services
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Comprehensive Updates to its DLT Regulations
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) has updated its guidance notes for distributed ledger technology (DLT) providers in the country.
Spotify removes AI-generated music
Spotify has removed 7% of AI-generated music created by Boomy due to fraudulent streaming activities. Universal Music Group had alerted Spotify of suspicious streaming activity on Boomy tracks. The removal of the songs was due to suspected artificial streaming by bots posing as listeners. Music industry giants like UMG are fighting to control AI, while some artists like Grimes are championing its use.
Chinese Central Bank Approves the City of Chengdu for its FinTech Innovation Pilot
The Chinese central bank, People’s Bank of China has recently approved the city of Chengdu to carry out fintech innovation supervision pilots.
Washington DC Lawyers Can Now Accept Cryptocurrency Payments for Legal Services
Lawyers working within the metropolitan area of Washington DC can now accept cryptocurrency payments for legal services so long as the fee agreement is reasonable and fair, and the lawyer is able to safeguard their digital assets, the District of Columbia Bar stated in an ethics opinion.
Meta's Digital Assets Expansion: A Scrutiny by Maxine Waters
Congresswoman Maxine Waters scrutinizes Meta's trademark applications, filed in March 2022, suggesting the company's continued involvement in the digital assets ecosystem, despite previous assurances of no ongoing projects in this area.
Genesis Agrees to $21 Million SEC Settlement in Bankruptcy Resolution Effort
Genesis Global settles with the SEC for $21 million over unregistered securities sales allegations, aiming to mitigate legal challenges and focus on repaying customers amid bankruptcy proceedings. The agreement, pending a February 14 hearing, marks a significant step towards resolving the company's financial and legal hurdles.
NVIDIA Launches ACE Generative AI Microservices to Revolutionize Digital Humans
NVIDIA releases ACE generative AI microservices to advance digital humans in gaming, healthcare, and customer service.
Yotta CEO Outlines Ambitious Plans to Boost India's AI Market with Shakti Cloud
Yotta CEO Sunil Gupta discusses scalable GPU services, highlighting India's AI market potential.
Oracle Reports Robust Fiscal 2024 Q4 and Full-Year Financial Results
Oracle reveals strong financial performance in fiscal 2024, driven by cloud services and AI demand.
NVIDIA Advances Vision AI with Metropolis Microservices and Isaac Sim
NVIDIA's Metropolis Microservices and Isaac Sim accelerate vision AI development, enabling real-time multi-camera tracking and cloud-native deployments.
Circle Comments on Federal Reserve’s Proposal to Extend Payment Service Hours
Circle has responded to the Federal Reserve Board's proposal to extend the service hours of Fedwire and NSS, advocating for broader upgrades to the U.S. payments system.
HKMA and SFC Announce Annual Updates to Financial Services Providers List
The HKMA and SFC have concluded their annual updates to the Financial Services Providers list under the OTC derivatives regulatory regime.
NVIDIA Unveils Microservices to Enhance Generative AI with NIM
NVIDIA introduces NIM microservices, streamlining generative AI deployment on RTX workstations and GeForce RTX systems.
NVIDIA Unveils NeMo Retriever Microservices to Enhance AI Accuracy and Throughput
NVIDIA introduces NeMo Retriever NIM microservices, improving AI accuracy and throughput, integrated with platforms like Cohesity and NetApp.
NVIDIA Introduces NIM Microservices to Enhance Generative AI in Digital Environments
NVIDIA unveils new NIM microservices and Metropolis reference workflow at SIGGRAPH to advance generative physical AI in various industries.
NVIDIA NIM Microservices Revolutionize AI Model Deployment
NVIDIA NIM microservices are accelerating AI application development across various industries, offering optimized solutions for speech, translation, retrieval, digital biology, and more.
NVIDIA NIM Microservices Enhance LLM Inference Efficiency at Scale
NVIDIA NIM microservices optimize throughput and latency for large language models, improving efficiency and user experience for AI applications.
NVIDIA Introduces NIM Microservices for Generative AI in Japan and Taiwan
NVIDIA launches NIM microservices to support generative AI in Japan and Taiwan, enhancing regional language models and local AI applications.
NVIDIA Introduces NIM Microservices for Enhanced Speech and Translation Capabilities
NVIDIA NIM microservices offer advanced speech and translation features, enabling seamless integration of AI models into applications for a global audience.
Generative AI Revolutionizes Financial Services with Enhanced Speed and Safety
NVIDIA collaborates with Ntropy, Contextual AI, NayaOne, and Securiti to leverage generative AI for improved fraud detection, financial planning, and operational efficiency in the financial services industry.
NVIDIA Unveils AI Workflow for Fraud Detection in Financial Services
NVIDIA introduces a new AI workflow on AWS for detecting credit card fraud, aiming to reduce financial losses and enhance fraud detection accuracy for financial institutions.
Revolutionizing Fraud Detection with Graph Neural Networks in Financial Services
Explore how Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) are transforming fraud detection in financial services, enhancing accuracy and reducing false positives, according to NVIDIA.
ElevenLabs Expands AI Audio Resources to Aid Domestic Violence Survivors
ElevenLabs partners with WorkHaven to provide AI-generated audio resources in nine languages, enhancing accessibility for domestic violence survivors in the Verdella program.
Stellar (XLM) Development Foundation's Q3 2024 Achievements and Growth
The Stellar (XLM) Development Foundation's Q3 2024 report highlights robust network growth, strategic investments, and key integrations enhancing the Stellar ecosystem.
Hex Trust Enhances Custody and Trading Services for Injective (INJ)
Hex Trust expands its custody, staking, and trading services to the Injective (INJ)ecosystem, strengthening its role as a validator and supporting institutional investors.
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.
AWS Expands NVIDIA NIM Microservices for Enhanced AI Inference
AWS and NVIDIA enhance AI inference capabilities by expanding NIM microservices across AWS platforms, boosting efficiency and reducing latency for generative AI applications.
PayPal Acquires UK Crypto License
PayPal has secured a cryptocurrency license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, marking a strategic move amid post-Brexit adjustments, and transitioning UK clients from PayPal Europe to a new UK-based entity.
Mongolia’s Oldest Bank Will Soon Offer Comprehensive Crypto Services
Mongolia’s Trade & Development Bank (TDB Bank), one of the oldest and largest banks in the nation, has announced plans to enter the crypto space.
SEC Raises Objections to Celsius Network's Restructuring Plan Involving Coinbase
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a limited objection to the Chapter 11 restructuring plan of crypto lending platform Celsius Network. The objection, dated September 22, 2023, specifically targets the company's proposed arrangement with Coinbase for distribution services. The SEC is also currently engaged in a lawsuit against Coinbase, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Blockchain Technology Powers Brazil's National Identity Card Issuance
Brazil has commenced the use of blockchain technology for issuing the National Identity Card (CIN) to enhance security and data integrity in the new identity issuance process. The initial phase begins in three states with a nationwide deadline set for November 6, 2023. This move is part of Brazil's broader initiative towards leveraging blockchain for public service improvement, aligning with global trends of digital identity verification.
UK Watchdog Proposes Tougher Advertising Rules
If the UK Government approves the FCA's plan, crypto businesses from abroad may have to meet additional conditions to advertise to UK clients.
Fidelity Envisions Metaverse NFT Marketplace And Financial Services
Fidelity Investments has applied for US trademarks for a nonfungible token (NFT) marketplace, metaverse financial investing, and crypto trading services. Fidelity might provide mutual funds, retirement funds, investment management, and financial planning in virtual environments. The company may develop a digital media marketplace online, but specifics are few.
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.
Visa Integrating Cryptocurrency Services into Brazilian Banks
Visa is further expanding its cryptocurrency services. The payment giant firm is working in Brazil to integrate cryptocurrency services into the local banking system.
Japan's FSA Warns Binance and Others for Operating Without Registration
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has warned several foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, of conducting business in the country without proper registration, violating the nation's fund settlement laws. The FSA has been cracking down on unregistered crypto exchanges since 2020, and this warning signifies that the cryptocurrency industry in Japan and other nations is facing greater regulatory scrutiny.
CertiK Outlines Mobile Blockchain Security Threats and Countermeasures
CertiK discussed security challenges of blockchain technologies on mobile platforms, including malware, insecure wallet apps, and network vulnerabilities, and provided countermeasures like reputable security solutions and regular updates.
DBS Declines to Offer Crypto Services to Retail Customers as Regulation Stiffens
Since regulators consider crypto coins to be ill-suited for retail consumers, DBS bank said that it will not offer such products to retail-banking clients any time soon.
Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas to Speak at Barclays Global Financial Services Conference
Alesia Haas, chief financial officer of Coinbase Global, will participate in a fireside discussion at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference on September 12, 2023. The event will cover Coinbase's financial performance, strategic goals, and insights on the cryptocurrency industry, highlighting its significant influence in the cryptoeconomy.
Rep. French Hill Eyes Financial Services Committee Leadership Amid Crypto Focus
Arkansas Rep. French Hill is poised to assume leadership of the House Financial Services Committee, bringing a crypto-savvy perspective to the role.
Crypto Exchange bitFlyer Implements Travel Rule for Crypto Asset Transfers
BitFlyer, a leading Japanese crypto asset exchange operator, announced the implementation of new regulations known as the travel rule, aimed at preventing criminal activities and enhancing security in the crypto industry.
Binance.US Struggles to Find Banking Partner in the U.S.
Binance.US is facing challenges in finding a bank partner to serve as a fiat on-ramp and off-ramp for its clients in the United States, following the recent failures of Silvergate and Signature Bank. The regulatory crackdown on banks with crypto clients is another factor contributing to the exchange's struggles.
Analysis of Microsoft's Terms and Conditions for AI Services
Microsoft's AI terms, effective Sep 30, 2023, prohibit reverse engineering, data extraction, and limit data use, ensuring ethical use and IP protection.
Stablecoins Could Bolster U.S. Dollar and Economic Competitiveness: Circle CEO
In a compelling testimony delivered to the House Financial Services Committee, Jeremy Allaire, CEO and Co-Founder of Circle, underlined the significant role stablecoins, such as the U.S. Dollar Coin (USDC), could play in strengthening the global position of the U.S. dollar.
Crypto Data Firm Kaiko Raises $53m from Investors Led by Eight Roads
Blockchain data startup, Kaiko has raised $53 million in its Series B funding round, tripling the company’s valuation amidst the bearish crypto market terrain.
South Korea's FSC to Submit Two Crypto-Related Acts to National Assembly
According to Newsis on July 13, the People's Power Party and the Financial Services Commission of South Korea are planning to submit amendments to the Electronic Securities Act and the Capital Market Act to the National Assembly within this month.
Fujitsu Files Trademark for Crypto Brokerage Services
Japanese tech giant Fujitsu has filed a trademark application for a new branding that aims to offer financial services, including cryptocurrency brokerage services, to customers. Fujitsu has been showing growing interest in Web3 technology and launched a Web3 acceleration platform in February to support startups and partner companies in creating a diverse ecosystem of Web3 applications. The move comes as financial regulators in Japan call for stricter banking rules for the crypto sector.
SEC Chief to Testify Before House Committee on Crypto Oversight
SEC chief Gary Gensler will face questioning from the House Financial Services Committee on April 18 regarding his approach toward the crypto ecosystem. The committee will focus on Gensler's rulemaking and approach toward crypto assets and lay down a regulatory sphere for digital assets.
US House Committee to Discuss Stablecoin Regulation
The US House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services will conduct a hearing on stablecoin regulation on April 19th, following the introduction of a draft bill on stablecoin regulation. The hearing will include testimonies from experts, including Austin Campbell, a managing partner at Zero Knowledge Consulting and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, who believes stablecoins will expand the reach of the US dollar and increase financial inclusion.
Cryptocurrency Community Debates Fallout from Closure of Major American Banks
The closure of three major American banks that serve cryptocurrency firms, including Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, has sparked debate within the cryptocurrency community. The closure of Silicon Valley Bank, which held over $3.3 billion of USD Coin issuer Circle's $40 billion reserves, has caused particular concern. As a result, the cryptocurrency ecosystem is now exploring neobank services and other options to bridge the gaps exposed by the latest mainstream banking failure.
Japan Advances LLC-Type DAOs: Easing Tokenized Membership Rights Regulations
Japan proposes amendments to ease regulations on tokenized membership rights for Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), aligning tokenized rights with traditional company memberships, marking a significant step towards fostering DAO operations.
US House Committee to Probe Crypto Crimes in November Hearing
The US House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing today, November 15, 2023, to examine illicit cryptocurrency activities, including money laundering and terrorist financing, and discuss the Department of Justice's focus on these crimes.
Alchemy Pay Expands U.S. Footprint with Iowa Money Services License
Alchemy Pay, a prominent crypto-fiat payment gateway, has secured a Money Services License in Iowa, marking a significant expansion in the U.S. market and enhancing its global compliance portfolio.
Standard Chartered’s Zodia Custody Gets FCA Approval to Offer Cryptocurrency Services
Zodia Custody has been given greenlight to provide cryptocurrency services to institutions.
Unchained Capital Raises $60M in Bitcoin Funding
Financial services provider Unchained Capital has raised $60 million in a Series B funding round led by Valor Equity Partners. The company uses multi-signature technology to provide a more secure way to hold Bitcoin, allowing clients to share control of their funds between private keys they hold themselves and those held by Unchained or other financial services companies. The funding will be used to expand Unchained's reach and suite of services.
Yotta Data Services Boosts Indian AI Capabilities with Nvidia Chip Acquisition
Yotta Data Services in Mumbai has empowered India's tech landscape by acquiring Nvidia AI chips, a move set to democratize AI solutions for local businesses and startups.
ASIC Appeals Federal Court Ruling on Finder Wallet's "Earn" Product
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has appealed a federal court ruling that found Finder Wallet's "Earn" product compliant with Australian financial laws, raising concerns about consumer protections.
UK to Invest in AI Task Force
UK officials announced the allocation of £100 million in funding to support an AI task force to accelerate the country's readiness for AI adoption. The task force will prioritize public services and will aim to ensure safe and reliable foundation models for AI use.
Ethereum Will Be Made Available on Amazon Managed Blockchain
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has now brought the benefits of Ethereum blockchain solutions to its users.
Breaking: Key US House Committee Leaders Challenges Federal Reserve on Stablecoin
The House Financial Services Committee is concerned about the Federal Reserve Board's recent regulatory actions on payment stablecoins, arguing they could hinder Congress's digital asset framework, impose additional regulatory burdens, and potentially cause financial repercussions.
Coinbase reassures customers on staking services amid SEC crackdown
Despite the SEC's crackdown on staking services provided by centralized providers, Coinbase has informed its customers that its staking services will continue and may even increase. Coinbase has updated its staking terms and conditions, stating that users earn rewards from decentralized protocols, not from the exchange itself. The SEC has expressed concerns over users losing control of their tokens when using staking programs. Coinbase has argued that its staking services are fundamentally different from competing exchanges like Kraken.
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.
Here's Why Harvey's $80M Funding is a Game Changer in Legal AI
Harvey raised $715 million in a $80 million Series B funding round, showcasing its advanced AI-powered workflow optimization technology.
Laser Digital Secures In-Principal Approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market
Laser Digital, Nomura's digital asset subsidiary, has received In-Principal Approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The approval allows the company to offer broker-dealer and asset management services in the UAE, subject to fulfilling specific conditions.
Japanese Based Cryptocurrency Exchange BitFlyer Reports $6.9Million Loss in 2019
bitFlyer, a Tokyo based cryptocurrency exchange reported a loss of $6.9 million after suffering a loss in customers amidst regulatory issues with the financial services agency of Japan. The company is doing all it can to stand strong and successfully survive this downtime.
RBL Bank Partners with Accenture to Build A Digital Bank Infrastructure
RBL Bank announced that it will partner with Accenture, who envisions that it will enhance the bank’s information technology (IT) network and services.
The UK's New Digital Securities Sandbox: A Step Forward for Crypto Innovation
The UK government's Digital Securities Sandbox, set to launch on January 8, 2024, allows crypto firms to test products and services, promoting financial technology innovation and consumer protection.
Next House Committee Chair Reintroduces Crypto Innovation Bill
Representative Patrick McHenry has proposed legislation to establish innovation offices in financial services institutions. Companies might request enforceable compliance agreements with federal financial agency offices under the law. In 2018, the SEC opened FinHub, while LabCFTC, the CFTC's fintech research branch, began in 2019.
Democratic Party of Korea Pushes for Reconsideration of Spot Bitcoin ETFs
The Democratic Party of Korea plans to request the Financial Services Commission to review its stance on the legal status of spot Bitcoin ETFs, following opposition to its previous statement.
State Street Partners with Copper.co to Offer Crypto Custody Services to Customers
The partnership will continue to help State Street bank to provide digital and crypto asset services for its clients.
South Korea May Reconsider Stance on Bitcoin ETFs
South Korea's Presidential Office has urged the Financial Services Commission to reconsider its stance on Bitcoin ETFs, indicating a potential shift in the country's cryptocurrency regulation, following initial warnings against U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Dr. Ben Goertzel—Creating an AI Marketplace for Paypal’s 286 Million Users
In this second part, we discuss SingularityNET recent projects and collaborations with Toda Network, PICC Services and PayPal.
SEBA Bank Secures SFC License, Expanding Crypto Services to Hong Kong
Swiss cryptocurrency bank SEBA Bank has been granted a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission license to offer trading, distribution, advisory, and asset management services in the Asia Pacific region.
Indian Crypto Exchanges Seek Clarity on Legal Status and Taxability from the Reserve Bank of India
Crypto exchanges and companies in India are still seeking regulatory clarity and tax status from the Reserve Bank of India following a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the crypto industry earlier this year. India’s Supreme Court reversed the ban placed by the central bank on financial institutions offering crypto-related banking services. It is two months after lifting the ban, crypto exchanges and firms are now seeking clarification regarding the nature of their operations.
Universal Music Group Calls for AI Music Copyright Protection
Universal Music Group has called for streaming services to block AI services from harvesting melodies and lyrics from copyrighted songs. AI-generated music on Twitter, YouTube, and popular streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music, has raised concerns about intellectual property rights.
Google Takes Concerted Steps to Conform to EU's Digital Services Act
Google is preparing to comply with the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), targeting platforms and search engines with over 45 million monthly users. The DSA mandates transparency, reporting of criminal offenses, and user-friendly terms and conditions for VLOPs and VLOSEs.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency Has Officially Chosen a New Commissioner, Himono
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) confirmed its plans for hiring Ryozo Himono as the new commissioner of the financial watchdog group.
The Federal Home Loan Banks System is lending to cryptocurrency
The FHLB is lending billions to two of the top bitcoin banks. According to WSJ, FHLB loans might minimise cryptomarket outflows.
UK's Bank Regulator to Propose Rules for Digital Asset Issuance
The Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) in the United Kingdom is set to propose rules for issuing and holding digital assets, according to Vicky Saporta, executive director of the Prudential Policy Directorate at the Bank of England. The rules will be developed in compliance with the Basel III rules and the Financial Services and Markets (FSM) bill currently being considered by Parliament.
Robinhood Receives Investigative Subpoena from SEC Over Crypto Business
Robinhood disclosed in a recent 10-K filing that it received an investigative subpoena from the SEC in December 2022 regarding its supported cryptocurrencies, custody of cryptocurrencies, and platform operations. The subpoena was in response to the bankruptcies of several major cryptocurrency trading venues and lending platforms earlier in the year, including FTX, Three Arrows Capital, Voyager Digital Holdings, and Celsius Network. This follows previous subpoenas from the California Attorney General's Office and scrutiny from the Massachusetts Securities Division. Robinhood's crypto division was also fined $30 million by the New York District of Financial Services in August 2021 for failing to invest the proper resources and attention to develop and maintain a culture of compliance.
Unchained Forms Strategic Alliance with Bakkt to Enhance Bitcoin Custody Network
Unchained and Bakkt have partnered to enhance their Collaborative Custody Network, enhancing their capacity to secure over $3 billion in bitcoin assets.
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank and Ginco Collaborate to Offer Japan's First Crypto Asset Trust Services
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank and Ginco are partnering to provide Japan's first-ever trust services for crypto assets, in line with Japan's Payment Services Act and tax reforms.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: A Pivotal Decision by SEC Awaits
The SEC is nearing a decision on approving spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market and investor sentiment, with discussions focusing on minor amendments.
WeChat Adds Digital Yuan Payment Functionality
WeChat has integrated the digital yuan into its payment services, allowing users to make payments through the platform. The move aims to increase the digital yuan’s appeal and follows a similar integration by Alipay.
SEC Seeks to Freeze Binance.US Assets in Bid to Protect Customers
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has lodged an emergency action application against Binance Holdings Limited, BAM Trading Services Inc., BAM Management US Holdings, Inc., and their founder, Changpeng Zhao.
Why Crypto Exchanges Must Reinvent Themselves to Stay Relevant or Else Face Extinction
As the industry matures, crypto exchanges must face up to higher responsibilities. Crypto market is becoming to mirror that of traditional markets. Cryptocurrency exchanges, therefore, must reinvent themselves to maintain their relevance.
Binance.US Struggles to Find a Bank Partner in the United States
Binance.US is facing challenges in securing a bank partner to serve as a fiat on-ramp and off-ramp for its clients in the United States. Recent regulatory crackdowns on banks with crypto clients, along with failed attempts to establish direct banking relationships, have left Binance.US without banking services.
Russian Top Digital Bank Tinkoff Explores Crypto Investment Services
Despite Russia’s Central Bank imposed ban and restrictions on cryptocurrency usage in the country, Tinkoff bank is examining potential cryptocurrency investments services to offer to its clients.
European Commission Takes Aim at AI-Generated Disinformation Ahead of Elections
The European Commission mandates major tech platforms to detect AI-generated content to shield European elections from misinformation, highlighting a robust approach towards maintaining democratic integrity.
Nasdaq to Offer Institutional Crypto Custody Services
Nasdaq Global Select Market is reportedly on track to dive deeper into the digital currency ecosystem, with preliminary plans to offer custody services of Bitcoin and Ethereum for institutional clients.
French Bank SocGen Obtains Regulatory Approval to Offer Crypto Assets Services
Société Générale now engages in regulated crypto-related business activities.
Reserve Bank of India Says Banks Are Authorized to Provide Accounts to Cryptocurrency Traders
The Reserve Bank of India recently responded to an information query, saying that Indian banks are not prohibited from dealing with crypto businesses.
Nasdaq to Launch Digital Asset Custody Services
Nasdaq is preparing to launch its custody services for digital assets by the end of Q2 2022, starting with Bitcoin and Ether. The exchange has applied for a limited-purpose trust company charter from the New York Department of Financial Services to oversee the new business and aims to eventually build a broad suite of services for its digital assets division. Its entry into the crypto market could potentially boost institutional investor confidence and pave the way for more traditional financial institutions to offer similar services.
MicroStrategy Q3 2023: 158,400 Bitcoin Holdings at $29,586 per BTC
MicroStrategy Incorporated reveals Q3 2023 financial results, highlighting continuous acquisition of bitcoin and AI software launch. The company's bitcoin holdings now stand at 158,400 with a total cost of $4.69 billion. Software Licenses and Subscription Services Revenues observed notable growth, indicating a positive trajectory in its business intelligence domain.
Chairman McHenry Sharply Criticizes U.S. Treasury and IRS Over Digital Asset Reporting Proposals
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry expresses concerns over proposed digital asset reporting requirements, urging the Biden Administration to collaborate with Congress to establish clear regulations and protect market participants' privacy.
Swiss’ SEBA Bank Launches Regulated Custody Services for Blue Chip NFTs
SEBA bank has expanded the reach of its crypto offerings with a new service dedicated to custody for NFTs
Cross-Chain Crime Hits $7B: North Korean Ties Unveiled
The recent revelation by Elliptic highlights a troubling surge in cross-chain crime, now amounting to $7 billion, with North Korean affiliated Lazarus Group playing a significant role. These findings from the 2023 edition of 'The State of Cross-chain Crime' report, outstrip previous forecasts, underscoring an urgent call for bolstered security measures and refined blockchain analytics to confront the escalating menace.
OKX and CoinRoutes Expand Partnership: Institutional Crypto Trading Services Enhanced
OKX & CoinRoutes deepen collaboration, offering advanced API-enabled trading services to institutional users, emphasizing digital asset solutions.
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.
SBI Remit Expands Ripple XRP Based Remittance Services
SBI Remit expands XRP-based remittance services to Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, integrating Ripple Payments and TRANGLO for real-time, low-cost international payments, accelerating adoption in Southeast Asian markets.
Square to Build a New Open Developer Platform Focusing on Bitcoin
Square CEO Jack Dorsey announced on Twitter that the company is actively creating a new decentralized financial services business platform, mainly focusing on Bitcoin and other mainstream virtual currencies.
Citi Group Considers Launching Crypto Services Amid Increased Customer Interest
Citi Group discussed the possibility of launching crypto services for customers, just like Goldman Sachs enabled clients trade with Bitcoin-linked derivatives.
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.
Bank of England halts Silicon Valley Bank UK branch operations
The Bank of England has ordered the Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch to halt its operations as it has limited presence and no critical functions supporting the financial system. The bank will be placed into a Bank Insolvency Procedure, and eligible depositors will be paid out by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the protected limit of £85,000, with the remaining assets and liabilities being managed by bank liquidators. UK venture capitalists and a nonprofit organization have expressed concern as several startups and investors have significant exposure to the SVB UK, including prominent blockchain VCs who have over $6 billion in assets at the bank.
Thai SEC Bars Crypto Staking & Lender Services after Zipmex’s Bankruptcy
Thai regulator has banned digital asset operators from offering crypto depository services that pay returns to depositors to protect traders and the public from service providers’ business risks.
South Korea Grants Central Bank More Power Over Crypto
The Bank of Korea (BoK) has been given more power to investigate cryptocurrency service providers, including the ability to request transaction data from crypto exchanges. The move comes amid ongoing discussions on virtual asset legislation in South Korea, with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holding the final say on the regulation of the digital asset sector. The two institutions have been at odds for several years over crypto regulations.
UK Cryptocurrency Exchanges Adapt to Enhanced Regulatory Standards
The UK is intensifying regulatory standards for crypto exchanges under the Financial Services and Markets Act, aiming for parity with traditional financial services. Exchanges must comply with stringent risk assessments and finance tests, impacting both domestic and offshore entities.
Nasdaq Embraces AI to Spearhead Financial Crime Prevention
Nasdaq is investing heavily in AI technology to combat financial crime, strengthening its position as a technology-driven financial services company and addressing sophisticated financial crimes.
Fidelity’s Crypto Arm Given the Green Light by the New York State Department of Financial Services
Fidelity Digital Assets Services (FDAS), the cryptocurrency arm of Fidelity Investments has been granted a license by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), allowing the company to offer cryptocurrency trading and custody services.
Government-Owned Swiss Bank to Provide Custodial Services for Cryptocurrencies
With the readiness of government-backed Swiss bank, bank Basler Kantonalbank (BKB) to offer crypto custodial services, the financial service sector is an inch closer to driving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology
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.
Banks Are Increasingly Starting to Offer Cryptocurrency Services in 2020
Banks have increased their interest in cryptocurrencies. Many of them have decided to join the cryptocurrency market, either by offering investments in cryptocurrency or by exploiting the capabilities of blockchain technology, which is already used in various areas with financial services.
China’s Blockchain Services Network Now Under Major Development Alongside "Digital Fujian" Project in the Province
China’s Blockchain Services Network has been in development in the Fujian province, recently along with its 20 main blockchain projects.
Binance Freezes Withdrawals and Suspends Core Services As Crypto Market Runs Hot
As the cryptocurrency market reaches all time high retail interest, exchange giant Binance has announced a temporary suspension of services for maintenance on its platform.
Japan Appoints Crypto-Friendly Leader as New Financial Services Agency Commissioner
Japan’s government seeks to appoint crypto-friendly leader Ryozo Himino as the next commissioner of the country’s Financial Services Agency.
KuCoin Exchange Restores All Token Deposit and Withdrawal Services Following Massive Hack
KuCoin announced yesterday that the withdrawal and deposit services for all tokens will finally be resumed on the crypto exchange.
US Federal Regulator Says Banks Can Offer Cryptocurrency Custody Services to Customers
The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has announced that states and national banks and federal savings associations can provide crypto custody services to customers.
Alibaba’s Plan to Digitize the Services Industry to Rival Tencent Involves Blockchain
Alibaba subsidiary Ant Group CEO Simon Hu is accelerating Alipay’s progression into an online mall for commerce, food, travel services to rival Tencent Holdings Ltd.
How Ripple-Backed Bitso Plans to Expand Cross-Border Crypto Remittance Services in Latin America
Ripple-backed crypto exchange Bitso announced that it will expand its cross-border crypto remittance services in Latin America through a $62 million investment.