court to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of attempting to acquire a chemical weapon—via the dark web using Bitcoin.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Legalizes Digital Asset and Crypto Trading
Malaysia’s Securities Commission, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with Islamic laws in finance, has allowed trading of digital assets.
Signum Digital Receives Approval for Security Token Offering Platform
Signum Digital, a joint venture of Coinstreet and Somerley, has received approval-in-principle from Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for its security token offering platform called CS-Pro. The platform will allow investment in tangible assets such as private equities, real estate, art, and collectibles.
Commissioners Dissent on SEC's NFT Enforcement Action on Stoner Cats 2, LLC
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dissented on its enforcement action against Stoner Cats 2, LLC's non-fungible token (NFT) settlement. The Commissioners argue that the Howey investment contract analysis lacks a limiting principle and could stifle artists' creativity due to legal uncertainties. They call for clear guidelines for artists and creators using NFTs to support their creative endeavors and engage with fan communities.
Ethereum Scarcity Increases as Net Daily Issuance Hits a 2-Month Low
The daily net issuance in the Ethereum network continues to drop, signifying a supply deficit.
South Korea May Reconsider Stance on Bitcoin ETFs
South Korea's Presidential Office has urged the Financial Services Commission to reconsider its stance on Bitcoin ETFs, indicating a potential shift in the country's cryptocurrency regulation, following initial warnings against U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Nissan Expands Web3 Efforts with Trademarks and Metaverse Auto Sales
Nissan has filed four new Web3-related trademarks in the US and is experimenting with auto sales in the metaverse in Japan. The trademarks cover its Infiniti, Nismo, and Nissan brands and include plans for virtual goods and a nonfungible token (NFT) marketplace. Nissan Japan is conducting a three-month "demonstration experiment" of its virtual store "Nissan Hype Lab," allowing customers to "study, consult, test drive and purchase Nissan vehicles" while in the metaverse. The company's moves are in line with other car manufacturers, including General Motors and Ford, who have also been actively filing trademark applications for Web3, crypto, NFTs, and the metaverse.
SEC Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda Disagree on Impact Theory Enforcement Action
The US SEC has launched its first enforcement action against Impact Theory, LLC, for raising $30 million through an unregistered offering of NFTs disguised as securities, despite Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda arguing for clearer regulations.
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.
Former Nissan CEO Paid Crypto Worth $500,000 to Flee Financial Charges in Japan
Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan Motors CEO and chairman, paid cryptocurrency worth nearly $500,000 to escape criminal charges he was facing in Japan. This payment was made by his son Anthony Ghosn to American citizen Peter Taylor
Bitcoin Futures Exchange BitMEX to Block Ontario Crypto Traders
Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange BitMEX announced today that it planned on removing its trading platform services from a Canadian province.
First Crypto Fund Approved by Hong Kong’s Financial Regulator Aims to Pass $100M in its First Year
Hong Kong’s first approved cryptocurrency fund, Arrano Capital, the blockchain arm of Venture Smart Asia announced its rollout of a new Bitcoin fund in Hong Kong.
Twitter Says Bitcoin Hack Originated From Phone Phishing Attack
On Thursday, Twitter provided an update addressing the massive Bitcoin hack that overtook its platform earlier this month.
Blockchain Brings Monetary and Financial Freedom
We look at three key aspects (money form, money issuance, and the flow of money) of our monetary and financial system where the blockchain technology may have a major impact
UK Launches Global Crypto Law Review as it Considers Legal Reforms
The Law Commission of England and Wales will explore legal proceedings from other countries to create its own crypto-based legal reforms
Beijing Releases Web 3.0 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023) at Zhongguancun Forum
On May 27, 2023, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Management Committee unveiled the "Beijing Web 3.0 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023)" at the parallel forum of the Zhongguancun Forum titled "Web 3.0: Future Development of the Internet Industry."
Fed Chair Powell Asserts Money Supply is for Central Banks not Private Sector
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell asserted that the private sector has no place in money issuance and by extension the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
European Commission Eyes Crypto Regulatory Framework with New Digital Finance Package
The European Commission (EC) has unveiled a digital finance package that highlights legislative proposals on crypto assets and digital resilience.
Panda DAO to Refund Investors as it Explores Protocol Dissolution
Panda DAO, a Decentralized Autonomous Organization, is putting forth a proposal to dissolve its treasury and repay its investors if the proposal is passed.
Avalanche Launches Avaissance to Boost NFT Ecosystem
The Avalanche Foundation has announced the launch of Avaissance, an initiative aimed at supporting digital artists and growing the Avalanche NFT ecosystem. The program includes an Artist in Resident program for over 50 artists and the Mona Lisa Initiative to curate digital art and expand the collections of art-focused DAOs. In other news, Ticketmaster has announced a new feature, token-gated ticket sales, allowing artists to reward NFT holders with exclusive benefits. Popular NFT artist Patrick Amadon withdrew his work from a major auction house to protest a lack of female representation. Sony Interactive Entertainment filed a patent for a framework allowing users to transfer and utilize NFTs across multiple game platforms.
EU Lawmakers Urged to Speed Up Passage of Crypto Law
Controversial provisions of the MiCA framework aim to simplify the rise of crypto businesses across the EU's 27 member nations.
CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz: US SEC Has No Authority Over Cryptocurrencies
The recent heated debate between the US SEC officials and the CFTC over who should police crypto tokens highlights the difficulty in applying existing regulations to the nascent sector.
Malaysian Authorities to Extend Crypto Regulations to Wallet Providers
The Malaysian Securities Commission plans to extend crypto regulations to wallet providers in the country owing to their importance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
KuCoin and Founders Charged with Bank Secrecy Act and Money Transmission Offenses
KuCoin, along with its founders Chun Gan and Ke Tang, has been charged with violating the Bank Secrecy Act and operating an unlicensed money transmission business, allegedly allowing its platform to be used for money laundering and terrorist financing.
Facebook’s Libra Move to Apply for Swiss Regulator FINMA License: A Failed Permissionless Network?
Libra is moving away from its original plan of permissionless digital currency, widely accessible for the public, due to ongoing unprecedented hardship. Libra will be moving towards a coin that would be subject to foreign exchange controls and regulations.
SEC Commissioner & ‘Crypto Mom’ Hester Peirce Suggests Plan to Determine Whether an Asset is a Security
“Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce is not the biggest fan of using the Howey Test to determine whether crypto assets are securities.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler Asks Congress to Regulate Crypto Exchanges
Gary Gensler, the chairman of the SEC, has urged US Congress to create a regulatory framework for crypto exchanges in the United States.
ASIC Bans BitConnect National Executive for His Part in Multi-Billion Dollar Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has officially banned a former National Representative of BitConnect from providing financial services for seven years.
Nissan and Toyota Enter the Metaverse in Grand Style
Japanese auto giants Nissan and Toyota have entered the metaverse, aiming at occupying a bigger proportion of the vehicles market.
Fidelity Investments Seeks Approval for a US Bitcoin ETF
The US asset management giant, Fidelity Investments, applies for a Bitcoin ETF in the U.S.
Feeling Left Out? EU Establishes Approximately €400m Blockchain & AI Fund
The European Commission and European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched a €2B fund to be invested in fundamental technologies. Nearly €300-€400M will be invested in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) amid fears that China and the US are setting a precedent in these areas.
FTX EU Launches Website for Customer Withdrawal Requests
FTX EU has launched a website for European customers to submit withdrawal requests following the global trading platform's collapse and bankruptcy in November 2022. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission reportedly approved the new website domain name, which will only be used to pay back impacted customers and will not offer any products or services.
Co-Founder of AirBit Club Sentenced to 12 Years for Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
Pablo Renato Rodriguez, co-founder of AirBit Club, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a global cryptocurrency pyramid scheme. Co-defendants await sentencing, and the group has been ordered to forfeit approximately $100 million in assets.
Greenidge Commits to Being 100% Carbon Neutral for Its Bitcoin Mining Facility Starting June 2021
Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc. plans to offset all carbon emissions from its Bitcoin mining facility, starting June 1st, 2021.
Musk Requests Dismissal of $258 Billion Dogecoin Pyramid Scheme Lawsuit
Elon Musk and his legal team have requested the dismissal of a $258 billion lawsuit accusing him of operating a pyramid scheme to promote the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. Musk's lawyers dismissed the lawsuit as a "fanciful work of fiction" in a federal court hearing on March 31.
Taiwan's Legislature Considers Virtual Asset Management Bill to Protect Consumers
The Taiwanese Legislature is deliberating on a new Virtual Asset Management Bill aimed at fostering better consumer protection and industry oversight. The bill, seen as moderate, outlines pragmatic mandates for VASPs while leaving room for further regulatory fine-tuning, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
European Commission Takes Aim at AI-Generated Disinformation Ahead of Elections
The European Commission mandates major tech platforms to detect AI-generated content to shield European elections from misinformation, highlighting a robust approach towards maintaining democratic integrity.
Helium's HNT Token Lists on SwissBorg
The Helium Foundation has listed its HNT token on SwissBorg, expanding the Helium Network's reach to over 700,000 users, promoting decentralization and accessibility.
Hong Kong Security Chief Vows to Hunt Down JPEX Crypto Scam Ringleaders
Hong Kong authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the key operators behind JPEX, a cryptocurrency platform implicated in the city's largest alleged financial fraud. The police have arrested 15 individuals and seized assets worth HK$85 million ($10.8 million). Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the need for a proper regulatory framework for Web3-related businesses.
Volvo Cars Invests in London-based Blockchain Firm to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Footprint
Volvo Cars, a leading Swedish car manufacturer, has invested in Circulor, a London-based blockchain company majoring in industrial supply chains. It sealed the deal through its venture capital investment arm called the Volvo Cars Tech Fund.
US SEC Chair Gary Gensler: Coinbase and Other Crypto Exchanges Must Register with Agency
After raising concerns over Coinbase’s lending product, US SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has once again reiterated that cryptocurrency exchanges should register with the commission.
Lamborghini Ventures into NFTs with New Collection
Italian luxury car manufacturer Lamborghini is launching its own Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collection to cement its foothold in the emerging digital art world.
IPCC Concerns Energy-Intensive Crypto Mining as Risk of Climate Change
The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from the United Nations concerns the carbon footprint and its energy consumption produced by crypto mining.
UK's ICO to Investigate OpenAI CEO's Worldcoin Project
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) announced on July 25, 2023, that it plans to initiate an investigation into Worldcoin, a project overseen by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The investigation is set to commence shortly after the announcement. ICO is the data regulator in the United Kingdom.
Malaysia’s Financial Regulator Says Binance is Not Authorized to Operate in the Country
The Securities Commission (SC) of Malaysia, the country’s financial regulator, has announced that Binance cryptocurrency exchange is not unauthorized to operate in the country. The financial watchdog has, therefore, put the crypto exchange on the list of unlicensed companies.
Kiss' Gene Simmons and Winklevoss Discuss Bitcoin and Crypto for the Unbanked
Gene Simmons backs cryptocurrency assets and leverages Bitcoin to diversify his investment portfolio.
Canada Security Regulator Approves Three Ethereum ETFs In A Single Day
The Ontario Securities Commission has made history again by approving three Ethereum exchange-traded funds in one day.
Japan’s Financial Regulator Proposes New Legislations, Limiting Stablecoin Issuance to Banks
Japan’s FSA is working on a legislation that is set to be introduced next year. The regulations seek to make it only wire transfer companies and banks can issue stablecoins.
A New World of Money - Blockchain in Human History Series
In this article we take a deep dive in money issuance standard to witness the evolution of money. The evolution of money issuance standard can be summarized in four phases.
Chainlink Price Could be Trading at Under $0.01 if This Happens—Is LINK Overvalued?
Chainlink’s (LINK) price has consolidated to $12.28 at press time. Although LINK has seen a considerable recovery, analysts have not been very bullish.
Missouri Mayor to Airdrop $1,000 in Bitcoin to Cool Valley Residents
Missouri Mayor Jayson Stewart plans to give out $1,000 cash gifts in Bitcoin (BTC) to residents of Cool Valley.
Worldline and Bitcoin Suisse to Revitalize Swiss Point of Sales with Crypto Usage
Worldline, a top European company in the payments and transactional services industry, has struck a deal with Bitcoin Suisse, a notable Swiss crypto financial services firm, to present crypto payment services to Swiss consumers and merchants both in-web shops and in-store.
Binance Partners with Amun to Launch BNB ETP on Swiss SIX Exchange
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has partnered with Switzerland-based exchange-traded product (ETP) Amun to launch the Binance token (BNB) ETP. The BNB ETP is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, SIX under the ticker ABNB and is available for purchase through a bank or brokerage similar to a stock.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Confirmed for Second Term By US Senate, Crypto Mom Will Remain Until 2025
The United States Senate has voted in Commissioner Hester Peirce of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a second term that will see her remain with the regulator until 2025.
CFTC Chairman Heath Tarbert Announces He Will Step Down Early Next Year
Heath Tarbert, the chairman of the U.S CFTC, has announced that he will leave the agency, thus setting the stage for Biden to choose another chairperson.
R3 CTO Explains—Permissionlessness: A Simple Concept With Profound Implications
Consider some of the unusual or unique things about the Bitcoin network. First, if you have an internet connection then you can transact using Bitcoin without needing the services or approval of anybody else to do so. Secondly, if you run a full node, there’s nobody upon whom you must rely to validate any information you receive; you can fully check it for yourself.
Swiss SIX Exchange Launches Bitcoin and Ether Exchange-Traded Product
Fintech firm, Amun and crypto custodian Bitcoin Suisse and announced today of the launch of its Swiss Franc denominated Amun Bitcoin Suisse BTC/ETH exchange-traded product (ETP). This ETP, a combination of Bitcoin and Ether, has gone live on the Swiss stock exchange, SIX.
China Has Kickstarted the Experimentation of a Blockchain Pilot in its Equity Trading Industry
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has kickstarted the experimentation of a blockchain pilot for the equity trading industry in the country. Announced by the Beijing Local Financial Supervision and Administration, CSRC will be assisting the Beijing Equity Trading Center for the blockchain pilot.
Crypto Mining May be Sacrificed as EU Continues to Battle Energy Crisis
With the energy crisis in the EU, member countries may be mandated to halt crypto-mining activities
Switzerland’s New Stablecoin Guidelines: 3 Things You Should Know
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) issued new guidelines for stablecoins added as a supplement to its existing guidelines for initial coin offerings (ICOs) to outline how stablecoins are treated under the Swiss supervisory law.
Coinbase CEO Criticizes Chase UK’s Crypto Transaction Ban
Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, condemns Chase UK's restrictive stance on cryptocurrency transactions, urging UK crypto holders to close their Chase accounts. This move by Chase UK could potentially impede Coinbase's expansion plans in the UK and Europe.
Swiss regulators consider UBS takeover of Credit Suisse to prevent collapse
Swiss regulators are reportedly considering emergency measures to accelerate the acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS, Switzerland's largest bank. The Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority believe that the acquisition is the only way to prevent a collapse in confidence in Credit Suisse following a series of financial scandals.
What Will Gary Gensler’s Confirmation to The Role of SEC Chair Mean for The Crypto Industry?
SEC chairman nominee Gary Gensler testified before the Senate Banking Committee as part of his confirmation hearing.
Canadian Regulator Charges Coinsquare Executives For Crypto Market Manipulation
Coinsquare executives have resigned following a settlement with the Ontario Securities Commission.
ANZ Bank Pushes Customers Towards Digital, Faces Criticism
ANZ Bank is facing criticism as it discontinues withdrawals and deposits from a number of Australian branches to encourage customers to use digital transactions. Critics suggest this could impact older customers and increase vulnerability to technical issues. This decision highlights the gradual shift towards a cashless society in Australia, with cash payments falling from 59% in 2007 to 27% in 2019.
Couple Charged by the SEC for Defrauding 500 Investors in Fraudulent Water-Backed Cryptocurrency Scheme
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has persecuted a former Texan pastor and his spouse for allegedly conning hundreds of innocent investors. The SEC said that the Texas couple used alkaline water-backed crypto, TeshuaCoin, to con the investors.
Thai SEC Bars Crypto Staking & Lender Services after Zipmex’s Bankruptcy
Thai regulator has banned digital asset operators from offering crypto depository services that pay returns to depositors to protect traders and the public from service providers’ business risks.
South Korea Grants Central Bank More Power Over Crypto
The Bank of Korea (BoK) has been given more power to investigate cryptocurrency service providers, including the ability to request transaction data from crypto exchanges. The move comes amid ongoing discussions on virtual asset legislation in South Korea, with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holding the final say on the regulation of the digital asset sector. The two institutions have been at odds for several years over crypto regulations.
Largest Weekly Inflows in Digital Assets in Over a Year, Led by Bitcoin
In a significant shift of sentiment, digital asset investment products experienced their largest single weekly inflows since July 2022, totaling a substantial $199 million, according to CoinShares report. This surge effectively corrected almost half of the prior nine consecutive weeks of outflows, signaling renewed investor confidence in the market.
Judge Considers Dismissing Shaquille ONeal and Naomi Osaka from FTX Lawsuit
A federal judge in Florida is considering dismissing Shaquille O’Neal and Naomi Osaka from the FTX lawsuit due to uncertainty about whether they were served. The judge reprimanded other celebrity defendants for not following proper procedure in requesting a conference extension. A consolidation request by some plaintiffs against FTX was denied, and lawyers for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried noted the possibility of pushing back the criminal trial scheduled for October 2023.
New Money Theory: Understanding the Fundamental Internal and External Factors of Money
Money has always had a fundamental influence on the development of the world and society's values. Money is a major incentive for our economic society. Everybody knows the importance of money, but how money is created and achieves its value still remains a mystery for most people.