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India's Largest Shipping Port Operator Adopts Maersk-IBM Blockchain Platform
In the latest development, India’s largest port operator announced on May 27 it is adopting blockchain technology through its shipping and invoicing business.
Spain’s Tarragona Port Seeks to be Blockchain-Powered
Spain's Tarragona port wants to be among the pioneers to be blockchain-enabled as blockchain technology will save time, reduce costs, increase trust, and present advantages such as transparency, immutability, traceability, efficiency. This will be instrumental in lowering the percentage of errors.
Singapore Exchange Launches SGX iEdge Bitcoin Index and iEdge Ethereum Index with CryptoCompare
Singapore Exchange (SGX) will launch crypto indices—the iEdge Bitcoin Index and iEdge Ethereum Index.
South Korean Watchdogs Request Interpol’s Red Notice against Do Kwon
The controversy surrounding Do Kwon’s whereabouts continues to grow, given that South Korean prosecutors asked Interpol to issue a red notice against the Terraform Labs’ founder.
Commissioner Hester Peirce Agrees with Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Criticism of SEC
Commissioner Hester Peirce, affectionately knowns as ‘CryptoMom’, believes the SEC’s court victory over Telegram was inappropriately reached and has further stifled innovation for the United States.
Germany’s Deutsche Telekom Rolls Out Ethereum Validator Node, Staking Support
Deutsche Telekom is the latest institution to offer Ethereum staking services to its customers.
BNB Holders Transfer Over $400 Million to Binance for Portal Mining
Binance Launchpool's 47th project, Portal (PORTAL), has reportedly attracted over $400 million in BNB transfers in the past 24 hours, with the largest whale sending over $40 million.
Helium Farm's New Mining Plans Promise Lucrative HNT Returns in 2024
Helium Farm unveils three innovative mining plans in 2024, promising attractive returns on HNT. Offering robust services and global reach, the plans are a blend of profitability and security for investors
Magic Eden Halts BRC-20 Trading Temporarily Amid Ordinals Expansion
Magic Eden temporarily suspended BRC-20 trading on October 22, 2023, to ensure user protection until certain BRC-20 regulations were agreed upon. Earlier in June, the platform had extended support for BRC-20 tokens, diving deeper into the Bitcoin ecosystem. Following the halt, trading resumed on July 13, 2023, with a promotional reduction in listing fees to 0.1% for new BRC-20 tokens for a month.
Which Cryptocurrency Was Most Correlated to Rest of the Crypto Market In 2019?
Find out which cryptocurrency was most correlated to the majority of the crypto market in 2019.
Bloomberg Predicts Bitcoin Price to Surge Past $20,000 in 2020, Doubling Last Year’s High
Bloomberg predicted in its recent report that Bitcoin’s price in 2020 could reach double of last year’s high of $14,000. It further suggested that adoption is the primary Bitcoin metric, and Bloomberg takes a positive outlook on this end. Bitcoin’s price has seen a 60% decline in 2014, and at the end of 2016, Bitcoin matched the peak in 2013. If Bitcoin chooses to follow the same trend as 2016, with a 75% decline in 2018, Bitcoin is headed towards $20,000, according to Bloomberg.
Binance employs Trump audit company to check crypto reserves
Mazars audits Binance's proof-of-reserve (PoR). Mazars' U.S. branch was Donald Trump's longstanding accounting firm. The accounting company is apparently evaluating all of Binance's publicly posted Bitcoin PoR information and will validate future upgrades and tokens.
Matrixport Launches New Crypto Products with Fixed Income Investment and the Flexi-Term Investment Product
SINGAPORE - On 18th May 2020, Matrixport will introduce the Fixed Income Investment Product and the Flexi-Term Investment product, where asset security is protected by a risk control mechanism by real crypto assets guaranteed by excess pledge.
Worldcoin Launches Advanced Identity Verification in Singapore
Worldcoin expands to Singapore with World ID verification, following a temporary pause in India due to high demand and regulatory scrutiny.
Singapore State Investor Temasek Joins Libra Association, Facebook’s Global Digital Currency Project
Singapore’s state investor, Temasek Holdings has officially been named a member of the Facebook-backed digital currency project Libra. Temasek as a portfolio value of 313 billion Singapore dollars (roughly $219 billion), making it one of the more prominent backers of Libra. The Libra Association, an independent group based in Switzerland has also welcomed crypto investor Paradigm and Slow Ventures, a private equity firm.
Hong Kong's Crypto Rise: Harbinger for China?
Hong Kong's rising status as a crypto hub amidst regulatory amicability sparks speculations on China's evolving stance towards digital assets. The significant crypto activity in Hong Kong, combined with its thriving Over-The-Counter market, reflects a conducive environment for both institutional and retail crypto engagements. As Hong Kong continues to bolster its crypto market, it might be hinting at China's exploratory approach towards understanding and possibly embracing digital assets in the long term.
London Lawmaker Urges Government to Ban Crypto Ads on Public Transport System
A London Assembly member from the Green Party, Sian Berry, is pushing for a broad crackdown on advertisements featuring digital currencies on the London Transport System.
Crypto Industry Key Topics to be Explored at Blockchain Fest Singapore
There are a number of talks on True Digital Ownership with DeFi & NFTs, Tokenomics, and Insurance in the Crypto Industry that will be part of Blockchain Fest Singapore 2023.
INX to Issue SEC-Regulated CCNA Token, Emphasizing 'Future of Green Automotive Transportation and Logistics' Concept
INX Digital Company, Inc., a US-regulated broker-dealer, ATS, and transfer agent, announced on July 5, 2023, its facilitation of the primary capital raise and issuance of Convertible Concepts Corporation's CCNA Token.
Celsius Had Higher Risk Profile Than Average US Bank: WSJ
A recent report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has revealed that embattled crypto lending platform Celsius Network took on more risk than it could handle.
Binance Delists ALPINE/EUR, GMT/BNB, LAZIO/EUR, POLS/BNB, PORTO/EUR Pairs
Binance to discontinue five spot trading pairs, including ALPINE/EUR, as part of its market quality management.
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.
Paul Tudor Jones' Bet on Bitcoin Supported by CME’s Bitcoin Futures CFTC Data and PwC’s Latest Crypto Report
In an annual report by Elwood Asset Management and consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the value of assets under management at cryptocurrency hedge funds has soared to $2 billion, doubling the value in 2019. Billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones was reportedly looking to buy Bitcoin to hedge against inflation as central banks across the world are printing money to relieve economies affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Singapore Bars Crypto Service Providers for Public Ads
In a bid to protect members of the investing public, the Monetary Authority of Singapore has prohibited all outdoor advertisements for all cryptocurrencies or digital payment tokens (DPT) service providers.
Hedge Funds Battle to Survive After FTX Exchange Collapse
The hedge fund discontinued its CoinShares consumer platform because to high marketing costs.
Venezuela’s Main Airport to Accept Cryptos as Payment for Flight Tickets & Services
Freddy Borges, a director at Simon Bolivar International Airport, said that the airport would accept Dash, Petro alongside Bitcoin for ticket purchases and for other flight services.
Singapore's MAS Unveils Stablecoin Regulatory Framework
Singapore's MAS releases a regulatory framework for stablecoins after public consultation in 2022. It aims to ensure value stability and sets key requirements for issuers.
Portal Debuts on Binance Launchpool for BNB and FDUSD Farming
Binance Launchpool has added cross-chain gaming startup Portal for a new farming event. Users can earn PORTAL tokens by staking BNB and FDUSD over 7 days starting February 22nd. PORTAL will then list on Binance against major trading pairs.
Singapore Employs Blockchain-Enabled Digital Health Passport for Enhanced Medical Data Management
The Singaporean administration teamed up with a local startup to establish a blockchain-powered digital health passport to boost medical records management.
US Toughens Export Controls on Semiconductors to China Amid Military Concerns
The US Department of Commerce tightened export controls on advanced computing semiconductors to China and other countries of concern to address national security threats posed by military modernization. The rules, effective from November 16, 2023, refine the parameters defining restricted chips, introduce a global licensing requirement, and expand controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The update also adds certain PRC entities to the Entity List, requiring a BIS license for foundries manufacturing chips for these entities.
Cryptocurrency Firms Starting to See Singapore as Unhospitable, Nikkei Says
Cryptocurrency companies that were attracted to Singapore for their crypto-friendly stance have begun to realise the difficulty of legally operating in the city-state, Nikkei Asia reported.
Avraham Eisenberg, Mango Markets Exploiter, Charged with Possession of Child Pornography
Avraham Eisenberg, convicted of fraud and market manipulation in a $110 million Mango Markets heist, has been charged with possession of child pornography after discovering explicit images of minors on his electronic devices.
Anichess announces strategic partnership with esports giant Team Secret
Anichess teams up with global esports brand Team Secret to enhance competitive gaming and Web3 connections.
Polkadot (DOT) and Conor Daly Revolutionize Sports Sponsorship
Polkadot and Conor Daly pave the way for decentralized sports sponsorship.
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing NFTs from MetaMask to Immutable Passport
Learn how to transfer NFTs from MetaMask to Immutable Passport with this detailed guide.
New Olympic Video Game ‘Olympics™ Go! Paris 2024’ Set for June Launch
Hybrid sports-simulation game, Olympics™ Go! Paris 2024, launches globally in June 2024.
Gresini Racing and Partners Launch Innovative Fan-Powered Motorsport Sponsorship
Gresini Racing, MotoGP Guru, and SPORTPASS launch a fan-powered sponsorship program.
Riot Platforms Acquires 12% Stake in Bitfarms Ltd., Intends to Propose New Directors
Riot Platforms now holds a 12% stake in Bitfarms Ltd. and plans to nominate new directors to the board.
Riot Platforms Criticizes Bitfarms' Adoption of Poison Pill
Riot Platforms criticizes Bitfarms for adopting a shareholder-unfriendly poison pill plan.
VeChain Foundation Releases Q1 2024 Treasury Report
VeChain Foundation's Q1 2024 Treasury Report reveals strong financial health and strategic investments.
World-Class Athletes Leverage AI and Data for Olympic Training
Top athletes like Jourdan Delacruz harness AI and data tools for optimized training and performance, supported by Microsoft's partnership with Parity.
Chiliz (CHZ) Announces $10,000 Hackathon to Innovate Sports Fan Engagement
Chiliz (CHZ) launches a hackathon challenging developers to create dApps for sports fan engagement, offering a $10,000 grand prize.
Matrixport Secures Spot on Hurun Global Unicorn List 2024
Matrixport, a leading digital assets financial services platform, has been listed on the Hurun Global Unicorn List 2024, highlighting its significant market influence.
Majority of Portuguese World ID Holders Advocate for Worldcoin (WLD)'s Return and AI Innovation
A survey reveals that 90% of World ID holders in Portugal support the return of Worldcoin (WLD) and desire AI innovation.
Fox Corporation to Transition Verify Beta to Polygon (MATIC) CDK-Powered Layer 2
Fox Corporation is upgrading Verify Beta to a dedicated Layer 2 using Polygon (MATIC) CDK, with TIME as the first external partner for content attestation.
Fireblocks Partners with TRES Finance to Enhance Web3 Financial Reporting
Fireblocks collaborates with TRES Finance to streamline Web3 accounting and financial reporting, offering automated solutions to meet regulatory demands.
Riot Platforms Calls for Special Meeting to Overhaul Bitfarms Board
Riot Platforms, owning 14.9% of Bitfarms, has called for a special meeting to nominate three independent directors, aiming for significant changes in Bitfarms' governance.
HKMC Releases 2023 Annual Report Highlighting ESG Initiatives
The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) has published its 2023 Annual Report, focusing on business performance, financial position, and ESG initiatives.
Matrixport Unveils First Private Strategy Trading Competition
Matrixport launches its inaugural private strategy trading competition, offering participants rewards and exclusive privileges.
Riot Platforms Unveils Campaign Website Targeting Bitfarms Board Overhaul
Riot Platforms has launched a new website, www.ABetterBitfarms.com, as part of its efforts to reconstitute the Bitfarms Board of Directors.
Binance Introduces Multi-Validator Withdrawal Verification for Corporate Accounts
Binance enhances security by launching multi-validator withdrawal verification for all corporate accounts with completed KYB.
IOTA Partners with Eviden to Launch Digital Passport Solution
IOTA and Eviden collaborate to introduce the Eviden Digital Passport Solution, a pioneering Digital Product Passport initiative.
GitHub Reports Two Incidents in June 2024 Affecting Service Performance
GitHub's June 2024 report details two incidents causing degraded performance, impacting Issues and Migration services.
Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board Releases Annual Report 2023-2024
The Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board has published its Annual Report for 2023-2024, highlighting key achievements and future enhancement measures.
Influencing PEPE, WIF, LISTA, IO, ZRO, ZK and NOT, Binance to Update Collateral Ratios for Multiple Assets Under Portfolio Margin
Binance announces updates to collateral ratios for various assets under Portfolio Margin, affecting users' Unified Maintenance Margin Ratio (uniMMR).
IOTA Foundation Unveils Q2 2024 Progress Report Highlighting Key Developments
The IOTA Foundation's Q2 2024 Progress Report showcases advancements like the IOTA EVM chain launch, IOTA 2.0 Testnet, and strides in digital identity solutions.
Immutable (IMX) Passport Surpasses 1 Million Sign-ups, Eyes Further Growth
Immutable (IMX) Passport hits 1 million sign-ups, revolutionizing web3 gaming with a user-friendly, non-custodial wallet solution.
Binance to Update Collateral Ratios for Portfolio Margin Assets
Binance will update the collateral ratios for multiple assets under Portfolio Margin on July 30, 2024. The changes may impact users' Unified Maintenance Margin Ratio (uniMMR).
ElevenLabs Expands Language Support to Include Hungarian, Vietnamese, and Norwegian
ElevenLabs announces the addition of Hungarian, Vietnamese, and Norwegian to its language support, now totaling 32 languages, enhancing audio creation capabilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Funding Your Immutable (IMX) Passport
Learn how to fund your Immutable (IMX) Passport for purchasing in-game assets on Immutable X and zkEVM chains with this detailed guide.
HKMA Alerts Public on Fraudulent App Linked to Bank of Singapore
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) warns the public about a fraudulent mobile app associated with Bank of Singapore Limited.
HKMA and Cyberport Unveil GenA.I. Sandbox to Propel A.I. in Finance
The HKMA and Cyberport launch the GenA.I. Sandbox to foster responsible A.I. innovation in the financial sector.
GitHub Reports Four Major Incidents Affecting Services in July 2024
GitHub experienced four significant service disruptions in July 2024, affecting Webhooks, Copilot, and Actions. Learn more about the incidents and mitigation steps.
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Updates on Investment Portfolio
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) releases updates on its investment portfolio, highlighting past and current investments, acquisitions, and public offerings.
Tether Reports Record $5.2 Billion Profit in H1 2024, Achieves Highest Treasury Bill Ownership
Tether's Q2 2024 attestation reveals a record $5.2 billion profit in the first half of 2024, highest-ever treasury bill ownership, and almost $12 billion in consolidated equity.
IOTA and Digimarc Transform Plastic Waste with Digital Product Passports
IOTA and Digimarc introduce Digital Product Passports to enhance transparency in plastic recycling, promoting a circular economy.
The Strategic Importance of Customer Success Teams in AI Product Implementation
Discover how technical customer success and support teams play a critical role in winning and retaining customers, especially in the AI industry.
HKMA Issues Alert on Fraudulent Social Media Account and Phishing Messages
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns the public about a fraudulent social media account and phishing messages related to Bank of Singapore Limited.
HKMC Releases Social Bonds Allocation Update and Impact Report 2024
The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) has published its Social Bonds Allocation Update and Impact Report 2024, detailing the allocation and social impact of bonds issued in 2022 and 2023.
HKMA Alerts Public to Fraudulent Social Media Page Linked to Bank of Singapore
The HKMA has issued a warning about a fraudulent social media page impersonating Bank of Singapore Limited, urging the public to be vigilant.
VanEck's ESPO ETF: Insights into the Gaming and eSports Industry
VanEck's ESPO ETF Q&A highlights the gaming and eSports sector's growth, challenges, and key trends, projecting significant market expansion.
MARA Holdings Appoints New Board Members and Lead Independent Director
MARA Holdings Inc. announces the appointment of Janet George and Barbara Humpton to its board, and Doug Mellinger as lead independent director.
SFC Restricts Kingston Securities to Freeze Client Account Amid Corporate Misconduct Probe
The SFC has issued a restriction notice to Kingston Securities Limited to freeze a client account over suspected corporate misconduct.
SFC Facilitates Distribution of Research Reports for Eligible ETFs under Stock Connect
The SFC announced new arrangements to ease the distribution of research reports for eligible ETFs under the Stock Connect program.
Binance to Update Collateral Ratios for Multiple Assets Under Portfolio Margin
Binance announces an update to the collateral ratios for several assets under Portfolio Margin, effective from October 3, 2024.
Matrixport Launches New Slogan to Enhance Global Crypto Engagement
Matrixport introduces its new slogan, “Invest and Earn Crypto,” highlighting its commitment to providing comprehensive crypto financial services and enhancing user experience globally.
Wormhole Launches Significant Upgrade to Portal V2
Wormhole's Portal V2 upgrade enhances user experience with new transfer routes, faster transactions, and improved UI, facilitating seamless cross-chain asset transfers.
2024 State of Crypto Report Highlights Growth in NFTs, Social Networks, and Prediction Markets
The 2024 State of Crypto Report by a16z crypto reveals shifts in the crypto landscape, including advancements in NFTs, social networks, and prediction markets.
Andreessen Horowitz Updates Investment Portfolio Announcements
Andreessen Horowitz shares its latest investment portfolio updates, cautioning that past results are not indicative of future performance. The list includes current and former portfolio companies.
Binance Eliminates Minimum Wallet Balance for Portfolio Margin Accounts
Binance has removed the 10,000 USDT minimum balance requirement for Portfolio Margin accounts, allowing all users to trade with over 350 collateral assets.
Immutable (IMX) Enhances Web3 Gaming Security with Blockaid Integration
Immutable (IMX) integrates Blockaid's security into Immutable Passport, offering seamless protection for over 380 games and 3 million players in the Web3 gaming ecosystem.
VeChain (VET) Financial Report Highlights Q2-Q3 2024 Performance
VeChain releases its combined Q2-Q3 2024 financial report, showcasing treasury performance, strategic initiatives, and future growth prospects amid regulatory developments.
Binance to Revise Collateral Ratios for Portfolio Margin Assets
Binance announces updates to collateral ratios for multiple assets under Portfolio Margin, effective November 1, 2024. Users are advised to monitor Unified Maintenance Margin Ratio closely.
UBET Revolutionizes Sports Predictions with UAMM Algorithmic Pricing
UBET introduces UAMM, a decentralized algorithmic pricing mechanism for sports prediction markets, offering fairer odds and improved liquidity through blockchain technology.
Fly Wing Secures In-Principle Approval for Major Payment License in Singapore
Fly Wing Technologies, a Matrixport subsidiary, receives in-principle approval from Singapore's MAS for a Major Payment Institution License, enhancing its position in digital payment services.
Team Liquid Unveils MyBlue Fan Platform on Sui Blockchain
Team Liquid launches the MyBlue platform on Sui, offering fans a customizable digital avatar and unique fan engagement experiences, reinforcing their connection to esports.
Corporate Giants Explore Bitcoin (BTC) Treasuries Amid Global Economic Shifts
Major corporations like Tesla and MicroStrategy are adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset, leveraging its deflationary properties as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.
Corporate Adoption of Bitcoin (BTC) Treasuries Gains Momentum
Explore why companies are increasingly adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset, highlighting examples like MicroStrategy and Tesla, and discussing the implications of this trend on global finance.
Matrixport Seeks License for Virtual Asset Services in Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City
Matrixport is applying for a Financial Services Permission Licence to offer virtual asset services in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, enhancing its presence in South Asia.
Bipartisan Support Grows for Key Crypto Issues in the U.S.
U.S. lawmakers from both parties are reaching consensus on essential crypto issues, including regulation, stablecoins, and digital asset innovation, according to a16z crypto.
Exploring the Trillion Dollar Potential in Emerging Markets
Pantera Capital highlights the trillion dollar potential in emerging markets, emphasizing technological advancements and strategic investments as key drivers for economic growth and transformation.
Immutable (IMX) Leads Web3 Gaming with Record Growth and Strategic Partnerships
Immutable (IMX) has been recognized as the fastest-growing blockchain gaming ecosystem in 2024, driven by strategic partnerships and innovative game launches, according to the Game7 Report.
Global Corporations Eye Bitcoin (BTC) for Asset Reserves Amid Inflation Concerns
Major corporations are increasingly considering Bitcoin as a reserve asset to hedge against inflation and economic instability, following the lead of pioneers like MicroStrategy.
May 31: Everyone Wants to be the Broker in Crypto
BTC has managed to get into my sell zone with ETH clearly leading the charts with the triangle breakout getting quite a few technical guys excited. Contrary to this spike, 20k+ ETH Dec 120 puts traded at $8.4 yesterday. So who's gonna be right?
KPMG: Fintech Funding Fades in 2023
The global fintech market experienced its most challenging year since 2017, with investments dropping to $113.7 billion. Singapore's AI fintech sector saw a 77% increase in funding.
Upbit Singapore Secures MAS's MPI Licence
Upbit Singapore receives a Major Payment Institution license from MAS, marking a key step in its expansion and compliance with Singapore's regulatory standards in the digital asset sector.
Chiliz (CHZ) Chain Announces Tokenomics 2.0 with Inflation Model and Burn Mechanism
Chiliz Chain introduces Tokenomics 2.0, enhancing utility and blockchain longevity with an 8.80% base rate and token burn mechanism, aiming for a minimum annual yield of 5.72% APY.
Revolut Adds 29 New Tokens to Serve Clients in US
British fintech giant Revolut has announced the addition of 29 new tokens to serve its clients.
Singapore Financial Regulator Says Crypto Rules Must Be Strict but Clear
Singapore Central Bank calls for clarity but maintains strict crypto regulations.
Singapore to Charge Income Tax on NFT Trading, says FM Lawrence Wong
In Asia, Singapore extends tax charging on NFT transactions, local media reports.
Coinbase Report: New York Emerges as a Hub for Crypto Innovation and Adoption
Coinbase's report highlights New York's growing role in crypto, with 19% of residents owning crypto and a surge in blockchain initiatives. The state is seen as a hub for crypto innovation.
CoinLedger Joins Forces with MetaMask for Streamlined Crypto Tax Reporting
MetaMask and CoinLedger collaborate to simplify tax reporting for users, integrating automatic tax features into the MetaMask Portfolio.
Lightning Labs and Tari Labs agree to halt Taro protocol development
Lightning Labs and Tari Labs agreed to halt the development of the Taro protocol, after a temporary restraining order was converted into a preliminary injunction by the courts. The order was issued due to Tari Labs' claims that the name Taro infringed on its trademark rights. Lightning Labs is now unable to update or announce any milestones of the protocol until a court decision is reached.
American Premium Water Corporation Acquires Crypto Mining Company CloudX
American Premium Water Corporation announced the acquisition of cryptocurrency mining and staking company CloudXchange DataCentre Inc. (“CloudX”) for $45.6 million.
Singapore FinTech Association Enabling the Shift Towards Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia
The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) was founded in November 2016 by the founding president, Chia Hock Lai. The association is a cross-industry nonprofit initiative, aiming to facilitate collaboration in the ecosystem between market participants and stakeholders in the FinTech industry. Blockchain.News interviewed Chia Hock Lai to find out more about the leading association in Singapore.
Singapore Regulator MAS is Exploring Use of Cases in Digital Assets
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched Project Guardian, a sandbox initiative that is set to explore a number of defined use cases with respect to asset tokenization on the blockchain.
DOJ Wants to Bypass End-to-End Encryption to Fight Child Sexual Exploitation – Cause for Concern for Tech?
US government officials want to bypass encryption on websites, under allegations that child sexual exploitation runs unmonitored on strongly encrypted platforms.
Cryptocurrency Has No Inherent Worth, But Creates Trading Opportunities for Businesses, Says Man Group CEO
Luke Ellis, the CEO of Man Group, admitted that cryptocurrencies have no inherent value, but their volatility makes them good trading instruments.
PSV Eindhoven Secures Sponsorship Deal with Total Payments to be Made in Bitcoin
PSV Eindhoven has inked a new sponsorship deal with the total amount to be paid through Bitcoin.
New York Times Square Billboard Demands Release of Silk Road Darknet Drug Trafficker
A billboard in Times Square has been hired by the ‘Free Ross’ movement as part of a campaign to release the Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road drug trafficking marketplace on the darknet.
Crypto Exchange Bybit and E-sports Organization Astralis Reach a Three-year Cooperation Agreement
The cryptocurrency exchange Bybit announced a three-year cooperation agreement with the e-sports organization Astralis, aiming to expand the connection of cryptocurrency in the e-sports industry.
Revolut Launches Cryptocurrency Exchange Services in Singapore
British Fintech firm Revolut has launched a digital currency trading service in Singapore amid a tightening regulation from regulators.
Proposal to Amend Cryptocurrency Leverage Regulations in Japan
JCBA has proposed to JVCEA to amend the leverage ratio regulations in cryptocurrency margin trading, advocating for the application of corporate leverage calculation methods to individual transactions as well. The proposal aims to align the crypto market's leverage regulations with other derivative markets and possibly re-attract users who shifted to overseas exchanges for higher leverage.
Spain To Draft New Bill That Will Enforce Full Crypto Holding Disclosure From Citizens
Spain is drafting a bill that will make it mandatory for crypto asset holders to disclose the value of their assets for tax purposes.
May 7: The Traders' War... New vs Seasoned...
Bitcoin is now up close to 3% past 24 hours as it spiked through $9400 for a bit even as U.S. equities traded poorly, leaving me with the thesis that BTC is starting to break away from moving in lockstep with S&P 500 until and after the havling event. In fact, the 1-year rolling correlation between Gold and Bitcoin is nearing all-time high, so we could start seeing it behave more like Digital Gold.
Circle Unable to Withdraw $3.3 Billion from SVB, Causing USDC Sell-Off
Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), was unable to withdraw $3.3 billion of its $40 billion reserves from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), leading to a sell-off that caused the stablecoin's value to drop below its $1 peg. Circle initiated a wire transfer to remove the funds from SVB as the FDIC-insured bank was about to shut operations, but the transfer was not wholly processed, leaving $3.3 billion of USDC reserves with SVB. Dante Disparte, Circle's chief strategy officer, warned that SVB's failure could have broader implications for the US economy.
Cyberport’s flagship VC event returns to guide investors and entrepreneurs in the new normal of tech venturing
Cyberport Venture Capital Forum (CVCF), Cyberport’s annual tech investment event, will return on 3-4 November. This year’s event will be held in a virtual and interactive format for the first time, covering how the tech venture ecosystem has been reshaped under the new normal for investors, enterprises and technopreneurs. The two-day virtual forum will gather more than 50 global venture capital (VC) experts to examine key silver linings through a plethora of illuminating keynotes and panel discussions. Furthermore, over 80 virtual booths will be set up for start-ups to showcase innovative tech solutions as part of a comprehensive platform to connect start-ups with investors for power pitching and provide extensive opportunities to explore tech venturing dynamics.
The UK is a step closer to launching a central bank digital currency
The Bank of England thinks crypto stablecoins and a central-bank-issued "digital pound" might coexist.
Deutsche Bank Ignored Suspicious Activity of Child Sex Trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, Bitcoin Community Screams Hypocrisy
The NY State Department of Financial Services has slapped Deutsche Bank with a $150 million dollar fine, Bitcoin Community has been quick to call out the institutional bank’s shortcomings in funding international sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
US Senate Introduces DEFIANCE Act to Combat AI-Generated Nonconsensual Deepfakes
The US Senate has proposed the DEFIANCE Act in response to the increasing spread of AI-created, nonconsensual explicit imagery, exemplified by recent deepfake incidents involving Taylor Swift. This bill aims to provide legal recourse for victims and criminalize the production and distribution of such content.
Bitcoin family Taihuttus Immigrates to Crypto Tax Haven Portugal
According to CNBC’s February 6 report, “Bitcoin family” Taihuttus immigrated to crypto tax haven Portugal due to a 0% tax on cryptocurrencies.
Singapore Unveils Ambitious National AI Strategy 2.0 for Future-Ready Innovation
Singapore's updated National AI Strategy 2.0, launched on Dec 4, focuses on expanding AI talent to 15,000, building an AI community hub, and integrating AI across various sectors for public good.
Matrixport: Bitcoin to Hit $50,000 with Imminent Spot ETF Approval
Matrixport predicts Bitcoin price rise to $50,000 due to Bitcoin Spot ETF approval, institutional investment, and market changes. Long-term target $125,000 based on historical data and positive market dynamics.
Google's Imagen 2 Unveiled: Revolutionizing Text-to-Image AI Technology
Google's latest updates to Bard introduce image generation, multilingual support with Gemini Pro, enhanced coding assistance, and broader accessibility, showcasing significant advancements in AI-driven creativity and user interaction.
Singapore Regulators and Banks Develop Crypto Customer Screening Standards
Singapore's monetary authority and police forces are collaborating with traditional banks to optimize their procedures for opening accounts for digital asset service providers. After six months, results and conclusions for risk management and due diligence will be published. The guidelines will cover stablecoins, NFTs, and transferable gaming or streaming credits, with banks reserving the right to make decisions based on their own risk assessment.
Vitalik Buterin's Insightful Financial Advice for a Prudent Portfolio
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin advises on prudent financial strategies, emphasizing diversification, savings for financial safety, a conservative portfolio, and caution against over-leveraging, blending traditional and modern investment insights.
Square Reaches $3.5 Billion in Bitcoin Revenue in First Quarter of 2021
Square has reported a profit of $3.51 billion in Bitcoin for the first quarter of 2021.
Singapore Passes Law to Regulate VASPs Operating Abroad
Singapore-based Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPs) which do their business offerings or products abroad are now required to secure licensing from the relevant authorities.
Vodafone DAB and Chainlink Labs Unveil Blockchain Solution to Streamline Global Trade
Vodafone's Digital Asset Broker and Chainlink Labs, in partnership with Sumitomo Corporation and InnoWave, have developed a proof of concept to improve the global trade ecosystem. The initiative aims to facilitate the seamless exchange of trade documents across various platforms and blockchains, reducing fragmentation and inefficiencies. The collaboration uses Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol for security and interoperability, paving the way for smart contract, blockchain, and AI applications.
Brazilian E-sport's Team MIBR Partners with Bybit
Brazilian esports team MIBR has announced a partnership and sponsorship deal with crypto exchange Bybit for the next three years.
Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy to Dump Bitcoin and Chainlink (LINK) After $25,000 Loss
Dave Portnoy announced that he is done with cryptocurrency and Bitcoin after undergoing a loss of $25,000 due to market crash.
Block's AUD$3M Investment Boosts Indigenous Business Sector in Australia
Block Inc. invests AUD$3 million in First Australians Capital's new fund, supporting Indigenous businesses in Australia, aiming to empower entrepreneurs, foster economic growth, and create community wealth.
MetaMask Launches "Buy Crypto" Feature
MetaMask has launched a new feature allowing users to purchase crypto with fiat currency directly from its Portfolio Dapp. The "Buy Crypto" feature will enable MetaMask users to purchase a wide range of cryptocurrencies using various payment methods, and it takes into account several factors such as user location and local regulations. The funds will then be deposited directly into the user’s MetaMask wallet.
Hong Kong, Singapore Sees Diverging Approaches to Retail Crypto Trading
Hong Kong is planning to shift to a friendlier approach towards cryptocurrencies starting next year, according to a Bloomberg report, while neighbouring Singapore is planning to impose fresh restrictions on consumers.
Binance Fan Token Announces PORTO Trading Competition
Binance Fan Token has launched the PORTO Trading Competition, offering users the chance to trade on PORTO spot trading pairs and earn up to $750 in PORTO Gift Cards. New users can also receive a $5 PORTO Gift Card for registering using the "PORTOTC" referral code or link, totaling $7,500.
Bitcoin Has Added Over $300 Billion to Its Market Cap in 2020
The fourth quarter of 2020 has been crucial for Bitcoin and has shifted its narrative entirely.
Kaspersky Report: Bitcoin Crime to Rise in 2021 Due to Covid-19 Induced Poverty
According to a new Kaspersky report, the coronavirus pandemic will increase cases of crypto and Bitcoin crimes in 2021.
Hong Kong Outlines New Rules For Crypto Futures ETF Issuers
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, on Monday, published a detailed circular of the requirements exchange-traded fund managers need to meet to list their crypto products in the city.
South Korean Court Apprehends Crypto Assets of “Nth Room” Ringleader
A South Korean court has frozen 15 cryptocurrency wallets belonging to Cho Ju-bin, the orchestrator of the “Nth Rooms” scandal. It came to the limelight following a national outcry following the sexual exploitation of underage girls by Cho Ju-bin and his team who was named and paraded through the Korean streets to face the public in March.
Singapore Crypto Lender Hodlnaut Suspends Withdrawals, Citing Tough Market Conditions
Hodlnaut on Monday suspended all withdrawals, swaps, and deposits on its platform and said it is exploring potential recovery plans options.
Betmatch Employs Blockchain to Revolutionize Sports Betting
Betmatch views blockchain as the perfect technology needed in revolutionizing the sports betting sector based on the decentralized ledger network availed. Blockchain will provide every bettor with optimal transparency as he/she can see the entire bet terms.
Dave Portnoy Offers to be The Savior of Bitcoin and Chainlink (LINK), Angering Crypto Twitter
After declaring that he may be quitting crypto trading altogether, Dave Portnoy is now hinting that he will “save Bitcoin and crypto.”
Malaysia's National Stock Exchange Conducts Blockchain PoC to Digitize Bond Market
Malaysia’s national stock exchange, Bursa Malaysia will conduct a blockchain Proof-of-Concept (PoC) dubbed "Project Harbour" to explore the DLT management of the country’s bonds market.
SlowMist Reports Surge in Diverse Crypto Security Incidents for the Week of September 17-23, 2023
SlowMist, a cybersecurity firm specializing in blockchain, released its weekly security report for the week of September 17-23, 2023. The report highlights a total of seven security incidents with an estimated loss of around $380,600. The week saw a significant rise in phishing attacks and rug pull tactics, as well as the emergence of diverse attack methods like DNS hijacking and contract vulnerabilities.
SBI Holdings to Launch Investment Fund for Emerging Companies like Web3, AI, and Metaverse Startups
SBI Holdings plans to invest 100 billion yen in startups focusing on Web3, AI, and metaverse, with financial institutions supporting Japan's goal to nurture its startup ecosystem and enhance its Asian startup hub position.
Crypto Companies Will Reportedly Have No Presence During Super Bowl LVII
In 2022, major crypto businesses released Super Bowl LVI ads, but at least four 2023 agreements failed to reach the endzone.
Crypto.com Partners with Leading Tax Providers to Simplify Reporting Process
Crypto.com, a pioneering payment and cryptocurrency platform, has partnered with three reputable tax providers namely, Token Tax, CryptoTrader Tax, and CoinTracker for simplified tax reporting with the click of a button. This decision was arrived at following requests by the Crypto.com community to be tax compliant.
U.S. Seizes $1.4M in Tether Linked to Tech Support Scam Targeting Elderly
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago has seized approximately $1.4 million in Tether (USDT) linked to an alleged tech support scam that primarily targeted elderly victims across the United States.
NCR Corporation Acquires Crypto ATM Provider LibertyX to Introduce a Complete Digital Currency Solution
Atlanta-based leading enterprise technology provider NCR Corporation in Georgia State announced the acquisition of cryptocurrency software provider & cryptocurrency ATM provider LibertyX.
Freeport Launches Crowd-Ownership Platform for Warhol Prints
Freeport has received SEC approval to launch its crowd-ownership blockchain platform for a four-piece collection of Warhol prints, with each piece consisting of 10,000 shares and a minimum purchase of 10 shares per individual.
Fox Corporation and Polygon Unveil "Verify for Blockchain-Based Content Authentication
Fox Corporation partners with Polygon to launch 'Verify', a blockchain-based tool for authenticating digital content. Verify aims to combat AI-generated media and deepfakes, ensuring the integrity of media content in the digital age.
Litecoin Trading Volume Spikes 55% After Pornhub Adds LTC As New Payment Method
The transaction volume of Litecoin spiked by 55% two days after Pornhub added LTC as a new mode of payment.
Bitcoin, Crypto and Porn: Will the Adult Industry Boost the Market?
The adult porn industry is a massive sector. Will it give crypto adoption a boost in the right direction? With many coins already in use, what has happened?
Crypto Exchange Zipmex Granted 3-Month Protection from Singapore Court against Creditors
Zipmex, Asia's leading digital asset exchange, said it had won creditor protection from the Singapore High Court for more than three months, gaining time to address liquidity issues.
Shinhan bank Opens Door to Corporate Crypto Accounts, Paving the Way for Institutional Adoption
As the first domestic lender on South Korean soil, Shinhan Bank has rolled out real-name corporate accounts to enable transactions from cash to crypto based on its partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Korbit.
MAS Proposes Open and Interoperable Framework for Digital Asset Networks
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has unveiled a comprehensive report introducing a framework for the design of open and interoperable networks for digital assets.
Portland Trail Blazers Pairs with StormX as the First NBA Crypto Jersey Patch Partner
Cryptocurrency platform StormX announced that the company will conduct a jersey patch advertising transaction with Portland Trail Blazers.
Russian Citizens Are Using P2P Bitcoin Markets to Escape Monolithic Banking System
Crypto usage is growing in Russia, despite attempts by the government to make investment more difficult.
DLT is Becoming Mainstream Among Financial Market Participants - Citi
According to a recent white paper by American multinational investment bank, Citi, the mainstream adoption of distributed ledger technology (DLT) is now growing rapidly among the financial market infrastructures and global market participants.
Singaporean Police Force Claims Do Kwon is Not in Singapore
The Singapore Police force has made it known that Kwon is not in Singapore. This statement comes after a Spokesperson claimed that Kwon and five other individuals were issued an arrest warrant and were hiding in Singapore to avoid arrest
FCA Extends Temporary Registration Deadline for Selected Crypto Firms
Some crypto businesses have been offered additional time in order to make it onto the full register to meet requirements from the UK regulator.
BIS builds out "game-changing" blueprint for the future monetary and financial system
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is set to redefine the global financial landscape with its newly released blueprint for a futuristic monetary system.
FinCEN Issues Alert to Counter Financing to Hamas and its Terrorist Activities
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued an alert to financial institutions, urging vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious activities related to the financing of the terrorist organization Hamas. The alert comes in the wake of a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which was funded through various means, including virtual currency.
Horizon Kinetics Bets on Bitcoin as Inflation Bites
Horizon Kinetics, a US-based investment firm, is the latest to bet on Bitcoin as an inflation hedge, saying that the company is playing their bets on two hedges against inflation: property and cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin.
Beyond Startups—Championing for an Ecosystem to Drive Blockchain Forward
Tribe Accelerator is Singapore’s first government-backed blockchain accelerator, on a mission to bridge the gap between blockchain startups and the traditional world. Yi Ming Ng, the Managing Director at Tribe Accelerator, believes that blockchain is beneficial to a lot of businesses from different industries. However, there has been a lot of fear and speculation around cryptocurrencies in the traditional corporate world.
Silvergate Bank Suspends Dividend Payments to Preserve Liquidity
Silvergate's board "shall re-evaluate the payment of quarterly dividends as market circumstances change."
Square’s Cash App Q3 Report Attributes 80% of $2 Billion Revenue to Bitcoin
Square’s Cash App Q3 report shows that Bitcoin has overtaken all other revenue sources and accounts for 80% of its entire $2 billion third-quarter revenue.
Singapore's MAS to Open Public Consultation on Stablecoins Soon
Singapore’s apex bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), is ramping up plans to open up discussions with the public for stablecoin regulations.
US Treasury and IRS Propose New Regulations on Digital Asset Reporting
The US Department of the Treasury and the IRS have issued proposed regulations to improve transparency and compliance in the digital asset sector. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, brokers must report gross proceeds, payee statements, and gain/loss and basis information for sales. The regulations aim to close the tax gap and ensure uniformity in tax rules.
Dark Web Sucks in Bitcoin Payments From Viewers Paying to See Livestream Murder
Two 17-year-old Italians have been detained under the Delirium operation for instigating child pornography and live torture viewings on the dark web. The two Italians paid Bitcoin (BTC) to a dark site address in order to unlock explicit footage of children being sexually abused.
Legal Team Requests Temporary Release of Samuel Bankman-Fried for Upcoming Trial
Samuel Bankman-Fried's legal team has formally requested his temporary release for the upcoming trial, citing the need for adequate preparation due to the case's complexity. The letter outlines stringent conditions for the release and also raises concerns about Bankman-Fried's medication.
Top Brazilian Crypto Exchange Mercado Bitcoin Adopts Sports Token Chiliz
Mercado Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Brazil, has announced its plans to add sports token Chiliz ($CHZ) to its existing list of digital assets.
Exclusive: Can Onchain Custodian Fill Fidelity's Gap in Crypto Custody?
While wall street giant Fidelity tapped into the crypto custodian space, can Onchain Custodian survive under the fierce competition? Alexandre Kech, CEO of Onchain Custodian believes that they can fill Fidelity's gap in the crypto custodial market. He also explains how the surging demand in BTC futures and crypto collateral can present huge business opportunities for crypto custodians.
Bitmain-Backed Digital Assets Company Matrixport Extends Its Crypto Services into Europe
Matrixport, a Singapore headquartered and Bitmain-backed crypto company that offers trading, lending, and custody services, extends its services into Europe through the establishment of its new Zurich office.
MicroStrategy's Debt Dilemma: A Balancing Act Between Bonds and Bitcoin
Adam Cochran discussed MicroStrategy's financial quandary due to its 2025 and 2028 convertible notes amidst its extensive Bitcoin holdings. Failure to address the 2025 note could lead to a 15% equity dilution, while refinancing could spike yield rates. Options like leveraging Bitcoin or selling it to cover debts were explored, with the latter potentially causing a dip in market confidence. Cochran hinted that the year-end decisions could significantly impact how MicroStrategy navigates its debt come 2024.
Binance Exchange Halts Major Crypto Services in Singapore
Binance has announced that with effect from October 26, users from Singapore will not be able to access the most basic functions of the Binance.com platform
April 20: Too Many Have Missed the ETH Lining Because They're Expecting BTC
Trading Crypto with Eugene is a series of daily commentary on the crypto market and trading advice from Eugene Ng of Matrixport, a veteran trader with 10 years of experience in top-tier global investment banks. Hope you find it helpful!
Singapore's FOMO Pay Introduces New Crypto Payment Solution for Retailers
Singapore-based major payment institution FOMO Pay has introduced a new cryptocurrency payment solution for retailers in the island city-state.
Celsius Network Charged Over $3M in Legal Fees
Beleaguered crypto lending platform Celsius Network has incurred more than $3 million in legal fees, according to a filing.
How to Build Sustainable Mobility With Blockchain?
Sustainable mobility is the need of the hour. Mobility service providers have to make public transit attractive to people while adding sustainable and green transport. How can technologies such as Blockchain empower these Mobility Operators in their move towards a greener future?
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.
China and Singapore establish task force for green finance cooperation
China and Singapore have formed a task force to collaborate on green and transition finance initiatives. The China-Singapore Green Finance Taskforce (GFTF) will focus on developing financial standards, products, and technologies to support a low-carbon future in the region. The task force will also facilitate greater public-private sector collaboration and strengthen sustainability bond market connectivity.
Fintech Investments Amount in Singapore Reached over $3.9 Billion in 2021
The fintech sector in Singapore made significant strides in 2021 by hitting $3.94 billion, with crypto and blockchain funding contributing nearly half at 1.48 billion.
Singapore's MAS Blacklists ImToken Wallet for Unlicensed Operations
Singapore's MAS has blacklisted ImToken, a crypto wallet provider, for lack of a financial license, citing its role as a decentralized, self-custodial wallet for investor protection and market stability.
Huawei Cloud Introduces Advanced Web 3.0 Services to Enhance Hong Kong's Digital Landscape
Huawei Cloud launched Web 3.0 services in Hong Kong on Aug. 16, 2023. The TechWave event showcased blockchain innovations and aimed to boost the region's digital economy and Web 3.0 ecosystem.
Bitcoin's Price Forecast: Can BTC Surge by $12K in 2024?
Matrixport predicts Bitcoin to reach $125,000 by the end of 2024, aligning with historical trends of post-halving price rallies. CoinCodex forecasts a significant increase, predicting a peak above $170,000 in 2025.
Tether's Financial Triumph: Record $2.85B Q4 Profit and Strategic Asset Growth
Tether Holdings Limited reported a Q4 2023 profit of $2.85 billion, boosted by US Treasuries, Gold, and Bitcoin reserves, and a net profit of $6.2 billion, showcasing strong financial health.
Coinbase Requires Regional Users to Provide Recipient Details for Crypto Transfers
Coinbase will require regional users to provide recipients' names and addresses whenever they transfer funds to other firms or exchanges, effective in April.
DBS Offers 4 Crypto Trading for Premium Clients in Singapore
Singapore-based banking giant DBS announced to enable accredited investors to trade four cryptocurrencies, including BTC, BCH, ETH and XRP on its digital exchange.
Ripple Gains Major Payments Institution License from Singapore's Monetary Authority
Ripple, a leading enterprise in blockchain and crypto solutions, has secured a Major Payments Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This follows the in-principle approval granted to Ripple in June 2023. The license will enable Ripple to continue offering regulated digital payment token services in Singapore, a key market for the company.
Analyst Honored for Exposing South Korean Dark Web Crypto Child Pornography and Blackmail Site
Criminal analyst, Kim Reece, has been named as a finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal for her role in the takedown of the South Korean ‘Nth Room’ child pornography chat rooms hosting the content of Welcome to Video blackmail sex and exploitation site.
Bitcoin Crowned ‘Most Viewed Asset in the US’ Last Month, Along with Tesla Stock
This week, Bitcoin surged in the market again, recording new highs that have not been seen of the digital asset since June of last year.
Digital Trader BHEX.SG Receives Standard Payment Institution License from MAS
The central bank of Singapore also known as the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued a standard payment institutional license to BHEX.SG, a digital assets trading platform
PwC Singapore's Venture Hub, on the Investment Sentiment of Blockchain Startups
We arranged an interview with Lim Shu Ning, Director in PwC Singapore’s Venture Hub specializing in Blockchain during the SFF, which Shu Ning shares with us the investment sentiment of Singaporean blockchain startups and the state of enterprise blockchain adoption in Singapore.
May 26: It's Always Been There
Strategy today? With SPX e-mini futures now just shy of 20 points from 3,000 level and the highest it's traded since the March 23 crash, I expect BTC to follow. Expectedly, this recent sell off has been mostly triggered by large players (i.e. whales) trimming their positions.
43% Singaporean Own Cryptocurrency, Study Says
A study released on Monday shows that 43% of own Singaporean cryptocurrencies, while most of the crypto investors range between 25 to 44 years old, according to the Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index (IRCI).
South Korea to Introduce Blockchain-Powered COVID-19 “Vaccine Passports”
In order to revive cross-border travel and keep infection risks under control, the South Korean government seeks to issue blockchain-backed COVID-19 “vaccine passports” to immunized citizens.
Vogue Singapore Ventures into the NFT Metaverse in September Issue
Vogue Singapore has now ventured into the NFT Metaverse with the introduction of two new NFT art covers.
Blockchain-based Games Rallied Up 2,000% in One Year, DappRadar’s Latest Report Shows
Despite setbacks, blockchain games are dominating in the DApp industry. Sutdy from DappRadar shows blockchain-based games has risen by 2,000% since Q1 of 2021.
Singapore Regulator Bans Crypto Ads on F1 Tracks
According to the Wall Street Journal, Singapore’s financial regulator Monetary Authority of Singapore(MAS) told F1 organizers that it would ban Crypto.com ads from appearing on the track.
Singapore police warn of FTX phishing scams
Singapore police warn against fake websites claiming to be hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice. The websites claim to be able to recover funds from now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. An estimated 1 million investors and creditors have been affected by FTX's bankruptcy. Singapore has pursued stricter regulations around retail trading and self-hosted wallets.
Singapore High Court Approves iSanctuary's Use of NFTs for Financial Investigations
In a legal first for Singapore, the High Court has granted permission to UK-based financial investigation firm Intelligent Sanctuary (iSanctuary) to use nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in tracking and freezing assets related to a hack. The NFTs, created in partnership with Mintable, will serve as a warning to counterparties and exchanges and enable real-time tracking of transactions from the compromised wallets.
Mid-Size Banks Ask for Deposit Insurance Extension
The Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America (MBCA) has requested that the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) extend insurance on all deposits for the next two years, which would immediately halt the outflow of deposits from smaller banks and stabilize the banking industry, according to a Bloomberg report. The MBCA proposed that the banks themselves fund the insurance program by raising the deposit-insurance assessment on lenders who opt to participate in the increased coverage, and the failure to provide this could result in up to 300 banks going under.
EU Council Adopts DAC8 Directive to Enhance Tax Oversight on Crypto Transactions
The Council of the EU has adopted the DAC8 directive to enhance administrative cooperation among national tax authorities concerning crypto-asset transactions and tax rulings for high-net-worth individuals. The directive broadens the scope of assets covered, mandates automatic information exchange, and aligns with global standards set by the OECD and G20 to address challenges posed by the digital economy.
Microsoft's 2.5 billion GBP Investment in UK AI: Catalyst for Innovation and Growth
Microsoft's significant investment in the UK's AI infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance the country's technology sector and its global AI standing.
Coinbase CEO Criticizes Singapore's Aim to Become a Web3 Hub at Expense of Crypto Trading
Armstrong seems to say that Singapore can’t become a Web3 hub while doing away with cryptocurrency.
Crypto.com Becomes 1st Crypto, NFT Partner with Women's Professional Sports Team Angels FC
Crypto.com announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Los Angeles' Angel City Football Club (ACFC) for exclusive rights to issue official cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Portugal to Impose Taxes on Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency has been tax-free in Portugal, but that is set to change.
Trump Ends COVID-19 Pandemic, according to White House Release
The Trump Administration has ended the COVID-19 pandemic, or at least according to the list of his accomplishments from the White House Science and Technology Office.
The Future of the Financial Sector Will Rely on Blockchain, Says Singapore’s Fintech Chief
Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief Fintech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) spoke at a panel at Blockshow Asia 2019 held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center last week. In his panel on the topic of: “All that fintech with a layer of blockchain,” he explains the MAS’ role for blockchain adoption in Singapore and in Asia.
PornVisory Plans Token Rewards for Porn Streaming
PornVisory is an Italian based adult content streaming site modeling the Brave Browser's system by rewarding users with its own token (PVY) to reward users who view content and ads on the site while also promoting anonymity.
BCB Blockchain Collaborates with Philippine Government to Support Local Startups
BCB Blockchain, a Singapore-based technology firm agreed to join hands with the government of the Philippines to support the development of local startups through creating smart city projects and applications making use of their funds and blockchain protocol.
April 29: Don't Fight the Fed for Now
With today's spotlight on FOMC and a few large tech (FB, Microsoft) earnings, I suspect risk assets to trade well into, and may potentially sell after "the fact".
Multinational Corporations Continue to File Trademarks in Web3, NFTs, and Metaverse
Multinational corporations, including General Motors, Lacoste, and Walmart, have continued to file trademark applications in Web3, NFTs, and the metaverse, despite the broader market downturn. In February alone, General Motors filed for two new trademark applications covering Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, while Lacoste filed five trademark applications for "CHAMPS-ELYSEES." Walmart also filed trademark applications for the "SamsClub" name and logo. Even amid the bear market, record numbers of trademark applications have been filed for NFTs, metaverse, and crypto-related products in 2022.
Portugal Plans to Levy Tax Up to 28% on Crypto Gain
According to the plan submitted to parliament on Monday, Portugal's proposed 2023 budget has made a provision to tax gains on crypto holdings held for less than one year at a rate of 28%.
Revolut Integrates Crypto Tax Service
Revolut has partnered with Koinly to provide users with an automated tax reporting service for cryptocurrency transactions. The integration allows users to generate tax reports to calculate gains and losses, by synchronizing their transaction history with Koinly.
NFL ALL DAY: Revolutionizing Sports Memorabilia Through NFTs
NFL ALL DAY merges NFL fandom with blockchain, offering a digital platform for collecting and trading NFL moment NFTs.
King’s College Report: Blockchain Could be Pivotal in Nuclear Disarmament
Through its new policy report, King’s College London discloses that blockchain technology could be pivotal in dismantling nuclear warheads reliably, securely, and safely.
US Blockchain Firm Ripple Considers Relocation to UK and Singapore for Better Crypto Regulatory Clarity
Ripple CEO explains why he is considering UK and Singapore as potential countries to move blockchain firm Ripple's operations to.
First China, Now Singapore; Local Regulations Pushing Huobi Out of Asian Markets
Digital currency trading platform, Huobi Global is shutting its doors to its Singapore-based users in a bid to comply with local regulations in the country.
Singaporean DBS Bank to Expand Bitcoin Offerings to Retail Traders
Singapore-based bank and financial operator DBS is on track to expand its Bitcoin trading services to its retail customers.
Singapore's Amber Group Gets Valuation of $3B, Facilitating Potential IPO
Singaporean state investment firm Temasek Holdings Pte and other investors value cryptocurrency-trading platform Amber Group at $3 billion in a funding round.
Demand for Zilliqa Blockchain in Play-to-Earn Games Gains Steam
Zilliqa, a public blockchain that offers solutions to decentralized applications (dapps) and enterprises, is emerging as one of the sought-after networks in the esports industry based on notable partnerships.
Wealthfront To Enable Cryptocurrency Investments for its Clients
Wealthfront is the latest mainstream firm that plans to offer cryptocurrencies to its clients.
Portugal's Bison Bank Acquires Crypto License from the Central Bank
Bison Bank, a Portuguese financial institution, has been given license by the nation's Central Bank, Banco de Portugal to provide virtual asset services.
CIMB Bank Singapore Collaborates with iTrust for First-Ever Blockchain Trade Financing
CIMB Bank Singapore and iTrust have collaborated in the first-ever successful blockchain trade financing transaction.
FTX Crypto Exchange Suspends Claims Portal Access After Kroll Data Breach
FTX temporarily suspends user access to its claims portal following a cybersecurity breach at Kroll, overseeing FTX's bankruptcy proceedings. The breach exposed non-sensitive data of claimants. FTX remains confident in infrastructure security and advises affected individuals on precautionary measures.
Galaxy Digital’s Q2 Net Loss Tripled To $554.7 Million Amid Market Turmoil
Galaxy Digital said its net loss in the second quarter had risen three times the amount it experienced during the same period last year. The asset manager stated that the losses were triggered by the ongoing market downturn.
Only a Small Fraction of Institutional and Corporate Money Entered into Bitcoin Market
The amount invested by institutions and corporates in the Bitcoin market is a small percent of their total cash reserve
Singapore Payment Services Act Now in Effect For Crypto Firms
The Monetary Authority of Singapore now requires cryptocurrency providers and exchanges to be licensed under some of the same regulatory elements as traditional financial service providers.
Reuters: U.S. Aims to Thwart Chinese Access to AI Chips via Overseas Outlets
The U.S. is contemplating tightening restrictions to prevent Chinese firms from accessing American AI chips via overseas outlets, reinforcing its stance on curbing China's AI military advancements. The move comes amid existing challenges in enforcing export controls, with the new rules expected to broaden the scope of restrictions on the AI chip market.
Esports, Web3 Firm Ampverse Expands into the Philippines
With the expansion, Ampverse plans to invest more than 100 million pesos in the Philippines' local gaming and esports ecosystem.
Circle Partners With Grab for Web3 Pilot in Singapore
Circle Internet Financial and Grab are partnering to pilot Web3 customer experiences in Singapore. The 'Grab Web3 Wallet' will integrate Circle's Web 3 Services platform into the Grab app, offering users a seamless experience with blockchain-enabled wallets. This pilot aligns with Singapore's Project Orchid initiative, aiming to explore the potential of digital currencies and blockchain technology in real-world applications. Circle's Web3 Services represent a bridge between Web 2.0 and Web3.
Hydrogen Technology Corporation Settles Crypto Manipulation Lawsuit
Hydrogen Technology Corporation and its former CEO, Michael Ross Kane, have settled a lawsuit brought against them by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for alleged cryptocurrency price manipulation. The settlement requires the firm and Kane to pay $2.8 million in remedies and penalties. The SEC alleged that Kane used Hydrogen's market maker, Moonwalkers Trading Limited, to manipulate the volume and price of its ERC-20 token, Hydro (HYDRO).
CertiK: Crypto Social Media Scams Surge
CertiK discusses the growing threat of crypto scams on social media, citing a FTC report revealing over $1 billion lost in the 18 months leading to June 2022, with nearly half coming from social media interactions. It suggests preventive measures like hardware wallets and smart contract security audits.
5G, FoodTech, Biotech? Unveiling Top Surprising Portfolios by eToro
Following Part 1 of our conversation, Lee shares with us some interesting thematic portfolios in eToro’s “Copy Portfolio” feature. He also revealed the significance of the acquisition of Delta and Firmo in the development of eTorox and tokenized market.
Singapore to Pump $8.9 Million Into National Blockchain Ecosystem
The Singaporean government has deployed a US$ 8.9 million national blockchain initiative dubbed the Singapore Blockchain Innovation Program (SBIP).
Dave Portnoy Calls Bitcoin “A Ponzi Scheme,” but Says He Will be Back for Crypto
Dave Portnoy revealed that he had previously bought $1.25 million worth of Bitcoin, despite thinking the cryptocurrency was just a “just one big Ponzi scheme.”
ECB Report: Striking the Balance Between Allowing Privacy and Ensuring Compliance with CBDC
The European Central Bank has recently developed an “anonymity voucher” to safeguard potential central bank digital currency (CBDC) users’ privacy for low-value retail transactions, while ensuring that high-value transfers are subject to anti-money laundering (AML) approvals.
Chainlink (LINK) Hit a New All-Time High in Daily Active Addresses Despite Dave Portnoy Selling Tokens
Dave Portnoy, he decided that investment in Chainlink may not be worth it as he makes “6 figures every day” in the real stock market.
Matrixport's Evolved Enterprise-Grade Cactus Custody and Holistic Approach to KYT and AML Compliance
Matrixport is a Singapore-based cryptocurrency startup which was launched by former Bitmain CEO Jihan Wu. Established in July 2019 with the goal to offer over-the-counter trading, lending and custody services for crypto, Matrixport boasts a systematic security model, global distributed infrastructure and business-focused security innovation capability to assure the security and reliability of users' assets.
April 16: When Memories Last A Lifetime
Trading Crypto with Eugene is a series of daily commentary on the crypto market and trading advice from Eugene Ng of Matrixport, a veteran trader with 10 years of experience in top-tier global investment banks. Hope you find it helpful!
Singapore Regulator Considers Strengthening Safeguards on Crypto Access to Retail Trading
Singapore Central Bank considers updating its crypto regulations to strengthen system safeguards that financial firms must put in place to protect users.
Blockchain-Based Driving Licenses in South Korea Hit One Million Drivers
Blockchain-powered driving licenses were made available as an option in South Korea in May.
MAS Sees Potential in Retail-CBDC for the City-State
Despite its plans to float Project Orchid, the technology infrastructure, and the technical competencies necessary to issue a digital Singapore dollar, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is not in a hurry to follow the bandwagon.
Colnago Deploys Blockchain-Powered Digital Passport for Seamless Cycling Experience
Colnago, a leading Italian road-racing bicycle manufacturer, has integrated blockchain technology into its new bicycles so that customers can get proof of validity and ownership.
PWC Singapore's Venture Hub: A Breeding Ground for Singaporean Unicorns
Following Part 1 of the interview, Lim Shu Ning, Director in PwC Singapore’s Venture Hub specializing in Blockchain analyzed the key challenges for startups to become a “Unicorn” in Singapore and shared with us how PwC Singapore’s Venture Hub partners with local regulators and accelerators to foster FinTech innovation in Singapore.
TOR Network Vulnerability May Have Facilitated Dark Web Bitcoin Theft
According to a cybersecurity researcher, Bitcoin thieves and hackers have controlled more exit relays on the Tor network this year than in the past five, raising serious cybersecurity concerns that experts are looking to fix.
Matrixport: Jihan Wu's Spin Off Start-up Meeting Demand for Cryptocurrency Services Beyond Bitmain's Mining Ecosystem
Cynthia Wu is the Head of Business Development and Sales at Matrixport where she is also focused on building business for Cactus Custody and managing Matrixport’s key investor relations. In this first part of our exclusive interview, Wu shares her insights with Blockchain.News on the state of the Bitcoin mining, the surge in Bitcoin’s Hashrate and the potential impact that the coming Bitcoin halving will have on Bitcoin miners.
Crypto.com Joins Hands with Xfers to Enhance Cryptocurrency Adoption in Singapore
At the ongoing Singapore Fintech Festival, Crypto.com has revealed its collaboration with Xfers, a Singapore-based payment processing portal. By December 2019, the partnership seeks to permit Crypto.com users to purchase and sell crypto, such as Ripple, Ethereum and Litcoin, among others in SGD.
EDX Markets is Expanding in Singapore
EDX Markets expands to Singapore, backed by Citadel Securities and Fidelity Digital Assets, introducing innovative trading options like spot and perpetual futures, and emphasizing non-custodial clearing solutions.
Tether Says No Chinese Commercial Papers Holding on its Reserve
Tether Holdings Ltd, the USDT stablecoin issuer, has once again rebutted growing rumours about the composition of its reserve base. The issuer said they have no Renminbi holdings on its reserve.
Binance.US to Establish Office in Portals, the Metaverse Platform on the Solana Blockchain
The US branch of the world-leading Binance exchange, Binance.US, is opening an office in Portals, the Metaverse platform on the Solana blockchain.
Liquid Exchange Taps Market License to Offer Crypto Derivatives in Japan
Digital currency trading platform Liquid Exchange has tapped the Japanese license that now qualifies it as a Type I Financial Instruments Business under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
BitGo Secures MPI License Approval in Singapore
BitGo has received in-principle approval for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from Singapore's MAS, allowing it to expand its crypto services in the region. This aligns with Singapore's robust regulatory standards and BitGo's commitment to security in digital asset transactions.
Crypto Firm Bakkt Reports $1.5B in Impairment Losses in Q3
Bitcoin firm, Bakkt announced its Q3 performance report with a loss of $1.5B impairment loss
US Customs Agency Seeks to Adopt Blockchain Technology to Track Oil Imports from Canada
With the advancement of technology, the importance of oil and gas resources in promoting global social and economic progress is rising.
Revolut faces issues with 2021 annual report
UK-based fintech Revolut, known for its crypto-friendly services, experienced issues with its annual report for 2021, despite reporting its first-ever full year of profit. Independent auditors confirmed the report’s accuracy, but noted certain qualifications related to the report.
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.
FTX US and DC Sports Leader MSE Establishes Multi-year Crypto Exchange, NFT Deals
Cryptocurrency exchange FTX USA announced on December 20 that it has become a cryptocurrency exchange and non-fungible token (NFT) partner with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE).
EARN IT Act Introduced in US House of Representatives, Critics View It as Threat—What This Means for Crypto
Despite being perceived as an “anti-security bill” by many, the EARN IT Act has made its way to the US House of Representatives and currently awaits approval.
Australian Football Club Perth Glory FC to be Tokenized by New Owners London Football Exchange
Sports clubs and cryptocurrency, will this lead to a new method of ownership in global sports?
China’s WeBank Makes its First Move to Take its Blockchain Global, Partnering with Singapore's OpenNodes
China’s top digital bank WeBank has announced its partnership with Singaporean government-backed OpenNodes. This partnership will allow China’s FISCO BCOS blockchain platform to be brought to Singaporean academics for innovation and new initiatives. FISCO BCOS was deemed to be China’s version of Hyperledger Fabric when it was launched in 2018. The Financial Blockchain Shenzhen Consortium (FISCO) is backed by more than 100 Chinese organizations, including Huawei, Tencent, JD Finance, and WeBank, which is partly backed by Tencent. Developed by FISCO, the enterprise blockchain protocol was the first blockchain to be supported by China’s Blockchain Service Network.
Tezos SEA Collaborates With Singaporean Government-Backed Platform to Launch a Training Program for Tezos Developers
Tezos Southeast Asia (TSA), a non-profit-oriented arm of Tezos, has entered into a partnership with Tribe, a Singapore government-backed blockchain platform for the sole aim to launch a training program for Tezos' developers
NFTs to Be the Epicenter of the Future of Sports, PWC Study Shows
As NFTs continue taking the world by storm, big-four accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report shows that NFTs will revolutionize the way fans interact and consume in the sporting arena.
MAS Announces Project Ubin’s Successful International Settlement Network in its Final Phase Report
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and government-owned conglomerate Temasek released the final report of the Singaporean CBDC project, Project Ubin. The report is the fifth and final phase of Project Ubin, Singapore’s blockchain-based multi-currency payments network prototype that was built for the financial industry and blockchain ecosystem.
Singapore Consults China on Central Bank Digital Currency
Singapore is considering a partnership with China as it works on developing a Central Bank Digital Currency dubbed Project Ubin
Singapore's DBS Bank Expects to Expand Crypto offering for High-net-worth Clients
Singapore’s DBS Bank said it still plans to expand its cryptocurrency and digital asset business and provide cryptocurrency and digital asset services to 300,000 high-net-worth clients in Asia.
Cyberport: Integrating New Technology and Blueprint for a Smarter Hong Kong
Other than the incubation programme provided, Cyberport also has a programme dedicated to encouraging education in the FinTech and blockchain sector. The Cyberport University Partnership Programme (CUPP) is a program created for university students.
Charles Hoskinson Introduces “Multisig Pledging” to Level the Playing Field for Small Cardano Stake Pools
Charles Hoskinson recently revealed details about the current development state of Cardano’s different eras, including Shelley, Goguen, Basho and Voltaire.
Bitcoin Sex Scam Claims Another Victim and Generates $115,000 BTC
Recently, a Bitcoin sex scam that has been running since 2015 accumulated fraudulent funds of approximately $115,000 before being detected.
South Korea’s Leading Crypto Exchanges Aid Police in Hunting "Nth Rooms" Blackmail Porn Members
The four primary crypto exchanges in South Korea, namely Coinone, Korbit, Bithumb, and Upbit, have reportedly offered to help police investigate the sexual exploitation of underage girls in the “Nth Rooms” scandal that has sparked a national outcry.
Singapore Red Cross Partners with Triple-A to Accept Cryptocurrency Donations
Singapore Red Cross has partnered with Triple-A, a licensed crypto payment gateway, to accept donations in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
April 27: Not Out of the Woods Yet
How do we trade? Stick to the same plan as last Friday, buy BTC around $6,800 to $7,200 region and stay on the sidelines.
Bitcoin and Anonymous Tokens Used in Illicit Child Porn Activities—Crackdown by Spanish Authorities
According to a recent report by Guardia Civil, Spanish authorities arrested several individuals involved in illicit crypto-driven child porn activities. Within the Kiru criminal operation ring, a man was detained for abusing his stepdaughter and using her to generate content for an illegal child porn website. Digital payouts were then made to an offshore account.
Crypto Leaders Discuss Libra, China's CBDC and a Cashless Future at the Singapore Fintech Festival
A noteworthy panel followed on the topic of “defining the future of digital currency,” joined by Christian Catalini, co-creator of Libra and Head Economist of Calibra, Mu Changchun, Director-General of the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China, HE Serey Chea, from the National Bank of Cambodia and Umar Farooq, Head of Blockchain at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
Meet the FinTech Entrepreneur: Co-Founder of FinFabrik, Florian Matthaeus Spiegl
There has been a lack of innovation and digitization in the capital market systems, we sat down with Florian Spiegl, the Chief Operating Officer of FinFabrik in Hong Kong, to explore his journey from the traditional capital markets industry to the new modern digital space. FinFabrik, a start-up focused on bridging the gap between the traditional financial markets and the digitization of assets has come a long way helping institutions to digitize illiquid and alternative assets.
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.
Microsoft Bitcoin-Based Identity Tool Launches Beta Version
Microsoft’s decentralized identity (DID) tool, ION which is based on the Bitcoin blockchain, launched a beta version on bitcoin's mainnet on Wednesday.
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.
Despite Industry Upheaval, Hong Kong Seeks Crypto Hub Status
Hong Kong's government supports bitcoin infrastructure development. In 2023, Hong Kong's finance secretary Paul Chan said the government and authorities would work with crypto and fintech businesses. Many sector businesses want to develop in Hong Kong or go public on local markets.
Coinbase Q3 Financial Data Lower Than Expected, Stock Falls
Coinbase's Q3 financial data revealed that the total net income and the earnings per share owned by shareholders were lower than what analysts had expected.
Coinbase Reports $1.8 Billion Total Revenue for Q1 2021 and Outperforms Its 2020 Figures
Coinbase released its Q1 report showing an estimated revenue of $1.8 billion and 6.1 million monthly transacting users.
Jul 10 Trading Analysis: When bitcoin sneezes, the crypto world catches a cold
With escalating covid19 cases in some US states (esp Florida, Texas, California and etc - it's very hard to ignore that when the cases keep rising), Oil now back to below $40, lack of any macro news tonight and some technical exhaustion signs on equity indices, I think US stocks will trade weak tonight; and I think there is a likelihood that S&P will likely close near the BIG 3k level.
Binance Reaching a Larger User Base by Applying for Singapore’s New Crypto License
Crypto exchange Binance has applied for a license in Singapore under the country’s Payment Services Act, a new framework that came into effect on Jan. 28.
Celsius Network Announces Court Approval of Reorganization Plan
Celsius Network has received court approval for its Plan of Reorganization, which aims to transform the company into a creditor-owned bitcoin mining firm, with over 95% creditor support, and aim for a 2024 Chapter 11 emergence.
Deloitte seeks crypto experts
Deloitte is actively seeking individuals with cryptocurrency expertise, with over 300 job openings in the United States, including positions such as Blockchain & Digital Assets Manager and Tax Manager, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency. The firm signals its continued support and interest in Web3 and crypto.
China’s Central Bank’s DCEP is Trying to Make WeChat Pay and Alipay Redundant
Mu Changchun, the Director-General of the Institute of Digital Currency of China’s central bank, People’s Bank of China spoke at one of the panels at the Singapore Fintech Festival held at the Singapore Expo on Nov. 12 regarding the future of digital currencies.
Singapore authorities investigate Terraform Labs
Singaporean police have launched an investigation into Terraform Labs, the company co-founded by Do Kwon, who was accused of fraud by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last month. The SEC has alleged that Kwon laundered over $100m worth of bitcoin, which he had removed from the Terra platform, and converted to fiat.
MakerDAO Increases US Treasury Bond Holdings by 150%
MakerDAO passed a proposal to increase its US Treasury bond holdings by 150% to $1.25 billion. The move aims to diversify its liquid assets and boost revenue stream through a net annualized yield of 4.6% to 4.5%. The bonds will be purchased with equal maturities over a six-month period.
Cash App Integrates TaxBit for Streamlined Crypto Tax Reporting
Cash App has integrated TaxBit into its services, allowing Bitcoin holders to easily report their taxes. Cash App users can track their Bitcoin transactions for tax reporting purposes through TaxBit’s platform. TaxBit simplifies tax reporting for everyone who has integrated digital assets into their portfolio. The IRS set Jan. 23 as the start of the 2022 tax filing season and reminded taxpayers of their crypto income reporting obligations, including capital gains from trading, mining, and staking activities.
BIS and Central Bank Research Identifies Principles and Core Features For CBDC Issuance
The BIS along with seven central banks has released a report identifying the principles necessary for CBDCs to help central banks meet their public policy objectives.
FTX Customer Claims Portal Update: How It Affects Derivative Positions and USD Balances
The recent updates to the FTX Customer Claims Portal aim to provide more clarity on derivative positions for customers. While these changes may affect the displayed USD balance, they do not impact the overall value of the claims. The valuation of derivative positions is based on FTX exchange pricing as of specific dates and times, with the final USD valuation to be determined later.
Crypto Assets Custodian Hex Trust Acquires Key License from MAS
Crypto asset custodian Hex trust announced Tuesday has obtained a CMS license from the Singapore regulator- the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), according to a Bloomberg report.
Coinbase Secures Major Payment Institution License from Singapore's Monetary Authority
Coinbase has obtained a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the Asian market. The license will enable Coinbase to offer digital payment token services to both individual and institutional clients in Singapore. This move aligns with the company's strategy to tap into Singapore's growing crypto and Web3 ecosystem.
Jelurida and Aumenta Solutions Develop Blockchain-based Maintenance System for Ports
Blockchain solutions provider Jelurida has partnered with AR firm Aumenta Solutions to create a blockchain-based maintenance system for ports, aimed at increasing the traceability of maintenance operations. The system combines blockchain certification and AR, allowing workers to access real-time digital information. Jelurida and Aumenta Solutions are targeting the global port infrastructure market with the technology.
Italian Authorities Bust Illegal Ethereum Mining Activities Using Airport Computers
Airport officials working at Italy’s Lamezia Terme International airport have nabbed a 41-year-old technician for unlawfully mining Ethereum using the airport computers.
Australia Uses Blockchain to Enhance Cross Border Trade With Singapore
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is launching a blockchain trial that is targeted at enhancing cross border trades with Singapore
Justin Sun's Billion-Dollar Crypto Portfolio Revealed
Justin Sun's over 1 billion crypto portfolio showcases his strategic approach to risk and growth, investing in both altcoins and major cryptocurrencies.
Platypus Recovers 90% of Stolen Funds from Recent Exploit
Platypus DeFi protocol has recovered 90% of the funds stolen in the recent 12 October 2023 exploit, reducing the net loss to about 18,000 AVAX. The protocol acknowledged the community's support in swiftly resolving the crisis and is making arrangements for the withdrawal of liquidity providers. Amidst ongoing investigations and enhanced security measures, Platypus continues to work on a compensation plan for affected users from previous attacks.
El Salvador Lags Behind as Spain Overtakes to Become Third Largest Crypto ATM Hub
With a total of 215 crypto ATMs hosted in Spain, the country has now outpaced El Salvador, which is home to 212 crypto ATMs, down to the fourth position, following Spain’s third position.
Blockchain Fest Singapore 2023 Wraps Up with Great Success
Blockchain Fest Singapore 2023 Concludes with Successful Outcomes and Valuable Connections
Advancements in Autonomous Driving: Analyzing the Progress of Waymo, Tesla, and Industry Trends
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and future prospects of autonomous driving, focusing on the roles of Waymo and Tesla in the industry, alongside discussing the broader technological, economic, and regulatory landscape.
MAS Completes CBDC Project Ubin Phase 5, Blockchain Sector Sees Major Growth Despite COVID-19
Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief FinTech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced that Phase 5 of Project Ubin has been completed, and partners of the project are already working on a production in the payments space. A new report is to be expected in the next few days, which will “articulate the last phase of experimentation of Project Ubin.” He hinted that the production is related to exchange, settlement, and will be working on releasing production inspired by Project Ubin Phase 5.
Dee Templeton Joins OpenAI's Board Amidst Corporate Governance Overhaul
Microsoft's Dee Templeton joins OpenAI's board as a nonvoting observer amidst significant corporate governance changes following CEO Sam Altman's brief ouster and reinstatement.
Blockchain Association Singapore and Statutory Board JTC Signs MOU Deal
Blockchain Association Singapore and statutory board JTC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop and nurture a virtual blockchain ecosystem.
White House Report Casts Doubt on Cryptocurrencies
The White House's Economic Report includes a chapter questioning the benefits of cryptocurrencies, with 35 pages dedicated to debunking them. It argues that crypto assets fail to deliver on their promised benefits, and that they are too volatile to be a stable store of value or reliable medium of exchange.
Circle Publishes Inuagural USDC Reserve Treasury Report for June
Co-Founder and CEO of Circle, Jeremy Allaire has announced the release of the company’s first monthly USDC reserve report for the month of June
Mr Dark's Depraved Rape and Child Porn Site Brought Down by Blockchain Analysis
A Dutch national has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia for operating a depraved and violent pornography site featuring minors and sexual assault. Michael Rahim Mohammed, known as Mr Dark, allegedly profited around $1.6 million which was paid in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
How the 2021 Infrastructure Bill Impacts Cryptocurrency Reporting and Tax
The 2021 Infrastructure Bill requires IRS reporting for crypto transactions over $10,000, expanding cash definition to digital assets, and requiring brokers to report customer details within 15 days.
Crypto Firms Spent Over $3B on Sports Ads, Research Shows
A study conducted by Safe Trafe Binary Options shows crypto firms are eyeing this sector to harness a new generation of investors, spending over $3 billion dollars this year alone.
UK’s Argo Crypto Mining Firm Begins Paying CEO in Bitcoin
Argo blockchain crypto mining firm has become the first publicly listed company to pay its CEO in Bitcoin.
WeStreet Credit Union Opens Public Access to Cryptocurrency Trading Portal
WeStreet Credit Union has introduced a Crypto Portal, offering a secure platform for buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrencies. Initially a members-only feature since August 2023, it opened to the public in October. Partnering with a Qualified Crypto Custodian, WeStreet provides a regulated, audited platform for cryptocurrency transactions, bridging the gap between traditional banking and the digital currency sphere.
Jun 03: Crypto is not for the faint-hearted
Welcome to the world of volatility. Crypto never sleeps. Bitcoin got whipsaw squeezing shorts to trade above $10,400 on Monday only to get smashed down to $9,300 with fresh longs capitulated (see chart below).
SEC Charges Crypto Project Unikrn $6.1M for ICO Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Unikrn for conducting an unregistered initial coin offering of its native token, UnikoinGold (UKG).
Paul Pierce settles with SEC for $1.4 million
Paul Pierce settled with the SEC for promoting EthereumMax on social media without reporting his compensation.
The Singapore Fintech Association: Boosting the Industry with Blockchain Education
Following part one of our interview with the founding president of the Singapore FinTech Association, Chia Hock Lai, we further explored the education initiatives in the blockchain industry in Singapore.
Paxos Gets Nod to Operate Digital Payments Token Services in Singapore
It is a positive sign for Paxos as it means that the blockchain company is a compliant business and MAS is supportive to it.
Portuguese Crypto Exchanges Hit with Bank Account Closures
An increasing number of commercial banks in Portugal have begun closing accounts associated with crypto exchanges. The move is contrary to what is expected as crypto exchanges in the country hold central bank licenses.
Blockchain Investments Declined 63% Due to COVID-19, Says New KPMG Report
Auditing firm KPMG has recently published its 2020 Global Emerging Technology Survey Report that identified a decline in investments into blockchain technology because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the study predicts that the sector would be one of the industries, which would probably obtain the highest amount of investment in the next 12 months.
Premier League Champion Manchester City Tokenizes its Players via Superbloke
It has been reported that the Premier League championship, Manchester city had signed South Korea’s Superbloke who is a sports game developer, to become the Club’s official blockchain-based gacha gaming partner in Korea, Japan and South-East Asia. Gacha games involve virtual currency.
Crypto Becomes Valid Portfolio Options and Assets Diversifier , Says Wells Fargo's Subsidiary
Wells Fargo's subsidiary believes that cryptocurrencies are a transformative innovation. The giant bank said cryptos play a role in diversification and can provide potential risk-adjusted returns.
Singapore’s Central Bank Raises Alarm About a Bitcoin Scam
Singapore’s Central Bank enlightens the public about a Bitcoin Scam with a supposed initiative known as Bitcoin Loophole where investors’ trades are run.
Sygnum Singapore Secures MPI License from MAS
Sygnum Singapore’s acquisition of a Major Payment Institution Licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore comes amidst a wave of similar regulatory approvals by entities like Coinbase, Blockchain.com, and Crypto.com. This development broadens Sygnum's service offerings and positions it strongly in a competitive yet regulated digital asset market landscape in Singapore, thereby potentially attracting a wider segment of institutional clientele.
OKEx Partners with Shrimpy to Foster Crypto Portfolio Automation
OKEx cryptocurrency exchange and Shrimpy, a crypto exchange trading bot for portfolio management and market indexing, agree on a strategic partnership to foster crypto portfolio automation tools among crypto traders.
dYdX Transitions to Public Benefit Corporation
dYdX Trading Inc. has updated its charter to become a Public Benefit Corporation on 17 October 2023, as announced by its founder, Antonio. This move aims at aligning the company more closely with the web3 community, promoting global economic and technological advancement through open-source and decentralized crypto asset exchanges. This transition, a first of its kind in the DeFi sector, enables dYdX to balance shareholder value with public benefit.
Warren Buffett Changes Attitude on Gold, Not Bitcoin Reminds Peter Schiff
Warren Buffett now started to buy bitcoin, reminding us of the days when he said he would never invest in Bitcoin.
SBI Digital Taps License to Operate in Singapore
SBI Digital Markets, a subsidiary of SBI Group has announced it has been granted the Capital Markets Services (CMS) Licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Singapore Authorities Issue Warning Against Rising Cryptocurrency Malware Threats
Singapore's Police Force and Cyber Security Agency have jointly issued an advisory warning about the increased risk of cryptocurrency drainers, urging users to adopt stringent security measures.
Portugal Successfully Sells Real Estate With Bitcoin Payments for the First Time
A three-bedroom (two-bedroom) house in the Portuguese metropolis of Braga has successfully sold for Bitcoin for the first time.
Tether Aims to Render More Transparency by Slashing Commercial Paper Holdings
Based on continuous efforts to decrease its commercial paper portfolio for transparency purposes, Tether revealed that it would slash its holdings by $5 billion by the end of July.
NBA to Release 18,000 NFTs in the 2022 Playoffs
The National Basketball Association (NBA), a professional basketball league in the United States, will mint 18,000 dynamic NFT on the Ethereum network for each player taking part in this year’s playoffs.
Silvergate Reports $1B Deficit In Q4 2022
Silvergate Bank reported a $1 billion net loss attributable to common shareholders in Q4 2022. The FTX and Alameda Research class-action lawsuit is against the corporation. Silvergate CEO Alan Lane said the business still believes in the digital asset market and would keep its financial sheet liquid.
Coinbase Enters Singapore after Gaining Licence
Coinbase has entered the Singaporean market as it has gained approval from the central bank to offer its crypto services in the city-state.
AI's Mainstream Impact and Workforce Dynamics in 2023
2023 was a transformative year for the workforce, marked by AI becoming mainstream, changes in job roles and hiring processes, the rise of hybrid work models, the decline of corporate jargon, and notable increases in job interview compensation.
Crypto Giant Circle Plans to Establish Regional Headquarters in Singapore
Circle cryptocurrency company is launching an investment arm called Circle Ventures, establishing a regional headquarters in Singapore, and expanding support for interest-yielding products and stablecoins in the region.
Four Countries to Conduct Cross Border CBDC Payment Trials
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has joined forces with the central banks of South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia to kick start a project dubbed Dunbar aimed at testing the use CBDCs in cross border payments.
FreeInit: A Groundbreaking Approach to Enhance Video Generation by Nanyang Technological University
FreeInit, developed by Nanyang Technological University, enhances video diffusion models by iteratively refining noise initialization, significantly improving temporal consistency in video generation.
Bithumb Designates SANTOS, PORTO, and LAZIO Tokens as Investment Warning Assets
Bithumb has announced new Investment Warning designations for SANTOS, PORTO, and LAZIO tokens due to low liquidity and manipulation risks.
Portsmouth City Now Opens to Pay Taxes in Crypto
England’s Portsmouth has announced that its residents can now pay their taxes and other fees in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies supported on the Paypal app.
Blockchain Fest Singapore 2023 Announces Sponsorship
EMCD and Gresham International will be Blockchain Fest Singapore 2023 Sponsorship
Tether Q3 Attestation: 85.7% Cash Reserves, $330M Loan Cut, $670M Research Spend
Tether's Q3 2023 attestation shows historic liquidity, 85.7% reserves in Cash & Cash Equivalents, reduced secured loans, and robust investment in industry research, ensuring financial resilience amid market fluctuations.
Singapore’s Central Bank and JP Morgan Build a Blockchain System for Multi-currency Cross-Border Payments
Blockchain has been making headlines for quite some time now and banks have been widely talking about distributed ledger technology. Several financial institutions and banks have set up innovation labs to carry out proof of concepts so that to explore modern-day technology. A few days ago, Singapore’s Central Banks and JPMorgan announced that they are working on a blockchain pilot system, which is identified to have the potential to initiate multi-currency cross-border payments.
US Crypto Exchange Kraken Predicts Bitcoin Price Crash in September
US-based crypto exchange Kraken predicts the Bitcoin price will crash in September followed by a return to extreme volatility.
Singapore’s Court of Appeal Finds Crypto Exchange Culpable of Malice in Momentous Ruling
In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal in Singapore noted that Quione, a cryptocurrency exchange, was disloyal to reverse several transactions on its network. This action constituted a breach of contract; hence the law had to take its discourse.
Solana (SOL) Foundation Entrusts Hackathons and Accelerator Programs to Colosseum
The Solana Foundation is transferring management of its hackathons and accelerator programs to Colosseum, aiming to enhance the Solana ecosystem with substantial funding and developer support.
Blockchain.com Obtains Digital Payment Token License in Singapore
Blockchain.com has secured a Major Payment Institution License from Singapore's MAS, joining 3,427 licensed firms across banking, capital markets, and more.
Why Hong Kong is Still Not Ready to Become Asia's Leader in Crypto and Blockchain
During a live webinar, as part of the UK FinTech Week, Clara Chiu, the Head of Fintech Unit & Director of Licensing at the SFC explicitly stated that Hong Kong does not have the mandate to create a large regulatory regime for cryptocurrencies or to attract more investors or players in the crypto field. Rather than promoting the crypto sector, Hong Kong is rather focused on protecting investors and promoting new regulations for the same reason. Is focusing on licensing enough for the city?
Jul 23 Trading Analysis: If only Robinhood has ETH listed
Trade strategy: Buy out of the money BTC and ETH calls; BTC 10 to 10.5k calls and ETH 300 to 350 calls for the next few weeks. Let's not get ahead of ourselves; whether we actually FOMO and chase, we will have to monitor for continued "recycled capital" and hopefully fresh inflows to keep the MoMo going,,,,,
MicroStrategy Continues to Invest in Digital Assets amid Holding 105,085 BTCs
The leading enterprise analytics platform MicroStrategy released its financial report for the second quarter of 2021 Thursday. The management is satisfied with its strategic investment in digital assets and will continue to deploy funds to invest in its "digital asset strategy."
Singapore's Central Bank Paves the Way for Regulatory Oversight of Cryptocurrency Derivatives Trading
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has revealed regulatory plans to permit the trading of cryptocurrency derivatives on select platforms. This oversight strategy is being fronted because investors are considerably favoring these products.
South Korean Brokerage Firms Form Consortium for Tokenized Securities
South Korean brokerage firms KB Securities, NH Investment & Securities, and Shinhan Investment Corporation form a consortium to jointly venture into the tokenized securities market. The collaboration aims to build a common infrastructure and explore strategic business models, targeting cost efficiency and market expansion.
May 25: Negative Rates Eating the World (but not Crypto)
Like Chinese ADRs in the US, it's a sea of red for crypto with Bitcoin down more than 5% in the past 48 hours as it fails to hold above 9k & 8.8k where stops got triggered. No news or catalyst but the lack of bulls to follow through was evident through the volume, and perhaps over this long weekend that the usual buyers haven't been able to pile onto their longs.
Child Porn Darknet Sites Surge with Crypto-Payments as Korean Police Hunt "Nth Room" Clientele
The use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum has become the preferred payment for internet based human trafficking and depraved services, which include blackmail porn and child sexual exploitation according to forensics firm Chainalysis.
Singapore Air Charter Embraces Cryptocurrency and Flexible Payment Options
Singapore Air Charter introduces flexible instalment plans and cryptocurrency payments, enhancing accessibility to its premium aviation services as of August 16, 2023.
Bitcoin Price Falls Below $20,000 Following US Jobs Report
Bitcoin dropped 2% following the release of the job figures reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Singaporean Company Launches World’s First Blockchain-Enabled Carbon Trading Exchange
AirCarbon Pte, a Singaporean exempt private company, has established the first-ever blockchain-powered carbon trading exchange (CTX) that will permit corporate buyers and airlines to sell and purchase tokens subsidized by carbon offset credits.
Bhutan Sovereign Investment Fund Invests Millions in Crypto
The sovereign investment arm of Bhutan, estimated to manage around $2.9 billion in assets, has invested millions in cryptocurrencies without disclosing it to the public. The investments were revealed after crypto firms BlockFi and Celsius filed for bankruptcy in 2022. BlockFi has filed a complaint against Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) to reclaim outstanding assets, alleging that the fund defaulted on its $30 million loan in March.
Investing Corporate Cash to Cryptocurrency “Doesn’t Make Sense”: Twitter CFO
Cryptocurrencies are booming, but Twitter’s CFO has signed a new direction, stating that moving corporate cash to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is currently not the right investment decision due to its volatility.
Bank of Canada Says CBDCs Have Inherent Risks in New Study
A new report released by the Bank of Canada has revealed that the bank believes Central Bank Digital Currencies can pose security risks to users
Best Before: 26 June 2020
What's going to be interesting is BTC options expiry as close to $1bn of open interest (or more than 100k BTC options) will set to expire today. Some have asked if we are gonna see any impact, I actually see little as most of the OI are skewed towards 10k and beyond, so I see little gamma action into the close as these calls are likely to expire worthless.
The Nascent Primary Market of Security Token Offerings
Now that the ICO market bubble ebbed away security token offerings (STOs) have emerged, allowing investment in regulated securities recorded on a blockchain according to new research from the Oxford Faculty of Law
Bitfinex Tackles Phishing Incident: No Customer Funds Affected
Bitfinex has resolved a phishing incident causing partial customer information exposure, confirming no loss of funds or sensitive data compromise, and ensuring ongoing security measures.
Japanese Multinational’s Blockchain App Taps India’s Tech Talent Pool Neglected By Trump’s Visa Ban
NEC Corporation, a Japanese multinational information technology and electronics company, has partnered Persol Career, a job-hunting firm, to pilot its blockchain app to help corporate Japan recruit Indian tech engineers. Nearly 2000 Indians are expected to be hired via the app in the next three years,
“Bitcoin Better Investment than Gold," Winklevoss Says to Dave Portnoy Over Talks on Elon Musk’s Plans to Mine Gold in Space
In their interview with Dave Portnoy, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss advised the "Davey Day Trader" to invest in Bitcoin rather than gold.
Chiliz Launches Layer-1 Blockchain to Support Growth
EVM-compatible Chiliz Chiliz 2.0 Blockchain as fan tokens rise.
WisdomTree Third-Quarter Crypto Assets’ AUM Drop 36% As Market Losses Continue
WisdomTree has seen its crypto assets under management fall by 36% in what the company said has been triggered by the ongoing market turbulence.
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.
US Crypto Exchange Kraken Predicts Bitcoin Price Will Rally in October
US-based crypto exchange Kraken has released its September 2020 volatility report which predicts that Bitcoin’s price will likely rally in October.
Blockchain Industry Leaders R3 and FORMS HK join Cyberport to Launch “Block AdVenture” Program
Hong Kong's innovation hub, Cyberport along with leading global enterprise blockchain platform provider R3 and FORMS HK have launched the Block AdVenture program.
UXLINK Secures Over $9M in Funding
UXLINK, a Web3 social platform, secures $9M funding led by OKX Ventures, Web3Port Foundation, and HongShan, for its bi-directional social networking approach, marking global confidence in its innovative model.
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.
New Zealand Police Issues Warning Against “Nasty” Sextortion Blackmail Porn Scam Demanding Bitcoin Ransom
New Zealand police are warning about a new porn blackmail scam that is targeting residents who watch adult content videos in the country. Scammers will take compromising video or photos of the victim while they are watching pornography and later contact them demanding a ransom in Bitcoin to keep the content private.
Blockchain.com Gets Green Light to Operate in Singapore
Crypto exchange Blockchain.com has gotten the go-ahead to set foot on Singaporean soil after being approved by the nation’s central bank.
Singapore police allegedly investigate Hodlnaut
Singaporean crypto lender Hodlnaut is reportedly under investigation for cheating and fraud. Multiple complaints against the platform between August and November 2022 prompted the police to investigate the exchange's founders. Singapore police say most complaints involve misrepresentations.
Binance Withdraws S'pore Bourse Application, Closing Local Trading Platform by Feb
Binance Asia Services Ltd has withdrawn its application for a local license to run a bourse in crypto-friendly Singapore and shut down its trading platform.
Chiliz (CHZ) and K League Forge Partnership for Enhanced Fan Engagement and Global Expansion
K League partners with Chiliz to enhance fan engagement and global outreach through blockchain technology, integrating 'K League Fantasy' into the Chiliz Chain.
Singapore AGC Launches Tech and Crypto Crime Task Forces
Singapore's Attorney-General's Chambers has established two specialized task forces to combat technology-enabled and technology-facilitated crimes. These units, formed this year, consist of around 20 prosecutors trained in handling digital evidence and understanding the nuances of tech-related criminal activities.
Matrixport Partners with Simplex to Allow Buying Crypto Using Credit Card
Matrixport, the Bitmain spin-off and a leading financial service provider for digital assets, today announced a partnership with the leading payment process company Simplex, enabling users to purchase cryptocurrencies using their credit cards directly and securely on Matrixport.
Empowering Enterprise Blockchain Integration with Hyperledger and R3
Cyberport, being the digital flagship of Hong Kong has gained collaborations with other government-linked organizations, such as InvestHK. InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong government responsible for foreign direct investment and for promoting Hong Kong’s status as the leading international business hub in Hong Kong.
Australia and Singapore Authorities Completes Trial for Blockchain-based Cross-Border Document Verification
Australian and Singaporean authorities have conducted a blockchain trial for cross-border digital trade document verification.
Sportium Announces Strategic Partnership with Dapper Labs
Sportium has announced the successful close of investment from Dapper Labs with both signing an MOU as they both pursue a strategic partnership in helping Sportium fulfil its potential.
Slow and Steady Wins the CBDC Race: Why the US is not Concerned with China's Speed
Slow and steady wins the CBDC Race: there are several reasons why the United States' digital dollar development has an edge over China’s speedy approach to its digital yuan.
Singapore Aims at Becoming the World’s Main Business Hub for Crypto
Singapore is striving to establish itself as a global key hub for crypto business activities. The city state's head of the financial regulator said the best way to regulate crypto is "not to clamp down or ban these things".
California Advances in Generative AI with New Report
The Newsom Administration's report on Generative AI outlines California's approach to regulating and embracing this technology, emphasizing education and workforce training for responsible use.
Nvidia Plans to add Innovation in the Metaverse with Software, Marketplace Deals
Nvidia Corporation has set its eyes on adding more creativity in the metaverse based on various marketplace and software deals.
Bitcoin Price Pops Over Wall Of Sellers at $20K, Flips Resistance to New Support Level
Despite reports that a wall of sellers was waiting for Bitcoin at the $20,000 price level the BTC price surged over the wall and may have flipped the resistance into a support line.
Aleph Zero Launches $50 Million Ecosystem Funding Program
Aleph Zero, a layer-1 privacy-enhancing blockchain, has launched a $50 million Ecosystem Funding Program to support developers in building on its platform and advancing blockchain adoption globally. The program offers grants, incubation, and acceleration, with successful applicants receiving up to $500,000 per project in grant funding, as well as access to a venture capital pool, infrastructure credits, and security design consultations. The program has already produced a range of successful projects during its pilot phase.
When China Yuan Sneezes, Bitcoin Wears a Mask
My thesis continues to be that larger accounts (i.e. whales who own > 1000 BTC) have started to liquidate (which I shared yesterday that this number have continued to decline for the past two weeks), and potentially chase/re-allocate into equities.
Over 70% Accuracy: ChatGPT Shows Promise in Clinical Decision Support
A study assessing ChatGPT's utility in clinical decision-making found it has a 71.7% overall accuracy in clinical vignettes, excelling in final diagnoses with 76.9% accuracy. This highlights its potential as an AI tool in healthcare workflows.
Congressional Memo Challenges SEC's SAB 121
Congress members question the enforceability of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin 121, arguing it deviates from standard accounting practices, misrepresents custodians' responsibilities, and increases consumer risk.
Intercontinental Exchange Plans to Launch Bakkt Bitcoin USD Cash Settled Monthly Futures
Singaporean Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) announced its plan to launch the Bakkt Bitcoin (USD) Cash Settled Monthly Futures, the first well-regulated futures platform for cryptocurrencies, on December 9.
Singapore High Court Upholds DeFiance Capital's Claim Against Three Arrows Capital
Singapore's High Court upheld DeFiance Capital founder Arthur Cheong's trust relationship over assets disputed in bankruptcy proceedings, establishing investors' rights in cryptocurrency assets and trust law.
BNB Chain Dominates Q1 2023 Rug Pull Scams
According to a report by blockchain security firm Immunefi, BNB Chain saw 73.3% of all rug pull scams in the crypto ecosystem during Q1 2023. The report also revealed that BNB Chain and Ethereum were the two largest targets for hackers and scammers, with 68.8% of total losses from these networks combined.
Zipmex Requests Moratorium Extension in Singapore
Cryptocurrency exchange Zipmex has requested an extension of its moratorium on debt in Singapore due to liquidity issues. The company plans to use the extra time to reopen withdrawals on its Z Wallet platform.
Coinbase Revenue Triples in Q1 2021 amid Lower Than Expected Earnings per Share
Coinbase released its first quarterly financial report of 2021 yesterday. This is the company's first earnings report since its direct-listing on Nasdaq on April 14.
FTX Exchange Announces Customer Claims Portal and Deadline for Filing Claims
FTX Exchange has launched a Customer Claims Portal for filing proof of claims. The deadline for submission is September 29, 2023, at 4 pm ET.
Crypto for Sex: Blockchain Takes Off in the Adult Entertainment Industry
Cryptocurrencies have become increasingly popular in the adult entertainment industry, as it can guarantee a high level of anonymity to its users, especially for pornography-related businesses.
Crypto Lender Struggles Extended Creditor Protection For Vauld
Singapore gave Vauld another creditor protection term. The corporation needs a resurrection strategy by Feb. 28. Due to market circumstances, the site stopped 800,000 user withdrawals in July 2022. It received a three-month liquidity moratorium in August 2022.
Upbit Singapore Acquires Preliminary MAS Approval for Major Payment Institution Licence
Upbit Singapore has received an in-principle approval for a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, a significant step towards establishing a stronger digital asset business in Singapore. This provisional approval will enable Upbit Singapore to continue offering regulated Digital Payment Token services as per the Payment Services Act 2019 while awaiting the full license.
HSBC Rolls Out Metaverse Fund for Premium Clients in Singapore and Hong Kong
As the metaverse continues to gain momentum, HSBC Holdings has established a fund to render investment opportunities to its high and ultra-high net worth investors in Singapore and Hong Kong.
DBS Bank to Expand Crypto Services to Hong Kong
As Hong Kong strives to become a digital asset center, Singapore state-owned megabank DBS Group plans to extend its crypto platform there.
Crypto Platform Matrixport under Bitmain Co-Founder Received $100M in Series C Funding,Valued over $1B
The Singapore-based Digital financial service platform Matrixport led by Wu Jihan, the co-founder of the world's top Bitcoin mining machine provider giant Bitmain mining, raised $100 million in Series C financing.
MAS Shortlists 15 Firms to Help Pilot its CBDC Program
15 candidates have been chosen to continue vying for the role to help deploy Singapore's CBDC program
24% American Households Purchased NFTs or Crypto, Study Shows
Crypto and NFTs are emerging as some of the sought-after assets by households and sports fans on American soil. 24 % of households in the U.S. have owned crypto, according to a poll by Seton Hall University.
LinksDAO and Spey Bay Golf Club
"LinksDAO" may acquire a $900,000 Scottish golf course. Voting closes on Feb. 22 at 12pm ET, with 88% of voters supporting the acquisition.
Hong Kong International Airport Launches First-Ever Metaverse
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has partnered with JCDecaux Transport Hong Kong to introduce the first-ever HKIA Metaverse.
Crypto Lender Vauld Granted 3-Month Protection from Singapore Court against Creditors
Crypto lender Vauld has been facing hostile action from several creditors. The Singapore High Court has granted the distressed firm a three-month reprieve against its creditors.
Dragonfly Crypto Compensation Report Unveils Industry Salary and Token Trends
Dragonfly’s 2023 Crypto Compensation Report unveils key trends in salary, equity, and token packages across the crypto industry.
Pepo Founder Presents First DApp to be Approved by Apple
During the 2nd day of the BlockShow Asia 2019 being held in Singapore, Jason Goldberg, Pepo founder and CEO, noted that they are among the most prominent DApps globally. He also acknowledged that it was instrumental for Pepo to be the first DApp to be ascertained by Apple Pay.
Singapore’s OCBC Bank Weighs Launching Crypto Services Amid Surge in Customer Interests
The second-largest bank in southeast Asia – OCBC – is considering setting up a cryptocurrency service to fulfil customer demands.
6 Corporate Giants Hold Bitcoin Worth More Than $11.4 Billion
Blockchain insights provider BlockData has acknowledged that six corporate giants have taken the Bitcoin holding culture a notch higher as they have BTC worth more than $11.4 billion in their custody.
Coinbase To Invest in Singapore’s Zipmex following Acquisition Talks
Coinbase discussed acquisition deals with Zipmex. After negotiations, the two firms have agreed on strategic investments.
SlowMist Report: 10 Crypto Incidents Unveiled
The SlowMist Weekly Security Report (Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2023) underscores ten security incidents in the crypto realm, with Stars Arena suffering the heaviest loss of $3 million. From DNS hijacking to Discord hacks, the report highlights the financial repercussions and urges the community to adopt stringent security measures.
U.S. Lawmakers Urge Stricter Export Controls on Advanced Semiconductors to China
Two senior Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have called on the Biden administration to tighten export controls on advanced semiconductors to China. The lawmakers, Michael McCaul and Mike Gallagher, chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Select Committee on China respectively, expressed concerns over the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) lax enforcement of existing rules. The call for action comes amid advancements by China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Huawei Technologies.
FASB Finalizes New Accounting Standards for Crypto Assets
FASB's new ASU No. 2023-08 mandates fair value measurement for certain crypto assets, enhancing transparency and relevance in financial reporting, effective post-December 2024.
U.S. Ranks The Most Crypto-friendly Country/Territories Worldwide; Hong Kong Takes 3rd Runner Up
A study conducted by Crypto Head shows the United States takes the lead as the crypto-friendly country or territory to adopt cryptocurrencies worldwide, while Hong Kong enjoys the fourth most crypto-friendly region.
China’s CBDC Research Institute Partners with Didi Chuxing to Explore “Smart Travel” with the Digital Yuan
China’s Central Bank Digital Currency Research Institute and Chinese transportation giant Didi Chuxing have reached an agreement to explore and develop the use of digital yuan in the transportation industry.
U.S. Senators Urge Treasury and IRS for Swift Cryptocurrency Tax Rule Implementation
A group of U.S. Senators has expressed concern over a two-year delay in implementing tax reporting requirements for crypto brokers, urging the Treasury Department and IRS to expedite the process to close the crypto tax gap, provide clarity for taxpayers, and secure billions in lost tax revenue. The delay contradicts the directives of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and gives leeway to crypto lobbyists opposing the rule.
Coinbase CEO's Top 10 Crypto Opportunities Questioned by BlockTower Founder
Ari Paul, BlockTower Capital's Chief Investment Officer, has criticized Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's cryptocurrency vision, highlighting ten key opportunities such as decentralized cryptocurrency, blockchain-based reputation systems, decentralized advertising, and a marketplace for labor, while also criticizing on-chain reputation systems and underfunding of peer-to-peer exchanges.
DBS Bank Says Its Bitcoin Trading Surged Amid Global Market Crash
DBS bank has ploughed ahead with its Bitcoin trading operations despite a slump in the digital asset markets.
Coinbase and Binance Amongst the 70 Crypto Firms Awaiting Licensing, Said by MAS
American cryptocurrency trading platform, Coinbase and Binance exchange, two of the world’s largest digital currency brokerages are notably amongst the few platforms awaiting license approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Stablecoin Issuer MakerDAO Invests $500m into U.S Treasuries & Corporate Bonds
The move is an attempt by MakerDAO to diversify its holdings by allocating $500 million for investment in U.S. short treasuries and corporate bonds.
Sam Bankman-Fried Dodges Questions on Alameda Debt Repayment Risks
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was questioned about using funds to repay Alameda's lenders, sparking discussions on risk management practices and potential user reputation implications.
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.
Singapore’s Financial Regulator Puts Binance On Investor Alert List
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has placed Binance exchange on investor alert list, a measure that aims to tell consumers that the exchange is not authorized to offer trading services in the country.
DEC Pulls $9M in Seed Funding to Create Decentralized Uber
The Decentralized Engineering Corporation has pooled a $9M Seed Fund to build a ridesharing Protocol
Binance expands with blockchain hub in Georgia
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has opened a blockchain hub in Georgia to promote crypto adoption in the country, create more jobs and attract talent to the blockchain sector.
CUHK Pairs with ConsenSys To Launch Blockchain-based Covid Digital Health Passport
The Chinese University of Hong Kong and an Ethereum technology company-ConsenSys have launched a blockchain solution-based digital health passport for trial to record all Covid-19 related activities.
Sony Reveals New Blockchain-Based Data Sharing System to Revolutionize the Future for Public Transportation Services
Japanese conglomerate Sony has announced a new successfully developed blockchain system, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) to provide people with data regarding optimal travel routes for using different types of transportation.
Portugal's Zero-Taxation, Low Living Costs Helps Gain Pace as Preferred Crypto Destination
Portugal is crafting a name for itself in the crypto space based on its zero-taxation policy, having set up various free zones to spur growth and research for cryptocurrency and blockchain organizations.
Federal Reserve Gives Consent Order to Silvergate Capital Corporation for Voluntary Self-Liquidation
The Federal Reserve Board announced a consent order against Silvergate Capital Corporation and its subsidiary Silvergate Bank on Thursday, providing the necessary regulatory supervision for the financial institution's voluntary self-liquidation.
Wyoming State Says Cryptocurrency Represents Property, Allows Insurers to Include Digital Assets in Investment Portfolios
The US. state of Wyoming has enacted new legislation to allow insurance firms to invest in digital assets like cryptocurrencies. The new law intends to come into effect on 1st July.
Aptos Unveils Winners of the Singapore World Tour Hackathon
Aptos Network announced the winners of its #AptosWorldTour Hack Singapore on October 27, 2023, showcasing 14 innovative projects across five tracks, including NFTs, DeFi, Infrastructure, and Web3 x AI, with winners like @IntoTheVerse_, @aptospayment, dAptoRator, @EconiaLabs, and @aptscan_ai.
Binance to Delist SGD Trading Pairs Amid Tightened Regulatory Scrutiny
Binance is set to limit all trading pairs involving the Singapore Dollar following the warning from the country's regulator.
Winklevoss Twins Brief David Portnoy on Bitcoin, BTC Talks Continue
American internet celebrity David Portnoy officially hosted the Winklevoss Twins at his house for a long-due conversation regarding Bitcoin (BTC) and cryptocurrencies.
Brazilian City of Porto Alegre Formally Makes Room for Bitcoin Pizza Day
Brazil's City, Porto Alegre has created a public holiday for Bitcoin Pizza Day
WWE Inks Deal with Fanatics to Offer Fans an Enhanced NFT Experience
To render its fans a new experience through non-fungible token (NFT) trading cards, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has signed a deal with digital sports platform Fanatics.
Top UFC Fighters to Receive Bonuses in Bitcoin During PPV Events
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s leading mixed martial arts competition, has teamed up with crypto exchange Crypto.com to offer best-performing fighters bonuses in Bitcoin (BTC).
Singapore Shuts down Crypto ATMs After Ban on Public Crypto Ads
All cryptocurrency ATMs in Singapore have been shut down by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, following the city-state's prohibition of all crypto-related advertisements in public spaces.
XRP, Binance Coin, Dogecoin, and USD Coin Added to Pornhub’s Crypto Payment Options, Will This Pump XRP?
Pornhub has added new cryptocurrency options to its list of accepted payments, while removing other ones.
Wikimedia Foundation Has Suspended Crypto Donation on its Platforms
The Wikimedia Foundation has announced that it is going to suspend cryptocurrency donations across its wide range of platforms.
BetDEX to Go Live on Solana as FIFA World Cup 2022 Approaches
Emerging decentralized sports betting outfit, BetDEX will be launching on Solana ahead of the World Cup
Atlético Madrid, AS Roma and OG Crypto Fan Token Prices Plunge Following Binance Listing
Champion Esports team OG (OG), Atlético Madrid (ATM) and AS Roma (ASR) crypto fan token prices have begun to plunge immediately after being listed on Binance.
May 13: ALT Coins Give You Wings
Trade Strategy: Similar to yesterday. I've closed my long volatility trades, and will start to sell some volatility here and whenever it spikes. While implied volatility has sharply declined from 100% to 80% since Sunday, the longer-term average before the 12 March crash is around 55-60% so there's still juice to be short vol.
The Drone Racing League and Algorand have Reached a $100M Sponsorship Agreement
The New York-based Drone Racing League( DRL) announced reaching a five-year sponsorship agreement with crypto platform Algorand, worth $100 million.
Dogecoin Becomes the First Cryptocurrency to Enter Space amid "DOGE-1 Moon Landing Mission"
On May 9, Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC), a logistics firm headquartered in Canada, officially announced the "DOGE-1 Moon Landing Mission."
Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce Signs a Blockchain Alliance Proposal to Foster Trade And Finance
Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce had signed a written proposal giving the Shanghai government departments and six financial companies an opportunity to establish an E-port area blockchain alliance with the sole aim of fostering international trade and financial services.
China Plans to Incorporate Blockchain in Attempt for Hainan to Overtake Hong Kong on International Trade
The Chinese government is planning to make the province of Hainan into a free trade port, focusing on facilitating free trade, investment, and cross-border capital flows. The plan encourages government institutions to use blockchain and other emerging technologies to improve government functions. The government’s plan has mentioned blockchain technology consistently, as it could have the potential to be used in social governance, as well as protecting data systems including intellectual property rights.
Alibaba to Bring Blockchain Technology to Chinese Shipping Ports
China is tapping into the potential of blockchain technology like none other; the country’s entrepreneurs and local governments alike have already started implementing blockchain-based projects while most of the globe grapples with legality issues.
FinTech in Belt and Road - Transforming French Freight Logistics with Blockchain
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seeks to improve trade connectivity by upgrading transport infrastructure across much of Eurasia. The undertaking spans a massive geographic area covering as many as 63 countries, accounting for sixty percent of the world’s population and thirty percent of global GDP.
EMT Pilots Facial Recognition and Blockchain Ticketing Project in Madrid
EMT, a public transportation firm in Madrid wants to use blockchain for its ticketing pilot project.
Chinese Province Eyes Blockchain-Powered Points Reward System to Boost Tourism
Hainan, a southern island province of China, is developing a blockchain-enabled points reward program aimed at promoting tourism in the region.
Will Hong Kong's Status as an International Digital Financial Hub be Affected by the National Security Law?
2020 has been quite a year for Hong Kong, marked by months of political unrest, the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a sweeping new national security law that China imposed on the city. The national security law, unanimously passed by China’s ruling Communist Party, sets up against secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.
China’s President Xi Jinping Asks ASEAN Countries to Join Hands in Building A ‘Digital Silk Road’
China’s President Xi Jinping is calling for greater collaboration among ASEAN member states and has asked them to promote a ‘Digital Silk Road’ in the region.
How Crypto is Helping a Globally-Recognised NGO with Their Covid-19 Response
The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the world, causing almost half-a-million deaths, illnesses, and economic downturns. The World Bank argues that the deadly virus could push up to 60 million people into extreme poverty, wiping out the progress made in this area in the past three years.
Brexit issues on Supply Chain tacked using blockchain
Since the 1980s, Global Trade has multiplied by a factor of 3.5 but the Global Supply Chain has not kept pace. In fact, the World Trade Bank estimates that inefficiencies in Global Supply Chain are costing as much as USD 2 trillion of the overall USD 16 trillion market.