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Worldcoin (WLD) Advances Privacy with Personal Custody for Iris-Scanned IDs
Worldcoin introduces Personal Custody, enhancing user control over biometric data generated via iris-scanning orbs for secure ID verification.
Hedera Hashgraph Chief Scientist Dr. Leemon Baird—Defeating the Byzantine Generals and Bringing a Layer of Trust to the Internet
In our exclusive interview with Hedera’s Chief Scientist and Co-Founder Dr. Leemon Baird, Blockchain.News gets the details on how Hedera Hashgraph achieves Asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerance, the growing Hedera Governing Council and the use of the Hedera Hashgraph DLT to prevent coupon fraud.
Australian Companies Signed Deal to Develop Blockchain-Driven Virtual Power Plants
Power Ledger, a Perth-based energy trading software company, and Powerclub, an Australian electricity wholesaler, have signed a deal to offer households unparalleled authority over their energy usage via a blockchain-based virtual power plant.
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.
Response to Facebook Libra? EU Banks Can Deploy Payment System By 2020
All banks in the eurozone could share the instant payment system at the end of 2020, as reported by Reuters on 26 June.
Gamifying the Online Casino Experience with NFTs
Australian online gambling operators are utilizing gamification strategies to enhance player experience, incorporating features like progress bars, NFTs, VIP programs, and PvP tournaments, despite concerns about addiction and legality.
Australian Farmer Teams Up with FreshChain for Watermelon Traceability via Blockchain
Andrew Martens, an Australian owning Marto Farms, has joined hands with Fresh Chain Systems, a local tech firm, in deploying blockchain technology on his watermelon labels to propel traceability. Buyers across Australia will, therefore, be able to trace the originality of the fruit.
Facebook, Google, Twitter Face $600 Million Class Action Lawsuit Over Cryptocurrency Ad Ban
The trio of Facebook, Google and Twitter have been slammed by a $600 million class-action lawsuit by a group of companies and individuals backed by Sydney based JPB Liberty
Ripple and Onafriq Forge Alliance for Blockchain-Enabled Payments in Africa
Ripple and Onafriq are collaborating to introduce blockchain-powered cross-border payments, aiming to improve transaction efficiency and financial inclusion in Africa, the GCC, the UK, and Australia.
Korean Prosecutors Consulting if LUNA Classified "Security"
The probe into Terraform Labs by South Korean prosecutors is taking a whole new twist as watchdogs are making consultations on how best to classify the collapsed LUNA tokens - now known as Luna Classic (LUNC).
Binance Halts Certain Trading Pairs and Disables PayID AUD Deposits Amid Tightening Australian Regulations
In an ongoing adaptation to tighter Australian regulations, Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced significant changes affecting its Australian users.
US Crypto Holders Trust Banks and Exchanges for Custody
A recent survey by Paxos revealed that a majority of US crypto holders still trust banks, exchanges, and mobile payment apps for custody of their assets. Despite high-profile collapses and poor risk management practices, crypto owners continue to trust intermediaries for holding crypto assets. The survey also found an increasing desire among consumers to purchase Bitcoin and other digital assets from traditional banks, presenting a significant untapped opportunity for banks to expand their offerings.
ZachXBT's Defamation Lawsuit Receives Over $1 Million in Donations as Prominent Figures Rally Support
In a surprising turn of events, renowned on-chain analyst ZachXBT has exceeded his initial fundraising target, amassing a staggering $1,055,233 in donations, according to Nansen data. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through contributions from various entities and influential figures within the crypto industry.
Bakkt's Strategic Expansion Leads to Significant Revenue Growth Amid Crypto Market Recovery
Bakkt Holdings forecasts a substantial revenue increase and a 70% decline in operating cash flow usage for FY 2024, following a robust year of strategic advancements.
DBS Provides Crypto for Trust Offerings
DBS Group launches an offering trust service for cryptocurrencies, allowing their premium clients, include the emerging asset class in their succession plans.
US Justice Department Charges Six People for Laundering Drug Cartel Money Using Crypto
The US Eastern District Court of Virginia has charged six people for allegedly involved in laundering millions of dollars for Mexican drug cartels using cryptocurrency.
Goldman Sachs Says Customer Demands for Bitcoin Are Increasing
Goldman Sachs President and COO John Waldron has revealed that the bank is experiencing a rising demand for Bitcoin from its customers.
Uber’s Former Security Chief Charged for Using $100K Bitcoin Hush Payment to Hide Data Breach
Former Chief Security Officer at Uber, Joseph Sullivan, has been charged with allegedly paying $100K in Bitcoin to hackers to cover up a company data breach.
US Fed denies Custodia Bank membership over crypto concerns
The US Federal Reserve has denied Custodia Bank's membership application due to concerns over its involvement in the crypto industry. The Fed cited heightened illicit finance and safety and soundness risks, as well as a lack of a sufficient risk-management framework for its proposed cryptoasset-related activities. The bank is also prohibited from running crypto-related services if accepted as a member.
Kraken Is the First Cryptocurrency Exchange to Become a US Bank
Kraken San Francisco-based crypto exchange was approved yesterday by the Wyoming Banking Board and is now the first exchange to become a US bank.
Bitcoin is 57,000 Times Less Environmentally Friendly Than the "Green Cryptocurrency" XRP, Says Ripple
Ripple claims that its cryptocurrency, XRP, is 57,000 times more environmentally friendly than the largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. According to Ripple’s blog post, the firm criticizes Bitcoin’s consensus mechanism, proof-of-work (PoW), as a major issue contributing to the vast amounts of energy consumed for validating and processing transactions on the network.
1inch Network Launches New Hardware Wallet
1inch is the newest hardware wallet supplier for cryptocurrency. The 1inch Hardware Wallet's 2.7-inch E-Ink grayscale touch panel and stainless-steel frame mimic the iPhone 13.
Could IBM’s Blockchain Platform be the Solution to Disrupted Healthcare Supply Chains Caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic?
IBM’s Rapid Supplier Connect leverages the existing IBM’s blockchain platform, Trust Your Supplier, which is a blockchain-based trusted digital identity and supplier information that simplifies the supplier onboarding and supplier management processes while reducing risks. IBM is allowing qualifying suppliers to use Rapid Supplier Connect free of charge until August 31. New York’s largest nonprofit healthcare group, Northwell Health recently joined IBM’s Rapid Supplier Connect Network, a blockchain project that aims to tackle the disrupted healthcare supply chains caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Justin Sun Withdraws Millions of Dollars’ Worth of USDT from Aave's Lending Pools
The Tron founder Justin Sun has withdrawn a huge amount of liquidity from the DeFi protocol. The move is likely to have been triggered by the recent ban on addresses that received funds from Tornado cash.
New South Wales Treasury Proposes Flexible Regulatory Reform For Blockchain
Australia’s New South Wales is proposing a flexible regulatory reform to accommodate the thriving blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem
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.
Apollo Teams Up With Anchorage to Expand its Product Offering
Apollo Global Manage and Anchorage have partnered to expand the former's crypto products
Coinbase Custody Leads in Digital Asset Safety Amid ETF Adoption Surge
As crypto ETFs gain SEC approval, Coinbase Custody emerges as the trusted custodian for digital assets, leveraging advanced security and regulatory compliance.
Australian Senator Bragg Releases New Draft on Digitial Assets
Australian Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg proposed a new draft of the titled Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2022, aimed at regulating digital asset exchanges.
Mastercard Unveils Interoperable CBDC in Australia
Mastercard, in association with the RBA and DFCRC, has demonstrated a groundbreaking interoperable CBDC solution to enhance Web3 commerce in Australia and beyond. The live demonstration showcased a pilot CBDC holder purchasing an NFT on Ethereum, utilizing Mastercard’s Multi Token Network, emphasizing the potential of blockchain interoperability in fostering secure and efficient digital commerce.
FTX secretly lent Alameda Research $65B
Environmentalists sued the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) on Jan. 13 for allowing the takeover of a bitcoin mining plant. Plaintiff's argument that approval breaches 2019 New York climate legislation. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act aims to reduce 85% of statewide emissions by 2050 and achieve zero-emissions power by 2040, among other goals.
Coinbase and Trustly Collaborate to Streamline Crypto Transactions for Canadians
Coinbase partners with Trustly for Open Banking in Canada, enabling direct bank-to-crypto wallet transactions. This follows Coinbase's recent Canadian market expansion and US crypto derivatives approval.
Forsage Founders Indicted for Alleged $340 Million "Global Ponzi" Scheme on Ethereum Blockchain
Oregon's federal grand jury indicted Forsage's founders. "Global Ponzi and pyramid scam" investors lost $340 million on the site.
Global Energy Sector: Blockchain Application to hit $6.29 Billion by 2024
BIS Research has presented a new market intelligence report dubbed ‘Global Blockchain in Energy Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2018-2024.’ It reveals that blockchain application in the energy market was worth $518.6 million in 2018 and its value will reach $6.29 billion in 2024.
Marathon Digital and Zero Two Partner for Abu Dhabi Bitcoin-Mining Facility
Marathon Digital Holdings and Zero Two have partnered to create a large-scale immersion Bitcoin-mining facility in Abu Dhabi. The joint venture, based in Mina Zayed and Masdar City, will comprise two mining sites with a combined 250-megawatt capacity. Marathon and Zero Two plan to power the facilities with excess energy from Abu Dhabi’s grid.
TRON Welcomes NFT Collectors into the MegaCryptoPolis Metaverse
It’s no secret that TRON has been eyeing a foray into NFTs and digital collectibles for some time; only last week, Justin Sun was pipped to the punch to purchase Beeple’s NFT art collection at Christie’s. The TRON founder placed a last-minute bid that fell just short of the $69 million the work eventually went for.
IBM and Verizon Business Collaborate on 5G and AI Edge Computing Innovation
Tech giant IBM is collaborating with Verizon Business to help usher in the future of Industry 4.0 through their respective expertise on edge computing innovation and 5G technology.
Different Stances on Cryptocurrency Risk Revealed, Many Still Link Crypto to Cyber Fraud
Findings revealed that banks, governments, and cryptocurrency professionals were divided in their stance on digital currencies.
Cryptos Confiscated from $4.2 Billion PlusToken Scam Likely Sold by Chinese Police, says Journalist Colin Wu
China’s crypto journalist Colin Wu believes that Chinese police have sold cryptocurrencies seized from the $4.2 billion PlusToken Ponzi crackdown.
Randall Crater, Founder of "My Big Coin" Sentenced
A U.S. Federal Court Judge sentenced Randall Crater to 100 months in prison. Crater defrauded 55 investors with $7.6 million.
Hex Trust Announces Integration of Polkadot Blockchain Network
Hong Kong-based digital asset custody provider Hex Trust announced the integration of Polkadot blockchain network into Hex Safe.
US Justice Department Charges John McAfee with Cryptocurrency Fraud
Antivirus software entrepreneur John McAfee has been charged with fraud and crypto pump and dump scheme offenses by the US Department of Justice, which alleges that he and his accomplices participated in a scheme that earned them more than $16.9 million by fraudulently promoting altcoins to unwitting investors.
Celestia's Core Values: Bridging Off-chain Governance with User-centric Network
Mustafa Al-Bassam delineates five core values for Celestia's social layer aimed at enhancing trust-minimization and user-centric network functionalities. These values include the primacy of off-chain governance, user elevation, credible neutrality towards execution environments, economic sustainability, and minimizing overhead and state bloat. The discourse provides a profound insight into Celestia's commitment to fostering a user-driven, trust-minimized blockchain network.
Ripple CEO Warns SEC's "Enforcement" Approach May Hurt US Crypto Industry
Ripple CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has suggested that the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to regulation is putting the US at risk of missing out on being an attractive hub for the next evolution of blockchain and crypto innovation. Garlinghouse noted that the SEC's case against Ripple is the SEC simply playing "offense" and "attacking" the industry as a whole. He added that the crypto industry has "already started moving outside" of the US given its crypto regulation process is "behind" other countries such as Australia, UK, Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland.
Justin Sun Finally Got His Long-Awaited $4.57 Million Dinner with Warren Buffett
Founder of TRON, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun had his long-awaited $4.57 million charity auctioned meal with Warren Buffett. Here's what happened.
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel Grants Request to Defer civil cases
On Feb. 13, Manhattan District Judge Kevin Castel granted the applications to suspend the civil proceedings "without prejudice" until the DOJ's trial against SBF begins.
Grayscale Launches New Entity to Manage Growing Funds
Cryptocurrency asset manager Grayscale Investments has launched a new entity, the Grayscale Funds Trust, to manage its publicly traded financial products in-house. The company has also filed a registration statement for three new cryptocurrency-focused ETFs, including a Bitcoin Composite ETF, Ethereum Futures ETF, and a Privacy ETF.
Coca-Cola Vendors Accept Bitcoin in Australia and New Zealand
Amatil, the Coca-Cola company's biggest distributor in Australia and New Zealand has partnered with Centrapay, a payment startup to enable customers to pay with Bitcoin and other digital currencies.
Virginia Tech Study Reveals Geographic Biases in ChatGPT's Environmental Justice Information
Virginia Tech study reveals ChatGPT's limitations in providing local-specific info on environmental justice, highlighting geographic biases.
Bitcoin Accelerates the Development of Renewable Energy for Bitcoin Mining
The use of volcano power to mine Bitcoin (BTC) in El Salvador was propelling the leading cryptocurrency’s quest to accelerate renewable energy development.
China Establishes First-Ever Blockchain Zone in Central Province of Hunan
The first provincial blockchain zone has been established in China, in the central Chinese province of Hunan. The “Wanbao” blockchain zone is located in the city of Loudi, marking the first blockchain zone in China, according to a local Chinese report.
El Salvador Lawmakers Passes $150M Bitcoin Trust Fund into Law
El Salvador parliament has passed the Bitcoin Trust Fund proposal into law.
Paolo Ardoino: Tether Ranks 22nd in US Treasury Holdings, Surpassing Mexico, Australia, and Spain
Tether, the world's leading stablecoin, now holds $72.5 billion in U.S. Treasury bills, despite China's divestment from U.S. debt. Mixed reactions arise, questioning long-term stability in emerging markets.
Coinbase Introduces PayID and Premium Services for Aussie Retail Customers
Coinbase offers three new services for Aussie clients. One of these features would allow customers to use PayID as a way to top up their accounts with Australian Dollar transfers.
Decentralized Hackers 'Anonymous' Promise Retribution for George Floyd, Will Expose Minneapolis Police Record of Systemic Racism
Hacktivist group ‘Anonymous’ has promised retribution against the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) for the death of George Floyd last week.
ASIC Raids Binance Australia as Global Regulatory Hurdles Mount
As reported by Bloomberg, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) executed a search operation at the offices of Binance Australia. This operation is a part of an ongoing inquiry into the crypto giant's now-closed local derivatives business, highlighting the intensifying regulatory scrutiny Binance is encountering.
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
Luna Foundation Says Plans to Repay Terra Investors Thwarted by Litigation Woes
The plans to compensate affected Terra users is still far from reality.
Animoca Brands Cuts Metaverse Fund Target to $800M
Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based developer of blockchain gaming technology, has reduced its target for its metaverse fund by 20% to $800 million due to volatility in the crypto sector. The company's market capitalization has also fallen from $6 billion to below $2 billion, signaling a change in sentiment in the crypto industry.
Virgil Griffith Sentenced to 5-Year Jail for Helping Individuals in North Korea Evade Sanctions
An American citizen is sentenced to 63 months in jail by U.S. District Judge for allegedly helping individuals in the DPRK (North Korea) to evade sanctions imposed by the U.S.
Justin Sun: Tron Network is Holding 3000 Bitcoin
Tron network, a blockchain-based decentralized operating system, is hosting 3,000 Bitcoin (BTC) configured as BTCTRON, according to its CEO and founder Justin Sun.
US Bitcoin Corp-Hut 8 Merger Progresses Amid Celsius Plan Approval
US Bitcoin Corp has secured court approval for its merger with Hut 8 Mining Corp, marking a significant step towards managing its assets and listing on Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Stablecoins Pose Risks to Financial Stability: Yellen
The instability of the UST stablecoin has pushed the United States Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, to advocate for introducing a tighter regulatory framework to govern the entire stablecoin offshoot of the crypto ecosystem.
Morgan Stanley Buys Up To $40 Million Worth of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust Shares
Morgan Stanley recently bought more shares in Grayscale Bitcoin Trust to expand its allocation in Bitcoin investment. The move indicates a continued and ever-increasing position in crypto-related assets.
Winklevoss Sees US Stimulus Negotiation Fail as a “Wakeup Call And an Endorsement of Bitcoin”
Bitcoin billionaire Cameron Winklevoss thinks that this is the perfect opportunity to invest in Bitcoin, as the dollar keep depreciating and US politicians are unable to reach a consensus on a stimulus package budget.
Raoul Paul Hails Crypto Industry, Calls it "Anti-Fragile Financial System."
The crypto market collapsed significantly but bounced back on its own, gaining praises from Raoul Paul.
Breaking: Binance Sells Russian Operations to CommEX, Exits Market
Binance has announced the sale of its entire Russia business to CommEX, citing compliance issues as the primary reason for the exit. The transition process for existing Russian users is expected to take up to one year, with no financial strings attached to the deal for Binance.
Kakao Affiliates Face Probe Over Crypto Misappropriation Allegations
Prosecution delves into allegations of cryptocurrency embezzlement & breach of trust against ex-Kakao chairman & affiliate executives, marking the start of a formal inquiry with the examination of the complainant on Oct 11.
Grimes Offers to Split Royalties with AI-Generated Music Creators
Musician and producer Grimes has announced that she is in favor of AI-generated music and will treat AI creators using her voice the same as other artists she collaborates with. She plans to split 50% royalties on any successful AI-generated song that uses her voice. Grimes has no label and supports open-sourcing art, ultimately “killing copyright.”
IOTA Launches Austria State-Backed Christian Doppler Laboratory for Blockchain Research
The IOTA Foundation is joining the new research laboratory for blockchain technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT) as an industrial partner.
Solana's SOL Price Predicted to Surpass $3000 in Bullish Scenario by 2030
VanEck's analysis suggests Solana could reach significant valuation by 2030 due to its technical innovations and user-focused applications. However, challenges like financial sustainability, technical stability, and developer adoption need to be addressed for this potential.
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.
BIS Conference Addresses Cybersecurity in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)
Agustín Carstens, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) during a conference in Basel, Switzerland, emphasizing the need for secure, user-friendly, and adaptable systems.
Holon Partners with Gemini, Launches Australia’s Lowest Fee Crypto ETFs
Holon has launched Australia’s first unlisted retail Bitcoin, Ethereum and Filecoin funds. The crypto funds provide investors with low fees and regulated access to the burgeoning blockchain and crypto worlds.
Signature Bank Under Investigation by US Government Bodies
Signature Bank is reportedly under investigation by both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice over concerns that the bank did not take adequate measures to detect potential money laundering by its clients. The bank was closed on March 12 as part of a series of bank closures that also included Silvergate Capital and Silicon Valley Bank.
Binance Australia Appoints Former DigitalX EXEC Leigh Travers as New CEO
Binance exchange officially announced yesterday that hired former DigitalX CEO and director Leigh Travers as the CEO of Binance Australia.
Binance Australia Derivatives starts closing certain positions and accounts
Binance Australia Derivatives are for wholesale investors exclusively, according to a separate notification.
French Giant Bank BNP Paribas to Launch Crypto Custody Business
BNP Paribas has partnered with Metaco to enter the cryptocurrency custody business. The bank will focus on providing institutional-grade custody for digital assets.
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.
AI : Experts Predict Human-Level Intelligence Within Decades
A 2023 Oxford University survey forecasts a 50% chance of AI surpassing human performance in a decade, potentially reshaping jobs and industries by 2116. This rapid AI development calls for equitable access and bias mitigation.
Trust Wallet Partners with Ramp and MoonPay for Crypto-to-Fiat Withdrawals
Trust Wallet has partnered with Ramp and MoonPay to offer seamless crypto-to-fiat withdrawals for its users. The feature allows Trust Wallet users to convert crypto to fiat directly within the app, eliminating the need for transferring funds to a centralized wallet. This development comes at a time when centralized exchanges and P2P platforms are shutting down.
OpenBazaar Set for a Comeback
OpenBazaar, a decentralized marketplace that was shut down in 2020, appears set for a comeback. Recent updates on social media and GitHub indicate progress on building a new version of the marketplace using the programming language Rust. Former project lead Brian Hoffman has hinted at the marketplace's return, citing "freedom of exploration" as a key factor in its revival.
Visa Approves Australian Startup CryptoSpend to Issue Debit Cards in Cryptos
The world's leading payment giant Visa approves the Australian startup CryptoSpend to issue debit cards for its customers to consume through cryptocurrencies.
Binance Accelerates LUNC Burn, Fuels Market Optimism with Over 49 Billion Tokens Burned
Binance's recent burning of 5.57 billion Terra Luna Classic tokens has significantly reduced LUNC supply, leading to a 7% increase in LUNC and USTC prices.
10,000 New Blockchain Companies Founded in China Despite COVID-19
COVID-19 has not prevented blockchain companies in China from emerging at a dramatic speed.
UK Finance Ministry Proposes Safety Net Measures against Stalling Stablecoins
The proposals presented by the British finance ministry are aimed to mitigate risks related to stablecoins amid the recent TerraUSD de-pegging fiasco.
VP Bank Partners with Metaco for Digital Asset Custody Services
VP Bank has teamed up with Metaco to enhance its digital asset custody and tokenization operations. The partnership will allow VP Bank to leverage Metaco's Harmonize platform for asset minting, burning, and storage.
WEF Launches Coalition to Deal with Climate Change through Web3.0
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has established a Crypto Sustainability Coalition to investigate the capability of Web3 in tackling climate change.
Why the World Needs a Blockchain Consensus Operating System
The true potential of blockchain to transform the lives of people around the world has clearly not been realised.
VeChain and Alipay Join China-Australia Blockchain Supply Chain Project for Sustainable Shipping
A joint Australian-Chinese supply chain and trade finance project got a major boost last week as AliPay, Mastercard, and crypto firm VeChain joined the initiate.
Australia’s Finance Minister Warns Crypto are High Risk Assets
Australia’s Financial Services Minister Jane Hume warned that the cryptocurrencies are volatile and high-risk assets, investors must be aware of risk after the recent massive price correction of the global crypto industry.
Proposal to Burn 1.3bn UST Tokens Wins Approval from Terra Governance
According to CoinGecko, the total number of tokens to be burnt equals more than 1.3 billion UST or around 11% of the existing 11.2 billion UST supply.
MintDice—Rolling the Dice on Trust
MintDice is an online cryptocurrency casino that leverages the immutable trust-machine Blockchain. No, blockchain does not magically turn losers into winners or improve their odds, but players on the site will be able to know for certain that the odds didn’t change mid-spin, the game was played properly, and the stakes were real on both ends.
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 Bank Protego Trust Appoints Ron Totaro as CEO
Ron Totaro comes with key leadership professional experience as digital asset bank Protego Trust seeks growth to continue serving the crypto marketplace.
Vitalik Buterin: Time will Tell Whether the Hive Blockchain will Surpass Steem
Justin Sun’s entry into Steemit is not going down well with the community. They have created a hard fork of the blockchain and named it Hive. Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum Founder, tweeted that Hive stands a test of time in demonstrating whether self-independence will be achieved.
Terra Classic (LUNC) Community Approves Landmark Proposal to Burn 800 Million USTC
The Terra Classic community has voted in favor of a proposal to burn 800 million USTC through contract migration, marking a pivotal governance decision.
No Plans to Launch Crypto Platform Yet: Nasdaq
Nasdaq plans to wait for further clarity in terms of crypto adoption globally, the company’s executive vice president and head of North American markets said.
Binance CEO Emphasizes Importance of Understanding Crypto for Proper Regulation
During a fireside chat at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) discussed the importance of regulators having a deep understanding of the crypto industry to properly regulate it. He emphasized the need for regulatory clarity and engagement with regulators. CZ also suggested that government efforts to restrict traditional financial markets may push more people towards crypto, ultimately leading to mass adoption.
Bitcoin Water Trust Receives Over $1.3M BTC Donations For Charity within Three Weeks
The famous New York-based non-profit organization "Charity: water" has recently introduced the Bitcoin Water Trust establishment during the 2021 Miami Bitcoin Conference. The trust fund has received worth more than $1.3 million BTC donations within three weeks of the trust's launch.
Report: TON and Telegram Forge Alliance in Q3 2023
The TON Ecosystem saw substantial growth and strategic alliances in Q3 2023. Notable highlights include a collaborative venture with Telegram, set to roll out the self-custodial wallet, TON Space, to Telegram's 800 million users, and a steady increase in TON accounts and on-chain active wallets. Various community initiatives and developer-centric events further illustrated TON's commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem, setting a solid foundation for its expansive vision in the crypto landscape.
Fidelity Set to Hire 100 Employees to Strengthen its Crypto Firm
Fidelity Digital Assets, the asset management Behemoth Fidelity's cryptocurrency division, has disclosed its plans to hire 100 new employees in the next six months to strengthen its workforce
US Regulator Crypto Custody Proposal Opposed
The US SEC's proposal to amend its custody rule has faced opposition from the Blockchain Association and Andreessen Horowitz, who have filed letters criticising the rule's impact on investment advisers and its potential to curtail investment in digital assets. The SEC's proposal would apply more stringent rules on investment advisers in the custody of assets, including crypto.
New Wave of Green Energy Programs Influence Crypto Mining Sector
The mass exodus of crypto mining operations out of China based on intensified crackdowns has triggered the urge for sustainable and environmentally friendly mining activities.
Reuters: Binance Australia Users Rush to Sell Bitcoin Amid Payment Issues
According to a recent report by Reuters, Bitcoin prices on Binance's Australian platform were almost A$9,000 lower than those on rival exchanges on Tuesday.
SEC Rejects VanEck Spot Bitcoin Trust Proposal
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has denied the proposal for a spot Bitcoin trust by investment manager VanEck. This decision follows a trend of the SEC denying every application for a spot Bitcoin trust over the last six years. Two SEC commissioners have released a statement criticizing the decision and alleging a double standard in the Commission’s approach to commodity-based exchange-traded products (ETPs).
Northern Trust Partners with NUS to Advance Blockchain for Institutional Investors
Nasdaq listed company Northern Trust (NTRS), the National University of Singapore's School of Computing (NUS Computing), and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS AIDF) have announced a series of initiatives aimed at shaping the future of blockchain for institutional investors.
Blockchain Unleashed at the United Nations General Assembly on the Global Crisis
Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old has been on the headlines for the global climate crisis movement and has delivered a compelling speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Wintermute Accuses Near Foundation and Aurora Labs of Failing to Honor USN Redemptions
Wintermute criticizes Near Foundation and Aurora Labs for failing to fulfill USN redemption commitments, resulting in significant unredeemed funds. Seeking legal recourse and remaining adversarial if resolutions fail.
Aussie Trading Platform Collapses after User's Damning Complaints
MyCryptoWallet, a platform that operates as a trading platform in Australia went bankrupt. A situation that was inevitable as many of the platform’s users started complaining that they were unable to access their funds on the exchange.
Australian Crypto Exchange BTC Markets Accidentally Exposes 270,000 Customer Names and Emails
BTC Markets, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Australia, has accidentally exposed customers’ data, an incident that has put users at risk of phishing attacks.
FTX Founder's Lawyers Consider Delaying Criminal Trial
Lawyers representing FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried have hinted that they may need to delay his criminal trial due to a lack of evidence from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, will focus on fraud charges against Bankman-Fried. His lawyers have stated that they are still waiting for a "substantial portion" of evidence to be handed over to them, including evidence from devices belonging to former FTX employees who have pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
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.
Zodia Custody and Parity Technologies Forge Strategic Partnership for Polkadot Ecosystem
Zodia Custody has partnered with Parity Technologies to enhance institutional access to the Polkadot ecosystem, a pioneering blockspace network. The partnership will provide custody services, staking DOT, and bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. Zodia Custody will also support the ecosystem's sustained evolution through research and development, promoting global initiatives associated with Parity and Polkadot.
Luna Foundation Guard Details About Depleted Reserve
The Terra blockchain as we know it has come to its end and post mortem analysis from the Luna Foundation Guard (LFG) shows the not-for-profit organization has almost used up its reserve as confirmed in a tweet shared early on Monday
HTX Hacker Returns Stolen Ether, Rewarded with Bounty
The hacker who stole 5,000 Ether from Huobi Global's exchange HTX returned the funds on October 7, following a bounty offer from HTX. The exchange had offered a 5% bounty of the stolen funds if returned by an October 2 deadline. Upon the return of the stolen funds, the hacker was rewarded with a 250 ETH bounty, valued at approximately $410,000. The return of the funds and the bounty payout was publicly acknowledged by HTX adviser Justin Sun.
U.S. Houston Firefighter’s Pension Fund Invests $25 Million in Bitcoin and Ethereum
The Houston Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund, which manages nearly $5.5 billion in assets, announced that it has invested in cryptocurrencies.
TRON’s Founder Justin Sun Could be Real Acquirer of Huobi Global: Sources
Justin Sun, the founder of TRON, is reportedly to be the real buyer for the acquisition of Huobi Global, according to sources with the matter.
Washington Developer Harbor Custom Development to Accept Payments in Crypto
Real estate investors in Washington will have more options by paying cryptocurrencies, as the Washington-based Harbor Custom Development Inc is launching the service by the end of January.
US District Judge Rules in Favor of Custodial Arrangement for bZx DAO Members
A US district judge has ruled that bZx DAO transactions are custodial due to the ability for developers to upgrade a smart contract where the key is held by a single developer, as highlighted in a class-action lawsuit against bZx DAO and others. This may impact DeFi platforms that use multisigs and require them to obtain custody licenses to comply with the law.
Australia Breaks Into Top 3 Nations for Crypto ATM
Australia has 234 crypto ATMs, third worldwide behind the US and Canada. Australia has added 16 ATMs since Jan. 1, while Spain has lost 4 and El Salvador hasn't.
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.
OKX to Open Office in Australia
Brand Ambassadors Daniel Ricciardo, Scotty James, and McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri join event at Melbourne Arts Centre to celebrate ahead of Australian Grand Prix
Facebook Taps Coinbase to Offer Custody Services for Novi Digital Wallet Rollout
Facebook is launching Novi digital wallet. The social giant has hired Coinbase to serve as a custody partner.
Binance Collaborates with Royal Thai Police to Disrupt Criminal Networks
Binance, in conjunction with the Royal Thai Police, has successfully disrupted major crypto fraudulent networks in Thailand through two significant operations. The collaboration led to the arrest of key individuals and substantial asset seizures, underscoring Binance's proactive stance against cybercrime and its ongoing commitment to enhancing security within the digital asset ecosystem.
Bitcoin Most Popular Crypto in North America, Market Experts Report
Bitcoin has always been the most popular cryptocurrency on the global market, but the region that is most invested in BTC assets appears to be North America.
Fidelity Digital Assets Custody Ready for Bitcoin Derivatives Yield Fund
Wave Financial, based in Los Angeles, launched the Wave BTC Income & Growth Digital Fund, racing to become the first crypto derivatives-based yield fund in the market.
Tornado Cash Now Placed Under US OFAC Sanctions
The United States Treasury Department has barred Tornado Cash from offering any form of transactions to individuals in the US.
Blockchain Industry Will Be Valued at $21 Billion Globally by 2025, Research Suggests
A research study by Fortune Business Insight, a market reporting and consulting firm, suggests the global blockchain industry will be valued at a mammoth $21 billion in the next five years. The report explored the rise of financial technology and blockchain companies working towards financial inclusion and targeting developing countries and regions to leverage growth. Such regions, incidentally, have witnessed a growth in educated talent in the past decade, and are well-suited to interact with and understanding distributed ledger mechanisms.
Hong Kong Investors Launch $100M Fund for Web3 Startups
ProDigital Future, a new $100 million fund led by Hong Kong-based equity firm SAIF Partners, aims to support early-stage Web3 companies in the regional market. The fund has already raised $30 million during its half-year fundraising period and plans to raise $100 million by the end of 2023. ProDigital Future has already invested in six digital-asset projects, including GigaSpace and One Future Football. The fund intends to operate in Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Europe, and the United States, while adhering to the necessary licensing and regulatory requirements.
Binance Australia Derivatives License Canceled by ASIC
ASIC has canceled the financial services license of Binance Australia Derivatives after reviewing Binance's operations in the country. Clients must close their existing derivatives positions before April 21.
China Allows Building of Hydroelectric Plant in Well Known Bitcoin Mining Town
Government authorities in China have allowed construction to go ahead to increase the capacity of current hydroelectric plants in the Ya'an district of Sichuan, a town popularly known in cryptocurrency circles to be teeming with Bitcoin miners.
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?
R3 Highlights the Transformative Potential of Tokenization in Finance
R3, a leading enterprise blockchain software firm, discusses the transformative potential of tokenization in the financial sector. The company emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks and industry standards to unlock the full benefits of digital assets. According to a June 2023 report from Bernstein, $5 trillion in assets could be tokenized in the next five years, offering significant opportunities for market participants.
Australia Tax Office Says Crypto Under Focus This Tax Season
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has highlighted four major problem areas it wants to focus on this taxation season, and digital currencies are prominently featured.
Microsoft’s Bill Gates on Big Tech Antitrust Hearing – Government Scrunity Inevitable with Tech Success
Bill Gates discussed the antitrust hearing opposing US congress and Big Tech - Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google (Alphabet) - and gave his input.
PayPal Joins Coinbase TRUST Network to Comply with Travel Rule
Coinbase has welcomed PayPal for joining TRUST, a global coalition that offers top-tier privacy and security safeguards to clients across jurisdictions while complying with the Travel Rule.
Crypto Project Baer Chain Has Been Classified as a Ponzi Scheme by the Chinese Police Department
The police department of the Haizhou district in Lianyungang, a coastal city in China published a notice on " information verification and registration of investment members of the Baer Chain case” on June 15. According to the notice, the project has been classified as a Ponzi scheme.
China's Guangdong Province Aims to Lead in Quality and Innovation by Embracing Blockchain and AI Technologies
In a recent move, the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government have issued the "Outline for Building Guangdong Province as a Strong Quality-driven Province," outlining their vision to enhance the leading role of industrial clusters in terms of quality.
Global Blockchain IoT Market Expected to Generate Returns Worth $5.8 Billion by 2026
The global blockchain IoT market is expected to offer a revenue of $5.802 billion by 2026, driven by factors like IoT being increasingly implemented by mand end-use industries worldwide.
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.
Do Kwon Suggests Terra Hard Fork to Revive Troubled Network
Do Kwon, the CEO of Terraform Labs, believes hard forking the Terra blockchain will play an instrumental role in saving the troubled network.
Judge Dismisses Antitrust Suit Against Apple Over Apple Cash
US District Judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit targeting Apple, where Venmo and Cash App users claimed Apple Cash had an anti-competitive edge.
Hive Digital Technologies Bolsters Global Reach with Swedish Data Center Acquisition
Hive Digital Technologies acquires a data center in Boden, Sweden, enhancing its Bitcoin production and affirming its commitment to green energy and AI.
Galaxy Digital Invests $44 Million Into Institutional Cryptocurrency
Galaxy Digital invests $44 million in institutional bitcoin custody platform GK8 to integrate its asset storage and management capabilities.
Microsoft Reveals Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU
Microsoft unveiled Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU, optimized for AI and cloud computing, with deployment scheduled for early 2024.
Ripple Co-Founder Proposes Alternatives to Proof-of-Work Model to Make Bitcoin More Sustainable
Many industry experts have addressed the issue of sustainability, and how the current Bitcoin network can be tweaked to achieve better energy efficiency.
UAE Crypto Insights: 72% Investors Lean Towards Bitcoin
The UAE's crypto investors, according to a survey by KuCoin, are overwhelmingly in favor of Bitcoin, highlighting the need for trust, security, and crypto education, as well as a keen interest in blockchain and AI integration, indicating the country's potential as a crypto hub.
Amazon Launches Virtual Clinic Called Amazon Care
Amazon, the world’s largest internet company by revenue, quietly launched a virtual health clinic for Seattle-area employees, CNBC reports.
Blockstream's Greenlight Officially Launches, Promising Simplified Lightning Operations
Blockstream has officially launched Greenlight, a Lightning-as-a-Service (LaaS) solution, aimed at alleviating the operational challenges of managing Lightning network nodes while enhancing security. The service, revealed in June and launched on October 12, 2023, allows developers to retain key control, reducing risks and freeing up essential resources for core business operations. Greenlight offers a blend of convenience and self-custody, making it a noteworthy advancement in the blockchain and Lightning network domain.
HK-based Gusto Collective Raises $11m in Funding Round Led by Animoca Brands, Gaw Capital
Hong Kong-based Gusto Collective has raised $11 million in its Seed Plus funding round led by Animoca Brands and Gaw Capital.
Marathon Digital Initiates Bitcoin Mining Powered by Renewable Landfill Energy
Marathon Digital Holdings and Nodal Power are launching a 280 kW Bitcoin mining pilot project in Utah, converting harmful methane emissions into electricity for sustainable mining.
Social Media Site X Limits Changpeng Zhao's Account Access
Changpeng Zhao, former Binance CEO, faced account restriction on social media platform X amidst legal challenges, leading to widespread speculation in the crypto industry.
Reserve Bank of Australia May Still Have Its Eye on CBDC After All
Reserve Bank of Australia's Tony Richards has said that the RBA will continue to consider the potentials of issuing a CBDC.
JPMorgan Collaborates with Indian Banks to Launch Blockchain-Based Dollar Settlement System, Reported Bloomberg
JPMorgan Chase & Co., the American multinational investment bank, has formed an alliance with six Indian banks to inaugurate a blockchain-based platform that will handle interbank dollar transactions within India's emerging International Financial Centre.
Global Blockchain Technology Market Expected to Hit $19.9 Billion
The global blockchain technology market is anticipated to reach $19.9 billion by 2026 from the current $3.4 billion value, according to market research publisher Global Industry Analysts Inc.
Terraform Labs, Luna Foundation Guard Bought 3.06m AVAX in total: Avalanche Foundation
The Avalanche indicates that Luna Foundation Guard (LFG) has no plans to sell the AVAX tokens in its treasury.
Bitget creates an AI-powered crypto trading tool
Bitget, an influential entity in the fields of crypto derivatives and copy trading, has introduced a novel tool called the Martingale AI trading bot. This AI-powered innovation is engineered to help its users trade cryptocurrencies with higher efficiency.
xAI's Grok: Musk's Novel AI Chatbot with Real-Time Insights
Elon Musk's xAI unveiled Grok, an AI chatbot, inspired by 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, providing real-time world knowledge and answering questions with humor, outperforming other models.
Miller Opportunity Trust Says It Could Invest Up To $300 Million In Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust
Miller Opportunity Trust plans to invest up to $300 million, or 15% of its net assets, into the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust.
Atomicals Market Addresses Security Breach and Announces Compensation Measures
Atomicals Market has implemented measures to restore user trust and enhance platform security following a significant security breach, emphasizing community engagement's crucial role in protocol's future.
Is China Hacking Australia? Cryptojacking Cyberattacks Hit Hard Down Under
The Australian Cyber Security Center has published a report highlighting vulnerabilities that are being exploited by hackers using cryptojacking malware.
JustCarbon DAO Announces Multi-Exchange Platform Partnership
Carbon action marketplace JustCarbon has announced a multi-exchange platform partnership with DigiFinex, Coinsbit, LAToken and Coinstore signifying a play for dominance in the carbon market.
Prosecutors Investigate Do Kwon with Ponzi Fraud Charges amid Terraform Labs Dissolvement
South Korean Prosecutors are investigating Do Kwon if they will file Ponzi fraud charges against him following the Terra crash.
Silvergate Bank Voluntary Liquidation Sparks Controversy in Crypto Industry
The recent announcement of Silvergate Bank’s voluntary liquidation has led to a heated debate in the crypto industry, with some lawmakers labeling the sector as “risky” and “volatile.” Crypto executives and commentators have criticized these remarks and suggested that government investigations and legal attacks hastened the bank’s collapse. As Silvergate winds down, some crypto firms are seeking alternative banking partners amid concerns of regulatory crackdowns and proposed tax law changes.
Why Switzerland is Fast Becoming a Global Hub for Blockchain Industry
Switzerland is fast adopting innovation and blockchain and is positioned to create a huge impact on other economies.
BTC & ETH Have Been the Best Risk-Adjusted Assets over the Last Year
Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) have been the best risk-adjusted assets over the last year based on the Sharpe Ratio.
Terra Erases 12 Months Bullish Gains with 94% Drop in Value
The Terra community is almost in disarray as the ecosystem’s two flagship tokens including LUNA and UST are on a freefall amid the most bearish sentiment the blockchain protocol has ever seen.
Grayscale Contacts with SEC over the Securities Status of Three Trusts
Grayscale Investments, a subsidiary of the Digital Currency Group (DCG) has been in contact with a staff of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the definition of the status of three of its established Trusts.
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.
Kraken Introduces Simple, Secure, and Powerful Kraken Wallet
Kraken has launched Kraken Wallet, a self-custodial wallet that offers simplicity, security, and power to users. The wallet allows seamless interaction with popular blockchains, comprehensive portfolio tracking, and WalletConnect integration. With a focus on privacy and backed by Kraken's industry-leading security measures, Kraken Wallet aims to accelerate crypto adoption and empower users in the decentralized world.
US DOJ Launches National Crypto Enforcement Team
The US DOJ has unveiled establishing a National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), a law enforcement task force fighting crypto crime.
Australian Bankers Association cost of living probe shows bank pressure
The Australian Bankers Association (ABA) has launched a cost of living review to determine how the COVID-19 epidemic, global supply chain restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and other factors have raised Australia's already high cost of living. The research will examine Australia's economic policies and ways to cut living costs.
Exclusive: Why are Independent Third Party Crypto Custodians so Important?
Alexandre Kech, CEO of Onchain Custodian shares with us the importance of independent third party custodian solutions. He identified three grey areas for assets under custody by the exchange and how Onchain Custodian identifies the custodial needs for crypto players and traditional financial giants!
ARK Invest Intensifies Investment in Robinhood
ARK Invest, led by Bitcoin enthusiast Cathie Wood, increased its stake in Robinhood, buying 1.1 million shares worth over $9.5 million in a single day. The investment was distributed across three ARK ETFs, with ARKK acquiring the majority.
IOSCO Proposes Measures To Probe Digital Marketing Risks
Concerning the rapid increase of risks in digital marketing, The International Organization of Securities Commissions, or IOSCO, has proposed some measures for its member countries to consider when deciding their policy and imposition approaches to retail online offerings and marketing.
Will Terra’s UST and LUNA Crash Cause a Shift to ‘Cryptos that have Stood the Test of Time’?
LUNA has left crypto enthusiasts' mouths agape because they could never imagine in their wildest dreams that one of the top ten cryptocurrencies could collapse to near-zero overnight.
Do Kwon Denies Allegations of Cashing Out $2.7Bn through DegenBox
According to a Twitter user, FatMan Terra, Do Kwon allegedly used the Abracadabra protocol, DegenBox to siphon as much as $2.7 billion from the UST and Terra coffers months leading to the eventual collapse of the Layer-1 protocol.
Wealthfront To Enable Cryptocurrency Investments for its Clients
Wealthfront is the latest mainstream firm that plans to offer cryptocurrencies to its clients.
Trust Wallet connects Binance Pay and Coinbase Pay
Trust Wallet launched its browser extension, now available in Chrome and Opera browsers. The extension lets users store, send and receive crypto across all EVM chains and Solana networks. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao publicly endorsed Trust Wallet, stating "self-custody is a fundamental human right".
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.
Coinbase's Custodial Role in New Bitcoin Spot ETFs Marks a Crypto Milestone
Coinbase's role in the newly approved Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC marks a crucial advancement in cryptocurrency's integration into mainstream finance, bringing regulatory clarity and institutional investment opportunities.
Crypto Token Backed by $25M Diamond Ponzi Scam Flagged by DoJ
The US Department of Justice charged a Florida native with wire fraud, for soliciting investors in a diamond-backed cryptocurrency Ponzi and investment scam.
G7 Bank Sector Higher Money Laundering Risk than Crypto Industry, Reports Mexico Financial Intelligence
According to a report released by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Mexico, the G7 banking sector was most at risk of money laundering operations.
Banking Giants CIBC and Aussie's NAB Partners to Use RippleNet Solution
North American banking giant, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), and the National Bank of Australia (NAB) have inked a partnership to bolster each other’s cross-border payments settlement, with Ripple’s RippleNet solution.
Market Downturn Triggers Delisting of Crypto ETFs in Australia
Crypto winter is considered to have caused low demand for such ETFs in Australia. Cosmos Asset Management said it plans to delist three of its cryptocurrency ETFs on the Cboe stock exchange.
Australian Securities Exchange Postpones Migration to Blockchain Settlement System Due to Coronavirus Concerns
The Australian Securities Exchange has further postponed the replacement of its current CHESS system with a new blockchain-based settlement system due to coronavirus concerns.
60k BTC and 60k ETH on Justin Sun's Tron Seem Unbacked
Crypto analyst ErgoBTC suggests 60k TRC20 BTC and 60k TRC20 ETH tokens on Justin Sun's Tron network, currently in JustLend protocol, appear unbacked, implying a $1.8B non-existent TVL.
Alibaba Sees Blockchain as the Icing on the Cake in the Film Industry
During the ongoing 28th Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival happening in Xiamen, China, Li Jie, senior vice president of Alibaba Pictures, noted that blockchain was crucial in propelling the growth of the Chinese film industry.
US Bank Debuts Crypto Custody Services for Fund Managers
America’s fifth-largest retail financial institution, US Bancorp, also known as US Bank, is set to provide cryptocurrency custody services.
IMF Chief Warns of Terra Crash, Calls it as Pyramid Scheme
In response to the recent crash of the LUNA collapse, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva questioned the risk of stablecoins, calling it a ‘Pyramid’ scheme.
FCA Warns Companies on Crypto Mergers
The crypto market in the UK received a warning from the financial watchdog following an acquisition announcement by Bitpanda.
Binance Australia Derivatives Closes Accounts After False Classification
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission would "target" the company's "classification of retail and wholesale customers."
Nairobi-based FinTech Mara Launches African Crypto Wallet Service
A new crypto project called Mara has now been introduced to the African crypto ecosystem. This project is backed by Coinbase Ventures, FTX-affiliated Alameda Research, Huobi Ventures, and other prominent venture capital firms and angel investors in the industry.
North Korea's Cyber Onslaught on Cryptocurrency: A $3 Billion Digital Heist
North Korea has escalated cyber attacks on cryptocurrency since 2017, stealing over $3 billion and stealing $1.7 billion in 2022, posing a serious threat to the country's economy and military budget.
BTC Mining Report Draws Criticism
The New York Times’ recent report on Bitcoin mining has been criticized by some BTC proponents for cherry-picking data and overstating the fossil fuel use of BTC miners. They also point out the increasing use of sustainable energy in the sector. Despite the debate on energy consumption, Bitcoin mining remains significant for blockchain security and decentralization.
Justin Sun Proposes the Establishment of Tron DAO Reserve and to Launch USDD Stablecoin
Justin Sun, the founder of the Tron blockchain network, is stepping up his responsibility in the broader digital currency ecosystem with the establishment of the Tron DAO Reserve.
Over 100 Car Dealers to Accept Crypto Payments in the UK Boosting Crypto Adoption
At least 100 car dealers in the UK have inked a partnership with London-based AutoCoinCars, the nation’s market leader in trading cars with cryptocurrencies. Through the strategic collaboration, clients will be able to purchase cars using cryptos in some of the biggest car dealers in the UK, such as Benz Bavarian, Saxton4x4, and Redline Specialist Cars.
Australian Female Hacker Sentenced to 2 Years of Prison for $400K Ripple (XRP) Crypto Heist
Australia recorded one of its first cases of cryptocurrency theft recently.
Despite Closed Door, Justin Sun Says He's Ready to Inject Billions into FTX - Report
Justin Sun of Tron blockchain said he is ready to commit billions to bail out FTX
News Industry Grapples with Financial Woes and AI Disruption
The news industry faces declining advertising revenue, declining subscriber growth, and AI-driven disruptions, necessitating strategic shifts and legal disputes to adapt to digital advertising trends.
Misuse of Facial Recognition: The $10M Macy's and Sunglass Hut Legal Battle
Harvey Eugene Murphy Jr. sues Macy's and Sunglass Hut for $10 million over wrongful arrest and assault, highlighting flaws in facial recognition technology and its serious consequences.
He Yi Discusses Binance's Regulatory Strategy Amid Actions Against Binance and Zhao Changpen
In a public letter, He Yi, Co-founder of Binance, discusses the company's compliance strategy, which gains significance amidst a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry initiated on May 6, 2023, 13 SEC charges, and the company's recent exit from the Russian market.
Crypto.com Extends Free Crypto Tax Reporting Services in Australia
Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has launched a new crypto taxation service for Australian recently, enabling their clients to import their crypto transaction to generate a report and file to the government.
New Ride-Hailing App to Transform Payments by Offering Blockchain Direct Transactions
Bayride has revealed RideNode, a new transportation virtual and blockchain currency that seeks to transform the payment structures in this sector. America’s ride-hailing industry is touted to be revolutionized because RideNode will offer direct transactions between the service provider and consumers.
FTX was the "fastest" company collapse in American history, says U.S. Trustee.
The US Trustee overseeing FTX's bankruptcy proceedings has requested an independent investigation into its demise. In a Dec. 1 motion, U.S. Trustee called the defunct exchange the "fastest large business collapse in American history". An independent examiner has been requested by the Department of Justice. Independent examiners are usually called in when creditors want them or when unsecured debts surpass $5 million. Trustee Andrew Vara said debtors "suffered an almost unparalleled fall in value" over eight days in November. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and Securities and Exchange Commission have allegedly submitted many requests to investors.
NBA's Rockets Team up with NYDIG, to be Paid in Bitcoin
NBA team Houston Rockets announced that it will collaborate with the New York Digital Investment Group (NYDIG), a top player in the bitcoin arena.
Twitter Bitcoin Hack Demonstrates That Crypto Fraud is Easier to Track Than Fiat
Cryptocurrency regulation was the hot topic during an ongoing panel hosted by the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists.
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust Offers Public Access to BTC “Era of Digital Gold”
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust is offering mainstream investors access to the newly proclaimed era of digital gold as Bitcoin evolves into a dominant store of wealth.
Tron CEO Justin Sun Denies Allegations of Third-Party Celebrity Promotions of TRX Cryptocurrency
Tron Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Justin Sun has come forward publicly to address the allegations that he paid celebrities to promote Tron.
US Lawmakers Question Tron Founder Justin Sun and DLive CEO on Extremist Content Following Capitol Riots
Two U.S. lawmakers have questioned Tron founder Justin Sun and DLive CEO Charles Wayn in the wake of the Capital riots—asking them how they moderate extremist content.
Thailand's SEC enhances investor protection with new cryptocurrency trading rules.
Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new guidelines to strengthen investor protection in the cryptocurrency industry. The SEC has mandated clearer disclosure of risk warnings and restrictions on digital asset business operators' deposit and lending services.
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.
Australian Government Explores the Viability of Blockchain For Land and Property Conveyancing Transactions
The Australian government is piloting a blockchain database to find out its viability on conveyancing transactions.
Crypto.com Signs 5-Year Deal with Australian Football League, Worth $25m Sponsorship
Crypto.com announced that has signed a five-year partnership agreement with the Australian Football League, sponsoring it for $25 million to develop sports business.
DOJ Targets SBF's Jets for Forfeiture
Samuel Bankman-Fried, also known as "SBF," faces the possibility of asset forfeiture, including two luxury jets, as per a filing by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dated October 4, 2023. The forfeiture is linked to multiple charges against Bankman-Fried, who is currently on trial. The aircraft in question are embroiled in an ownership dispute involving the U.S. government, FTX, and Island Air Capital.
Australia Surpasses Asia in Crypto ATM Installations
Australia has surpassed Asia in the total number of crypto ATMs installed, with 364 machines as of January 2023. The country has consistently added Bitcoin ATMs over the last eight months and is on a crypto ATM installation spree. Internal documents from Australia’s Department of the Treasury suggest that crypto legislation is on the horizon.
IBM Food Trust: Cutting Through the Complexity of the World’s Food Supply with Blockchain
IBM Food Trust was first launched in August 2017, with 10 Foundation members aiming to use blockchain in food traceability to solve issues in the food supply chain. Prior to the launch, IBM, Walmart and Tsinghua University announced a collaboration to improve the way food is tracked, transported and sold to customers in China. Juniper Research recently announced that IBM Food Trust is one of the leading blockchain players in the food provenance space.
Crypto Conferences Scale Back
Crypto conferences have toned down the extravagance in response to the extended crypto winter, with attendees focusing on discussing regulation and tax. The XRP Las Vegas conference for XRP enthusiasts and the “XRP Army” highlighted frustration over regulatory clarity in the United States. Meanwhile, regulation was the primary topic at a recent Binance Australia meetup event, where attendees asked intelligent questions despite the ongoing bear market. Interest in crypto remains strong, even as conferences scale back.
IBM Blockchain in Action: What are the Benefits?
In first and second parts of our interview with Alan Lim, the Program Director of IBM Blockchain Lab in the Asia Pacific, we explored the idea of data standards to improve the supply chain industry, as well as the IBM Food Trust, a food provenance network that allows food products to be traced and tracked. Digging deeper into IBM Blockchain, what else has the company been working on?
The First Crypto Bank in Puerto Rico Rolls Out Digital-Asset Custody Service
FV (Fintech Ventures) Bank, a global financial entity registered in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, has launched a digital-asset custody service for seamless safeguarding and interoperability of crypto and fiat.
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.
Coin Cloud Customer Data and Source Code Allegedly Stolen
Coin Cloud, a cryptocurrency ATM provider, has suffered a data breach involving 70,000 customer selfies and 300,000 PII stolen, highlighting the need for improved security measures in the cryptocurrency sector.
Digital Asset Firm Osprey Unveils First-Ever Polygon Trust Fund
Osprey Funds digital assets management firm has launched the Osprey Polygon Trust to make it easier for both institutional and retail investors to invest in Polygon (MATIC) cryptocurrency.
Terra-Based Anchor Protocol Hits $12b in Total UST Deposits
Anchor Protocol, a lending and borrowing protocol built atop the Terra blockchain network, its total UST stablecoins deposit has hit 12 billion, a show of the massive embrace it is currently receiving from the Terra ecosystem.
Union Bank of Philippines Cooperates with Hex Trust for Promoting Pilot Digital Assets Custody Service
Union Bank of Philippines (UnionBank) announced the bank has paired with Hong Kong-based Hex Trust to pilot digital assets custody service.
Band Protocol (BAND) and Chainlink (LINK) DeFi Tokens Outperform Bitcoin by Gaining 100%
With the recent boom of the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry, DeFi tokens have undergone more than a 100% gain on the crypto market over the past few weeks, outperforming Bitcoin.
Virginia Senate Votes to Support New Bill by Permitting Banks to Offer Crypto Custody Services
Based on the unanimous vote from the Virginia Senate, the proposed bill amendment introduced on January 22 this year by Delegate Christopher T. Head sought to allow eligible banks to offer cryptocurrency custody services.
US Prosecutors Unseal Indictment of $20 Million Dollar Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
US prosecutors have recently indicted a group of investment scammers who have orchestrated a cryptocurrency mining fraud following a Ponzi scheme protocol.
BlackRock and SEC Discuss iShares Bitcoin Trust Listing on Nasdaq
The SEC is reviewing multiple proposals for iShares Bitcoin Trust's listing as a spot Bitcoin ETF on Nasdaq, marking a significant step in mainstream cryptocurrency acceptance.
Australia Announces 'Token Swap' Campaign to Accelerate Crypto Regulation
Australian federal government will implement a “token mapping” exercise to inform future regulation of the country’s crypto assets, laying the groundwork for “determining how crypto assets and related services should be regulated.”
Bitcoin Retreats to Around $30k: Decoding the Technical Indicators and Regulatory Factors
In today's market developments, Bitcoin has retracted to around $30k, weighed down by various technical factors and a series of recent regulatory interventions.
Wilshire Phoenix Files for Publicly Traded Bitcoin-Backed Fund Approval Seeking to Challenge Grayscale’s Dominance
The New York-based investment company, Wilshire Phoenix has filed the s-1 registration statement with the SEC for a publicly-traded Bitcoin fund in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Crypto Bank Custodia Files Lawsuit against Federal Reserve for Delaying Master Account Application
Wyoming state-based digital asset bank Custodia has filed a lawsuit against the authority for unlawfully delaying a decision on its applications for a master account.
Huobi to Expand Footprints in Australia, Seeking Regulatory Approval for Crypto Trading
Huobi Global is trailing the same footprints as its counterparts as it filed its application to be registered as a digital currency exchange provider with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
Digital Asset Liquidity Provider OrBit Markets Wins Google Cloud Customer Award
OrBit Markets, a Singapore-based liquidity provider, has been awarded the 2023 Google Cloud Customer of the Year Award for its exceptional use of Google Cloud technologies for trading data processing.
Prime Trust Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Prime Trust, LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 14, 2023, following financial difficulties, a cease and desist order, and a terminated acquisition deal with BitGo.
Kraken Under Probe for Allegedly Violating US Sanctions on Iran
The US Treasury Department is investigating Kraken on suspicion that the crypto exchange allowed Iranian users to use its trading platform despite federal sanctions on the middle eastern country.
CBI and Liminal Collaborate for Digital Asset Security in India Amid Crypto Scams
The Central Bureau of Investigation of India is partnering with Singapore-based Liminal to secure digital assets seized during investigations amid rising cryptocurrency frauds in India.
Huobi Korea Wants To Separate And Change Name
Recently, the firm cut off 20% of its employees and disclosed a $6 million outflow. Reports say Huobi Korean chairman Cho Kook-bong will buy Li's stake.
Western Australian Police Force Seized 1.5 Million Worth of Crypto in a Drug Investigation
The Australian Border Force (ABF), the Western Australian Police Force announced that the team has arrested a 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman over drug probe, seizing and frozen an incredible amount of 1.5 million worth of cryptocurrency found in the electronic device held by the culprits.
Ripple Acquires Swiss-based Metaco, Sets Sights on $10T Institutional Crypto Custody Market
Ripple, the global provider of blockchain-based payment systems, has announced its acquisition of Metaco, a Swiss provider of digital asset custody and tokenization technology.
Solana NFT Platform Magic Eden Moves To An Optional Royalties Method
Solana-based NFT platform Magic Eden announced on Saturday it's opting for an optional royalties method for its users.
US NIST Initiates AI Safety Consortium to Promote Trustworthy AI Development
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched the Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium to promote safe AI development and responsible use, inviting organizations to collaborate on identifying proven safety techniques by December 4, 2023.
Australian Senator Proposes Digital Asset Regulation Bill
Senator Andrew Bragg has proposed a Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023 to regulate cryptocurrency services in Australia. The bill recommends stablecoin regulations, licensing of exchanges, and custody requirements to protect consumers and promote investment.
Australian Senator Andrew Bragg: Blockchain Can 'Rebuild Confidence' in Financial Services
Australian Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg has expressed optimism on the potential of blockchain technology to help ‘Rebuild Confidence’ in the financial services sector
PayPal May Buy Digital Asset Custodian BitGo Following Crypto Market Entry
PayPal may be looking to penetrate the market further following its recent crypto payments announcement, rumors indicate the firm may buy digital asset custodian BitGo.
Mastercard Enhances Crypto Wallet and Exchange Business
Payment giant Mastercard announced Tuesday to enhance its function and experiment for cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges to their clients. The card issuer cooperates with multiple crypto enterprises to convert crypto and traditional fiat money more accessible.
1 Million Aussies to Enter Crypto Over the Next 12 Months, Says Swyftx Survey
A study suggests that Australians are looking for alternative investment opportunities during a time of rising turbulence in international markets.
Australian Banks Ordered to Report Crypto Transactions
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has ordered local banks to report on cryptocurrency transactions amid concerns over the contagion of recent banking collapses, including that of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The regulator is seeking more information and insight into banking exposures to crypto assets and associated risks.
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.
Square Inc. Launches Alliance for Crypto and Blockchain Companies to Fight Patent Trolls
Square has announced that it has successfully launched COPA to empower blockchain and crypto companies and to protect them from patent hoarding trolls.
LUNA Charts a Bullish Course as Crypto Markets Opens Monday With Gains
Amidst this re-awakening, here is an insight into what the coming week may hold for LUNA ahead of the likely protocol forking.
SEC Postpones Decision on Grayscale Ethereum Trust's ETF Application
The SEC has extended its review period for Grayscale's Ethereum ETF application to January 2024, reflecting a careful evaluation approach towards cryptocurrency ETFs.
Racing to Save the Planet: The Role of Blockchain in Sustainability
The world is in decay. A long list of environmental disasters and the relentless requirement for fossil fuels are pushing Earth's capabilities to heal itself to a dangerous tipping point. Blockchain might very well be mankind's last hope to avoid the fall.
ADGM Launches Pioneering DLT Foundations Regime
Abu Dhabi Global Market's Registration Authority has introduced the Distributed Ledger Technology Foundations Regulations 2023, a global legislative framework designed to facilitate token issuance, promote governance, and drive transparency in the crypto sector.
British Standards Institution Pioneers International AI Safety Guidelines for Sustainable Future
BSI's release of the first international AI safety guideline, BS ISO/IEC 42001, marks a significant step in standardizing the safe and ethical use of AI, reflecting global demand for robust AI governance.
HKUST Designs First Virtual Campus in the Metaverse
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced its intention to establish the world's first physical-digital twin campuses in the Metaverse.
Court Approves Voyager Digital's Acquisition by Binance.US
The US District Court rejected the government's appeal to halt Binance.US's acquisition of bankrupt brokerage company Voyager Digital. The court confirmed its prior approval of Voyager Digital's Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan, which involves selling assets to Binance.US to repay customers. The court also allowed Binance.US to issue repayment tokens to impacted Voyager customers, despite objections by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Coinbase Custody Launches New International Institutional Grade Crypto Service to European Clients
With its operations based in Dublin, Ireland, Coinbase Custody launched its institutional-grade crypto asset storage service to clients in Europe. The cryptocurrency exchange launched Coinbase Custody in 2017 for institutional clients such as hedge funds and family offices. Its assets under management have over $7 billion in cryptocurrency assets, with its acquisition of Xapo’s institutional custody business in August 2019.
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.
Indian Supreme Court Rejects Crypto Petition: Legislative Nature Emphasized
The Indian Supreme Court's decision not to accept a PIL for cryptocurrency regulation underscores the legislative nature of such regulations and the ongoing regulatory uncertainty in the crypto sector.
Chief Justice Roberts Calls for Caution with AI in Legal Field
Chief Justice John Roberts advocates for legal caution in utilizing AI due to privacy and human judgment concerns, proposing rules for lawyers to verify the accuracy of AI-generated court papers.
Reserve Bank of Australia Will Explore Wholesale CBDC with ConsenSys Ethereum POC
The Reserve Bank of Australia has partnered with leading Australian banks and ConsenSys Software to explore wholesale CBDCs and distributed ledger technology (DLT).
PayPal Officially Confirms that It is Acquiring Crypto Custody Firm Curv
PayPal Inc. has officially confirmed its plans to acquire the crypto startup company Curv.
KYC on Exchanges Powerless Against PlusToken Ponzi Scammers According to New Report
The PlusToken Ponzi scheme operators are using regulated KYC compliant exchanges to dump their cryptocurrency according to an updated report by investigative firm OXT Research.
OPNX to Launch FatManTerra Justice Token, Airdropping to LUNC and LUNA Holders
OPNX has announced the imminent launch of the FatManTerra Justice Token. This move comes in response to the commencement of legal proceedings against FatManTerra by several parties.
AI Chatbots Set to Revolutionize Fast-Food Industry
Wendy's and other fast-food chains are partnering with tech companies to develop AI chatbots that use natural language processing to take drive-thru orders. This technology has the potential to significantly improve customer experience and streamline operations in the fast-food industry.
SEC Charges FTX Auditor Prager Metis Over Independence Violations
The SEC has charged Prager Metis with violations of auditor independence laws, drawing attention due to its previous engagement with cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which filed for bankruptcy in 2022. The legal action emphasizes the crucial role of auditor independence in ensuring financial transparency and investor protection.
WEF Proposes Interoperable Stablecoins as Building Blocks for a Sustainable Global Economy
Stablecoins and the technology underlying them will be the building blocks of a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient global financial system according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Blockchain Investment Dropped 60% in 2019 despite Bitcoin's Bullish Run
Blockchain investment dropped 60% from a record 4.1 billion in 2018 to 1.6 billion this year, according to the findings of CB Insights reported on Bloomberg 18 July.
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.
How Bitcoin Donations Supported the Noble Cause of Taming Australian Bushfires
The harm caused by the Australian bushfires necessitated immediate response, and the Crypto Fire Alliance, a group of Australian and international blockchain and cryptocurrency businesses, stepped in to curb the situation through philanthropy.
CoinDesk Under Fire for Retracting Articles on Justin Sun and Chainalysis
CoinDesk, a prominent cryptocurrency news source, has been accused of retracting articles criticizing industry players, raising concerns about its commitment to balanced reporting and editorial integrity, highlighting the need for objective reporting.
Ethereum Team Leader Critiques University's Apathy Towards Crypto Education
Ethereum head, Péter Szilágyi, expressed frustration over his alma mater's lack of interest in blockchain technology, contrasting with global demand for blockchain education driven by major corporations and student interests.
Australian CBDC Pilot Test to Commence Next Year - RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has published a Whitepaper to give additional insights into its proposed Central Bank Digital Currency, dubbed the eAUD.
PwC Report: Asian Institutional Investors Opt for Third-Party Custody Solutions for Digital Assets
A joint report by Aspen Digital and PwC titled "State of Digital Asset Custody - Understanding and implementing digital asset custody for institutional investors" reveals a rising demand for institutional-grade digital asset custody solutions among family offices, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and external asset managers (EAMs) in Asia.
Australian Business Icon Dick Smith Threatens The Guardian With Lawsuit Over Bitcoin Scam Ads
Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith is threatening The Guardian with legal action after it hosted ads linked to fake news of Smith supporting a Bitcoin and crypto scam.
Russian National Extradited to the U.S. to Face Crypto Money Laundering Charges
Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national accused of running an illegal crypto exchange BTC-e was extradited to the United States to face fraud charges.
BlockFi Will Submit Assets And Liabilities For Bankruptcy On January 11
BlockFi will show assets, obligations, and pre-bankruptcy payments. After its first bankruptcy hearing in November, the business contacted 106 buyers. The U.S. Department of Justice confiscated over 55 million Robinhood shares worth $450 million. BlockFi claimed shares.
National Australia Bank to Launch Ethereum-Based Stablecoin
NAB will introduce an Ether-based Australian dollar-pegged stablecoin. Reports say the AUDN stablecoin streamlines cross-border transfers and carbon credit trading.
Examiner: Celsius' accounting and operational controls were 'insufficient'
The independent examiner in Celsius' bankruptcy case has alleged that the company failed to set up "sufficient" accounting and operational controls in its handling of customer funds. The interim report shed light on what ultimately forced the lending platform to halt withdrawals on June 12. Celsius, founded in 2017 by Alex Mashinsky and Daniel Leon, didn't start tracking its balance sheet until after confrontation with regulators in May.
Can Blockchain Strengthen the Internet of Things (IoT)?
IoT and Blockchain are two disruptive technologies leveraged for numerous technological innovations across multiple industries, but how do they complement each other?
Kraken Fights IRS Over Customer Information
Kraken is contesting the United States Internal Revenue Service's demand for critical exchange user information, citing it as an "unjustified treasure hunt." Kraken has requested federal court intervention, pointing out that the IRS has gone "far beyond" its intrusive summons. The fight against IRS is Kraken's response to the agency's February summons, which demanded additional user information to identify Kraken accounts that did at least $20,000 of cryptocurrency trading in any single year between 2016 and 2020.
HK-Based Hex Trust Raises $88m in Funds, Valuation Touches $300m
Hong Kong-based Hex Trust raised $88 million in Series B funding led by Animoca Brands and Liberty City Ventures, following which, it saw its valuation rise to $300 million.
Aussie Baseball Team Perth Heat to Start Paying Players and Staff in Bitcoin
Australian baseball team Perth Heat is incorporating Bitcoin into its business practices and is making preparations to offer salaries in the cryptocurrency.
Tron Foundation Launches its "Just NFT Fund"
The Tron Foundation has launched its" Just NFT Fund" to help bridge the gap between artists and the NFT metaverse.
The Reserve Bank of Australia Refuses to Join the CBDC Bandwagon
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has refused to join the bandwagon with respect to the development and issuance of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Sam Altman Reinstated as OpenAI CEO Amid Board Restructuring
Sam Altman returns as OpenAI's CEO, with a reconstituted board, after a brief ouster, underscoring his pivotal role in the AI industry.
Australia-based Zip Considers Adding Crypto Trading Options within a Year
Australia-leading digital retail finance and payments company Zip Co Ltd is considering adding cryptocurrency trading options for customers.
Fidelity Investments Unveils Plans to Expand Business by Hiring Crypto Savvy Staff
Fidelity Digital Assets, the cryptocurrency arm of Fidelity Investments, is set to onboard additional hands as it prepares for the growing demand in the digital assets ecosystem.
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.
Is Blockchain Tech the Holy Grail for the Aerospace Industry?
The aerospace industry moves millions of people and billions worth of assets every single day. Yet, the industry's sheer complexity is its own worst enemy. Can blockchain technology become the savior?
Silvergate Bank Probed by DOJ for Ties to FTX Exchange
Prosecutors are investigating Silvergate's Alameda accounts.
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.
Australian Judge Allows Plaintiff to Use Bitcoin as Collateral Bond
In Australia, a New South Wales (NSW) court has allowed a cryptocurrency exchange account to be used as a collateral bond for legal costs.
China Mobile Launches Metaverse Industry Alliance, Involving Tech Giants Like Huawei and Xiaomi
On June 28, 2023, in Shanghai, China Mobile announced the formal establishment of the China Mobile Metaverse Industry Alliance during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2023. This initiative marks a significant stride in China Mobile's strategic foray into the rapidly expanding metaverse landscape.
Involved in Cryptocurrency and Cash Corruption, Regional Military Recruitment Heads Were Dismissed by Ukrainian President
Ukrainian President dismissed regional military recruitment heads for corruption involving cryptocurrency and cash. Law enforcement opened 112 cases.
WEF: Blockchain Can Drive Sustainable Digital Finance for a Low-Carbon Economy
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted Blockchain as a driver of sustainable digital finance for a low-carbon economy
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Denounces Cryptos as Escape from Inflation
The current Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, said that investing in cryptocurrencies to avoid inflation is an act of irresponsible leadership.
China’s Digital Yuan Launch Could Threaten Macau’s Gambling Industry
Gambling businesses in Macau fear that the launch of digital yuan would render them obsolete.
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
Ethereum Uncovers Blockchain Bugs to Stabilize Medalla Testnet
Ethereum developers discussed the technical issues that went wrong during the launch of Medalla testnet and that could have been improved to make the release smoother.
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.
Abra Appoints Justin McMahan As Chief Financial Officer
McMahan's appointment marks the first time Abra has hired an CFO. McMahan brings with him significant expertise that would be invaluable for Abra as the firm continues on its journey to becoming one of the leading crypto firms in the world.
El Salvador's Nayib Bukele buy 1 BTC daily
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele and Grenada's ambassador Justin Sun have decided to accumulate 1 BTC per day. Analysts are worried that bitcoin could slide to $13,000, having already lost 76% since hitting a record high of $69,000.
PlusToken Crypto Scam Masterminds to Serve 11 Years in Prison
The ringleaders of the PlusToken Ponzi Scheme have been charged with 11 years of prison after they stole cryptocurrencies worth 14.8 billion yuan.
Major Banking and Financial Associations Urge SEC to Amend SAB 121 for Digital Asset Custody
The Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum, and SIFMA have requested modifications to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 to address challenges in digital asset custody for US banking organizations. The aim is to align provisions with recent policy developments and practical experience.
Decrypt: Most Whitepapers are Full of Scams
According to Decrypt’s Investigation published on 22 April, many startups had been accused by White paper writers to “constantly required to fabricate and exaggerate facts”.
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.
SpankChain Shuts Down SpankPay Crypto Payment Processor
Ethereum-based adult entertainment platform SpankChain has closed down its crypto payment processor, SpankPay, after losing its payment service provider Wyre in February and failing to find a new one.
BNY Mellon Launches Crypto Custody Service - Report
Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon has announced that its digital assets custody service is now live as it seeks to deepen its foothold in the emerging cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Signature Bank Team Joins Customers Bank, Part of $21B Customers Bancorp
Customers Bank, a subsidiary of Customers Bancorp (NYSE:CUBI), has announced the successful onboarding of nearly 30 team members formerly employed by Signature Bank, once known for its crypto-friendly stance.
US Congress’ Attack on Amazon, Google, Apple and Facebook Continues, Can Blockchain Benefit?
As the antitrust hearing with tech giants Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google (Alphabet) continues, the question of whether decentralization will subsequently rise as a result of the legal tech-policy hearing has been brought up.
Australian Federal Agency Ex-Employee Evades Prison Despite Illegally Mining Ether and Monero on Supercomputers
A former employee of an Australian federal agency avoided prison despite mining cryptocurrency on government supercomputers.
Australian Taxation Office Clarifies CGT on DeFi and Crypto Wrapping
The Australian Taxation Office has issued guidelines on the capital gains tax implications for decentralized finance activities and crypto token wrapping, following a recent security breach.
Senator Lummis: Voting on Infrastructure Bill Amendments Will Be a Win for the Digital Asset Community
With all forms of Amendment on the Infrastructure Bill under threat, Sen Lummis has explained why the crypto industry will win should an amendment be voted on.
Hong Kong Fintechs Embrace Blockchain and DLT
Blockchain firms make up nearly 40% of all new Hong Kong FinTech companies launched in 2019.
Australia's National Blockchain Steering Committee Mobilizes Domestic Developer Community
The Australian National Blockchain Roadmap Steering Committee is seeking expressions of interest from its domestic blockchain community to create working groups on supply chain and credentialing.
Circle Taps BNY Mellon to Serve as Custodian for USDC Stablecoin Reserves
The new partnership will mutually benefit Circle and Mellon Bank.
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.
ASX Delays Blockchain-Based CHESS Replacement to April 2023
The Australian Securities Exchange has delayed the blockchain replacement for its CHESS settlement system for financial products, until April 2023.
Legacy Healing Center Accepts Crypto Payment Option for More Addiction Treatment
Legacy Healing Center, a US-based addiction treatment centre in Florida and New Jersey, aims to open the doors to more people seeking treatment by accepting Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as valid forms of payment.
PayPal Payment Giant to Expand Cryptocurrency Offerings to UK Market Within Months
PayPal has revealed a brief timeline, indicating the expansion of its crypto business to the UK market in a few months’ time.
Ernst & Young Trustee Outline Options for Compensating QuadrigaCX Victims
Ernst & Young has filed a report with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice suggesting how the court should distribute the recovered funds.
Australia Sponsors Two Blockchain Pilot Projects for AU$5.6M
The Australian government has allocated more than 5.6 million Australian dollars to support two domestic blockchain pilot projects, enhancing the domestic productivity and competitiveness of the Minerals and Food and Beverage sectors.
Breaking: Ripple XRP Acquires Web3 Financial Institution Fortress Trust
Ripple has acquired Fortress Trust, a subsidiary of Fortress Blockchain Technologies, which offers Web3 financial, regulatory, and technological solutions for blockchain pioneers. The acquisition strengthens Ripple's business and product trajectory, following its $250M purchase of Metaco in 2023. The merger extends Ripple's regulatory credentials, including a Nevada Trust license and 30+ Money Transmitter Licenses across the US and Singapore.
Trustlessly purchasing an NFT on Flare using the token of a different blockchain.
The layer-1 for data, Flare, just completed a live demonstration of new interoperability functionality now available in beta on the network. Using two core interoperability protocols, State Connector and Flare Time Series Oracle (FTSO), an NFT was trustlessly purchased with the transaction taking place on a different chain using a different token. The demo was performed on Flare’s canary network, Songbird, with the purchase made using DOGE and XRP tokens.
China's Antitrust Agency Urged By the PBOC to Probe Alipay and WeChat Pay
In a move similar to the US antitrust hearing, the People’s Bank of China has prompted the nations top antitrust body to probe Alipay and WeChat
FTX Announces Proposed Settlement and Amended Plan in Chapter 11 Cases
FTX has announced a proposed settlement in their Chapter 11 cases, pending court approval. The settlement includes a "Shortfall Claim" for customers and an amended Plan of Reorganization. The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors supports the plan, expecting expedited cases and improved recoveries. Customers may receive over 90% of distributable value globally.
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.
Voyager Digital Agrees to $1.65 Billion Settlement with FTC in Landmark Case
The US FTC has awarded Voyager Digital a $1.65 billion settlement for misleading statements about customer fund safety, marking a significant regulatory action in the crypto market.
BNY Mellon Bank Tapped to Provide Grayscales with Bitcoin ETF Services
Grayscale Investments has selected BNY Mellon bank as an asset servicing provider for its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust(GBTC) , handling accounting and administrative services, effective October 1.
Australia’s Financial Regulator Issues First Regulatory Roadmap for Crypto Assets
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority admitted that although the crypto sector is small, its rapid growth poses risks in the future if it remains unregulated.
Alibaba Unveils Its First Home-Grown AI Chip
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba unveiled its first artificial intelligence inference chip on Wednesday, a move which could further invigorate its already rip-roaring cloud computing business.
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.
What is Trust?
Trust and trusted third parties are key concepts in bitcoin. The key role of bitcoin is to reduce trust and trusted third parties.
Surge in Generative AI Adoption Across Sectors: Balancing Innovation and Risks
Recent surveys highlight a significant increase in generative AI adoption in public and private sectors, driven by its potential for innovation and productivity. However, concerns over governance, risk management, and economic inequality emphasize the need for responsible and ethical use.
Bitcoin-like Wisdom: Edward Snowden's Call for Algorithms to Replace Institutions
Edward Snowden's vision of AI and Bitcoin's financial revolution share a common theme of decentralization and replacing traditional institutions, highlighting concerns about surveillance and public trust.
Cardano Breaks Correlation with Bitcoin Price with Recent Partnership with Coinbase and Shelley Mainnet Launch
Cardano recently partnered with Coinbase Custody to allow ADA holders to stake and store their funds in a secure cold wallet. The launch is expected in Q4 of 2020, once the staking rewards on Cardano’s Shelley mainnet becomes available.
Hex Trust Partners with Chainalysis to Provide a Compliance-focused Custody Solution for Financial Institutions
Hex Trust, the leading digital asset custodian for the banking sector, today announced its partnership with Chainalysis, the blockchain analysis company
Genesis Global Capital Moves to Liquidate $1.6 Billion in Grayscale Trusts Amid Bankruptcy
Genesis Global Capital has petitioned the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to sell off its Grayscale Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ethereum Classic Trust holdings, totaling approximately $1.6 billion. This strategic liquidation aims to maximize creditor repayments amidst potential market volatility, following a recent SEC settlement.
Huobi Global Faces Mounting Challenges: Trademark Dispute, Legal Troubles, and Operations Suspension
Huobi Global, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, is encountering significant challenges on multiple fronts, encompassing a trademark dispute, allegations of fraud against a key person, and an order to halt its operations in Malaysia.
Seychelles Crypto Exchange OKX to Expand Services to Australia
OKX, the Seychelles-based crypto exchange, plans to expand its services to Australia due to the country's strong uptake of cryptocurrency. The exchange sees Australia as an essential part of its growth strategy and intends to build a strong local office.
Trust Wallet Discloses Security Flaw Resulting in $170k Loss
Crypto wallet Trust Wallet has reported a security vulnerability, resulting in almost $170k in losses for some users. The vulnerability has been fixed after Trust Wallet found out about it through its bug bounty program.
German Banks Authorized for Crypto Custody and Sales in 2020
In 2020, German banks will be legislatively authorized to sell and provide custody of cryptocurrencies as reported by German newspaper Handelsblatt.
Stablecoins to be Issued by Licensed Banks and Trust Companies in New Japanese Law
In a move to protect investors, Japan’s parliament has passed a bill classifying stablecoins as digital money that must be connected to the nation’s currency, yen, or another legal tender.
Tron's Justin Sun Acquires 4145 BTC for $152.8M
Justin Sun has acquired 4145 Bitcoin with $152,818,183 at an average price of $36,868.
Changpeng Zhao Clarifies Binance's Investment in Collapsed Terra
Changpeng Zhao has come out to clarify the investments the trading platform has in the Terra ecosystem in what appears as a response to false claims going around on Twitter.
Credit Giant MasterCard Grants Wirex First Principal Membership License
Wirex has become the first native cryptocurrency platform to be granted a principal membership license from credit giant Mastercard as part of their accelerated expansion into digital assets.
Fidelity to Offer Crypto Trading to Retail Customers
The potential launch would come after Fidelity enabled its corporate clients in April to add the world's largest cryptocurrency to their managed 401(k) retirement plans.
Ripple Expands Digital Asset Custody with Acquisition of Standard Custody & Trust Company
Ripple acquires Standard Custody & Trust Company, strengthening its position in institutional digital asset custody market, enhancing regulatory portfolio and service offerings.
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.
EU’s Latest Coronavirus Recovery Deal: What’s Wrong with Fiat and What’s Right with Crypto
The recovery fund spearheaded by the EU is made up of €390 billion in grants and €360 billion in loans, which will be added to a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with the sum of €1.074 trillion as a seven-year budget. The heads of state and government have reached a unanimous agreement, resulting in a total financial package of €1.82 trillion.
HSBC to Initiate Institutional Digital Assets Custody Service in 2024
HSBC plans to launch a digital assets custody service for institutional clients in 2024, partnering with Metaco to expand its digital offerings to include tokenised securities.
ACC Sues Meta Alleging Scam Crypto Ads
Australia’s competition watchdog sued Meta Friday, alleging scam advertisement of cryptocurrency investments by asking local celebrities to promote them on its social media platform.
BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) Sees Zero Inflows, Ending 71-Day Streak
BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has experienced a significant shift in investor sentiment, with zero inflows recorded for the first time since the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs in the US. This marks the end of a 71-day streak during which the ETF consistently attracted millions of dollars in daily investments. While other Bitcoin ETFs also experienced a slowdown in inflows, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF managed to secure inflows of $5.6 million and $4.2 million respectively.
Grayscale Partners with NYSE Arca to File for Spot Ethereum ETF Conversion
Grayscale Investments has collaborated with NYSE Arca to file Form 19b-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), aiming to convert the Grayscale Ethereum Trust into a spot Ethereum ETF. This move is a significant part of Grayscale's ongoing strategy to transition its entire range of 17 crypto investment products into ETFs. The filing follows the SEC's recent approval of the first Ethereum futures ETFs.
Australia Securities Exchange Moves For Blockchain Technology, CHI-X Calls For More Regulatory Supervisions
Australia Securities Exchange (ASX) plans to switch to distributed ledger technology by April 2021, replacing its clearing system, registry, and settlement with the technology for the sole purpose of cutting costs for customers.
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
Qraft Technologies and Hex Trust Forge AI-Driven Partnership to Revolutionize Digital Asset Investment Landscape
Qraft Technologies partners with Hex Trust, leveraging AI to enhance digital asset investments. The alliance aims to bridge traditional and digital asset management, optimizing cryptocurrency portfolios.
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.
Binance Expects Fines in U.S. Investigations
Binance intends to pay U.S. authorities for past compliance inquiries and crimes.
TrueUSD (TUSD) Strives to Resume Minting with Prime Trust
In recent updates, the TrueUSD (TUSD) team has announced that they are actively engaged in efforts to resume TUSD minting on Prime Trust. This announcement was made following an unexpected pause in TUSD minting via Prime Trust, an event that took place on June 10.
Grayscale Adds Five New Crypto Investment Trusts including One for Chainlink and Filecoin
Grayscale Investments has expanded its product line by launching new investment trusts including Chainlink, Filecoin, and Basic Attention Token.
A British National Charged With Aiding North Korea in Violating US sanctions
Despite the DoJ's crypto financial sanctions targeting Russia, local authorities helped their American colleagues.
Nasdaq-listed Northern Trust Boosts Digital Carbon Credit with Blockchain
Nasdaq-listed Northern Trust has introduced a digital platform for institutional voluntary carbon credit transactions, utilizing private ledger digital blockchain technology. The platform aims to streamline and digitize the complex process between institutional buyers and project developers.
Reserve Bank of Australia Rolls Out CBDC Pilot Project
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has launched a year-long trial to explore a central bank digital currency's (CBDC) business models and innovative use cases.
ASIC Bans BitConnect National Executive for His Part in Multi-Billion Dollar Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has officially banned a former National Representative of BitConnect from providing financial services for seven years.
7RCC Spearheads a Carbon-Neutral Bitcoin ETF for ESG-Focused Investing
7RCC has submitted a spot Bitcoin ETF with a composition of 80% Bitcoin and 20% carbon credit futures, providing a unique, carbon-neutral investment option in the crypto market.
BlueWallet is Sunsetting Its Lightning Node Connection to Lndhub
Don't worry—BlueWallet is just another step toward self-custody and lightning nodes.
Ripple Faces Trademark Lawsuit in Australia for 'PayID' Infringement
Ripple Labs is facing a lawsuit by New Payments Platform Australia (NPPA) for allegedly violating intellectual property rights for the branding of ‘PayID’.
Police Arrests 2 Suspects Involved in 2016 Bitfinex Hack
U.S. authorities have arrested a Manhattan-based couple identified as Lichtenstein and Morgan, suspected to be a part of the masterminds behind the 2016 Bitfinex exchange hack.
Coinbase Becomes First Custodian to Pass Two Major Security Evaluations
Coinbase Custody has become the first cryptocurrency custodian to obtain bot SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 evaluations.
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.
Austrian Telecom Provider Adds Cryptocurrencies to its Payments Network
With A1 Telekom’s move to accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies as a means of payment, Austrians now have more options in digital transaction payments
Binance.US Distances Itself from Binance.com; CZ Steps Down as Chairman
Binance.US declares operational independence from Binance.com, reassures customers, and remains compliant with U.S. regulations, following a $4.3 billion settlement. Chairman Changpeng Zhao steps down.
Green Lights to Texas State Chartered Banks to Provide Virtual Currency Custody Services
Texas state-chartered banks get the green light from the regulator in Texas of the United States for providing customer custody virtual currencies services.
Shiba Inu Prepares NFT Crypto Game Shiba Eternity’s Last Pilot Test in Australia
The first testing of Shiba Eternity took place in Vietnam, where in the recent past Axie Infinity, a blockchain-based play-to-earn game, exploded as a viable source of income among users.
Huobi HTX Responds to Recent Hack, Ensures Full Compensation for Affected Users
Huobi HTX pledges to compensate users affected by a $30 million hack, ensuring minimal impact and enhanced security measures, as part of a series of attacks on Justin Sun's entities.
Australia's Government is Bolstering Its Market Regulator's Digital Asset
The new Australian government has devised a "multi-stage strategy" to combat cryptocurrency frauds, safeguard consumers, and increase enforcement.
Australias Commonwealth Bank Halts Crypto Rollout
CBA conducted an initial pilot but paused the project with no time set when the second pilot would take place.
Blockchain.News Interview with Managing Partner of HEX Alessio Quaglini on Digital Asset Custody
Alessio Quaglini, the Managing Partner of a custody solution blockchain start-up HEX, see the growing importance and emerging trends for custody in the age of digital assets. “We strongly believe that blockchain technologies will be the underlying infrastructure for future financial instruments, assets, contracts and currencies.” Say Alessio. He believe that his firm can offer the value of flexibility, accessibility, and security through partner up with traditional financial institution with their unique ZeroKey technology solution.
40 German Banks Are Seeking Regulatory Approval to Offer Bitcoin Custody
Many German banks have filed a request to introduce a digital asset custody business. Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, popularly identified as BaFin, has received over 40 applications from German banks interested in offering crypto custody services.
World Economic Forum Views Blockchain as the Vaccine for Future Interferences in the Seafood Sector
The World Economic Forum (WEF) touts blockchain technology as the vaccine and game-changer needed to ensure things run smoothly in the global seafood supply chain irrespective of future disruptions. This is based on the fact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has laid the bare knuckles of the inefficiencies and challenges faced by the seafood industry.
Ether.Fi Launches Non-Custodial Liquid Restaking Protocol on Ethereum
Ether.Fi launches a non-custodial liquid restaking protocol on Ethereum, allowing users to maintain control of their keys while increasing staking yields through integration with Eigenlayer.
IBM and KAYA&KATO Leverage Blockchain to Trace Fabric Origins
Tech giant IBM has teamed up with KAYA&KATO, a textile manufacturer of workwear and uniforms, in developing a blockchain network aimed at revamping the fashion industry.
Australian Online Neobank Volt has Partnered with Crypto Exchange BTC Markets to Provide Bank Service
Australian online bank Neobank Volt revealed that it has partnered with crypto exchange BTC Markets (BTCM) to provide bank services for Australian crypto investors.
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust Files to Become First Fund to Report to SEC
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) has positioned itself to become the first cryptocurrency investment fund to achieve a reporting status to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Standard Chartered Bank Partners with Enterprise Ethereum Alliance to Improve Customer Experience
Standard Chartered Bank joins the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance – an open-source blockchain community. But why?
Animoca Brands Partners with OliveX to Run Allowlist Campaign for Dustland Runner
Hong Kong-based Animoca Brands has announced a partnership with OliveX to run an allowlist campaign for Dustland Runner - the company's move-to-earn game.
Lightspeed Faction Unveils $285M Fund for Blockchain Innovation
Lightspeed Faction has launched a $285 million venture fund, focusing on early-stage blockchain projects, highlighting the growing importance and potential of blockchain technology in various sectors.
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.
Australian Top Bank Commonwealth Bank to Offer Cryptocurrency Trading for Retail Customers
The largest bank in Australia – Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) – is set to develop a platform that allows its customers to trade cryptocurrencies.
Navigating AI in Hospitality: Insights from Bulgarian Hoteliers
The paper titled "Automated decision-making: Hoteliers’ perceptions" provides an in-depth analysis of Bulgarian hoteliers' attitudes towards AI in decision-making, revealing a preference for AI in tasks not requiring emotional intelligence. It also uncovers that personal and property characteristics do not significantly influence their AI adoption preferences, indicating a widespread acceptance across the hotel industry.
Bitcoin Hits a 16-Month Low of $26K as Effects of the Terra Crash Spill Over
Bitcoin nosedived to lows of $26,595, a scenario not seen since Dec 30, 2020, when the leading cryptocurrency dropped below the $27,000 zone.
Australian Bitcoin ATMs Demonstrate Lightning Network
Coolangatta has its first Lightning Network-enabled Bitcoin ATM. Bitcoin Lightning ATMs operate like regular Bitcoin ATMs but faster. Crypto ATMs number 38,602, with 6,071 added in 2022.
Australia's First Bitcoin ETF to Launch on Apr 27
Australia’s first bitcoin ETF will be listed on the Cboe stock exchange next week, The Australian Financial Review reported on Tuesday.
KPMG Unveils Blockchain-Based Climate Accounting Tool To Help Drive Environmental Sustainability
KPMG has unveiled a blockchain capability dubbed Climate Accounting Infrastructure (CAI) to help firms measure, report, and offset their greenhouse gas emission.
BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust Soars, CEO Fink Bullish on BTC Future
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink expresses optimism for Bitcoin as the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) records historic growth with $13.5 billion inflows in 11 weeks.
Australian crypto executives urge caution on regulation
Crypto CEOs warn against classifying all digital assets as financial instruments. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said he was "not that enticed" to creating new rules for a financial product. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian financial authorities support recognising all crypto assets as financial products (SMH). SMH editor-in-chief David Jones argues the FTX crash proves crypto regulation is needed.
KPMG Advocates for Institutional Custody as Estimated $9.8 Billion of Crypto Stolen Due to Lack of Security
One of the big four accounting firms, KPMG estimated that at least $9.8 billion in cryptocurrencies have been stolen by hackers since 2017 due to security issues or poorly written code. According to the KPMG report, the cryptocurrency market will need to see huge improvements for the $245 billion industry to keep growing.
Lesley O'Neill was Appointed as Binance.US Chief Compliance Officer
Lesley O’Neill's appointment as Binance.US Chief Compliance Officer marks a strategic response to heightened SEC scrutiny, emphasizing the crypto industry's shift towards compliance and regulatory adherence.
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.
Huobi is Looking to Move HQ from Seychelles to the Caribbean
Huobi Exchange may be joining other platforms that have relocated their headquarters to the Caribbean Islands
New York State Trust License - Fidelity’s Step Towards Mass Crypto Adoption?
Fidelity’s cryptocurrency investment arm, Fidelity Digital Assets (FDAS) has filed for a trust license in the state of New York according to several sources.
Steemit & Dtube: Social Networking, Blogging, and Video Sharing in the Blockchain Era
Steemit and Dtube allow users to be rewarded for sharing content. These social media networks are decentralized and censorship-resistant.
Thailand Waives Taxes on Investment Tokens
Thailand's cabinet has agreed to waive corporate income tax and VAT for companies issuing investment tokens, encouraging alternative capital raising in addition to conventional methods. The government hopes to generate 128 billion Thai baht from investment token offerings over the next two years.
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.
Justin Sun's $60 Million Crypto Exodus from Binance: Analyzing Market Implications
Tron founder Justin Sun has withdrawn $60M in cryptocurrencies from Binance since December 2023, including major assets like Ethereum and Shiba Inu, sparking market speculation.
Visa Card Holders Spend Over $1B in Crypto in the First Half of 2021
More than $1 billion worth of crypto have spent in the first six months this year by consumers globally, Visa announced Wednesday. The company said the amount it spent on goods and services by using its crypto-linked cards primarily.
Welcoming the Future of Finance with Blockchain
Blockchain is not limited to creating cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. In fact, it has the potential to entirely remodel every industry out there, including the financial institutions.
Australian Crypto Community Remains Enthusiastic Despite Regulatory Concerns
Despite regulatory concerns dominating discussions at recent crypto conferences in the US and Australia, the crypto community remains enthusiastic about the potential of digital assets. Attendees are more focused on discussing intelligent questions around regulation and tax rather than the extravagances of past events. Interest in crypto remains high, and the rise in the price of Bitcoin is encouraging the crypto-curious to attend conferences and ask beginner-level questions.
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.
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.
Asia Crucial to Web3 Gaming Industry
A report by DappRadar highlighted the importance of Asia in the Web3 gaming industry, due to the region's majority share of gamers and gaming revenue, as well as its high interest in blockchain technology. While China prohibits gaming companies from integrating blockchain technology, Japan and South Korea are leading the way in adopting blockchain technology in gaming.
Why Multicoin Capital Invested $5.7M in Squads Labs
Multicoin Capital discloses a $5.7 million investment in Squads Labs, bolstering the multisig standard on Solana. The funding accelerates Squads' blockchain-native custody infrastructure, spotlighting major upgrades like SquadsX and Squads (v4), which are set to redefine self-custody and on-chain capital coordination.
Australians Lost Over $70M to Scam Crypto Investments in H1 2021
Australians continue to suffer from online scams. More than half of the $70 million in losses were to cryptocurrency, especially through Bitcoin, a study says.
BlackRock Launches Bitcoin Private Trust after Building Partnership with Coinbase
Days after BlackRock entered into a partnership with Coinbase to offer its institutional clients access to crypto trading services, the firm announced the launch of a spot Bitcoin Private Trust.
Voyager Digital Subpoenas FTX Executives
Kirkland & Ellis, Voyager Digital's attorneys, subpoenaed FTX co-founders Sam Bankman-Fried and Gary Wang, former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellis, and FTX executive Ramnik Arora for DOJ and SEC case papers.
Bakkt Joins Unchained's Network for Enhanced Crypto Custody Solutions
Bakkt Holdings, Inc. has joined Unchained’s collaborative custody network, offering increased security and regulated custody for bitcoin assets.
United States DoJ Files to Freeze Assets of OneCoin Money Launderer and Recoup $400 Million
The United States Department of Justice has filed to freeze the assets of OneCoin Money Launderer Mark Scott, and Recoup $400 Million.
European Crypto Miners Share Insights About Their Local Mining Industry
dGen, a non-profit research organization, in its report, has revealed that the cryptocurrency miners in the European region believe that Europe's higher electricity prices as compared to that of Russia and China is due to the strict regulation, strong protections, and political stability.
DOJ Plans to Call Former FTX Consumers, Investors, and Employees as Witnesses in Upcoming Samuel Bankman-Fried Trial
The DOJ is set to call former customers, investors, and employees of FTX as witnesses in the upcoming trial against Samuel Bankman-Fried, with a letter motion on September 30 revealing the scope of testimonies. A witness from Ukraine presents a challenge due to travel constraints amidst local unrest, with video conferencing proposed as a solution. The trial, attracting attention due to its proximity, is poised to kick off following jury selection on October 3.
Justin Sun Tweets Tron just Issued $1.3 Billion in Tether, Here's What it Means for Crypto
While the broader cryptocurrency market is still reeling from a multi-year bear market since 2017, stablecoins like Tether are seeing action. Billions of dollars in USDT have been issued since its launch and the addition of Tron-backed stablecoin issuance, coupled with the now-concluded Bitcoin halving, signals a volatile period ahead for crypto traders and investors.
Bittrex Global to End Trading on Dec 4, 2023
Bittrex Global, a Liechtenstein-based cryptocurrency exchange, will cease operations on December 4, 2023, following regulatory challenges and legal proceedings, requiring customers to convert U.S. dollar holdings.
Crypto.com Mistakenly Refunds $10.5M to Aussie User
Melbourne resident Manivel Thevamanogari and her sister Gangadory Thevamanogari sought a refund of 100 Australian dollars from Crypto.com in May last year but was accidentally returned 10.5 million Australian dollars, according to Australian local media 7News.
Terra Resumes after Halting Blockchain Production to Prevent Governance Attacks
Terraform Labs, the company which supports the Terra ecosystem, briefly halted the Terra blockchain for two hours on Thursday after a dramatic slump in LUNA and UST, before restarting later.
Kookmin Bank, South Korea’s Largest Bank Will Offer Cryptocurrency Custody
Kookmin Bank, the largest commercial bank in South Korea, will start offering Bitcoin custody services through a new partnership with crypto trading firm Cumberland Korea and blockchain venture fund Hashed.
Apex Legends AI Art Controversy in FF7 Rebirth Event Raises Industry Concerns
Apex Legends faces backlash for alleged use of AI-generated art in its Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth event, sparking discussions about AI's role in the gaming industry
Grayscale Investors Buying Bitcoin at Remarkable Rate Despite Goldman Sachs’ Skepticism
New data indicates that institutional clients are increasingly buying Bitcoin via Grayscale Bitcoin Trust despite warning from Goldman Sachs.
Valkyrie's Two Crypto-focused Trusts Raise $73.6m
Two crypto-focused trusts owned by digital asset manager Valkyrie have raised $73.6 million.
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
US Senate Proposes Amendment to the Controversial Infrastructure Bill to Redefine Crypto Broker Clause
Three pro-crypto US Senators are proposing an amendment to the controversial infrastructure bill with clauses on crypto brokers redefined
South Korea’s Largest Bank Reveals Crypto Custody Service Filing and Potentially Even More Crypto Services to Come
The largest bank in South Korea, KB Kookmin Bank has revealed its filing of a trademark application for KB Digital Asset Custody (KBDAC), its crypto custody service.
US SEC and FINRA Issued Latest Custody Guidance on Digital Assets Securities
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a statement addressing regulatory issues regarding the custody of digital asset securities on 8 July.
Australia Records Over $14 Million Losses to Crypto Scams in 2019
Scamwatch, an Australian website dedicated to reporting scams saw an increase in crypto relating scams amounting to $14 million
Australian Regulator Takes Legal Action Against eToro Over High-Risk and Volatile Trading Products
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has filed a case in the Federal Court against the online investing platform eToro Aus Capital Limited about the suitability of eToro's target market for contract for difference (CFD) products.
Terra's Do Kwon Says He is Cooperating With Prosecutors in New Interview
In a new interview with Laura Shin, Do Kwon maintained that he has been cooperating with prosecutors
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.
US Officials Seized $460M In Robinhood Shares Related To FTX
Robinhood shares tied to FTX were confiscated by the U.S. Department of Justice for over $400 million. Sam Bankman-Fried denied eight felony charges, including wire, securities, and campaign financing offenses. Since December, the former FTX CEO has been housebound at his parents' California home.
a16z Leads Blackbird's $24M Series A Funding to Elevate Dining Experiences Through Web3
a16z leads Blackbird’s $24M Series A funding round to foster a web3-enabled platform aimed at revolutionizing dining experiences and financial prospects for restaurants. Announced on October 4, 2023, this investment marks a significant stride towards intertwining blockchain technology with the gastronomic sector, heralding an enriched era of dining engagements.
Woori Financial Group To Provide Cryptocurrency Custody Services
South Korean Woori Financial Group has announced that it will establish a digital asset custody joint venture with Korean blockchain developing company Coinplug.
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.
Netherlands’ ING Bank Sells Digital Asset Custody Solution Pyctor to GMEX
GMEX acquired Pyctor from ING to expand its digital assets trading offering services and to fulfil growing demands from banks, asset management firms and other institutions.
Sam Altman Advocates for Energy Breakthroughs in AI at Davos Forum
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the need for an energy breakthrough to sustain future AI development, advocating for investment in fusion and other sustainable energy sources.
Satoshi Nakamoto's Quotes on Trust - Trusted Third Parties
Satoshi Nakamoto's Quotes on Trust - Trusted Third Parties
Citi Joins BondbloX Bond Exchange as First Digital Custodian
Citi Securities Services has become the first digital custodian participant on the BondbloX Bond Exchange (BBX), the world's first fractional bond exchange. The partnership allows Citi clients to become BBX participants, facilitating the trading of both fractionalized and full-sized bonds. Citi will oversee settlement and custody services. The partnership aims to enhance digital financial market infrastructure, provide transparency, electronic operations, and universal accessibility in the bond market.
Justin Sun's TRON to Receive $2 Million from US Government Aid Coronavirus Relief
Justin Sun’s Tron platform has obtained US government aid of more than $2 million in coronavirus relief. The ongoing coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc in the US financial markets. Particularly small-sized businesses are suffering from the economic shutdown meant to slow down the spread of coronavirus. With hundreds of thousands of employees in danger of losing their jobs, the US government created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses stay afloat. The money does not need to be repaid.
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.
Helio Lending Faced with Non-Conviction Bond Over False Australian Credit Licence Claims
Helio Lending faced a non-conviction bond for falsely claiming an Australian credit licence, as revealed by ASIC. The Melbourne-based crypto lender's misleading act underscores the need for transparency in the growing crypto sector.
Five Things Everyone Should Know About Blockchain Benefits in Aviation Security
Recent news has brought blockchain’s role on spotlight in aviation security. Of course, blockchain provides bold promises, highly useful in aviation security, and therefore are worth to be investigated.
"The Wars to Come," Blockchain - A Game Changer for Auditors
Blockchain technology has the potential to upend Audit, Assurance and Control functions —Auditors need to stay attuned to emerging use cases. As Role and skillsets of Auditors will change as new Blockchain-based techniques and procedures emerge.
Victims of BitConnect Ponzi Scheme to Benefit from the Liquidation of $57M Crypto Assets
Victims of BitConnect fraud scheme have a reason to smile about after a court order granted the sale of cryptocurrencies accrued from the scam.
Eddy Alexandre Pleads Guilty to Commodities Fraud
After pleading guilty to stealing $248 million from investors, EminiFX CEO Eddy Alexandre might serve 10 years in jail.
The Adoption of Bitcoin May See Considerable Increase if the Proposed Cash Ban in Australia Activates
Under the new bill being considered by the Australian Parliament, people could be jailed for two years and pay a fine of $ 25,200 for just using more than $10,000. If this bill is passed, it will force its citizens to look away from traditional fiat currencies and go for decentralized digital currencies such as Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Evaporated 30 Billion Market Cap Amid Coronavirus Pandemic and Bearish Economic Outlook
There's a sea of Red for stocks and cryptocurrencies this week. Bitcoin has dipped below USD $6000 for the first time since May 2019. The selloff of cryptocurrencies has extended to altcoins which the price of Ethereum and Bitcoin SV have dropped 30% and 40% respectively.
Media Outlets Object to Withholding Identities in FTX Bankruptcy Proceedings
Major media outlets have objected to the withholding of non-US customer identities during FTX's bankruptcy proceedings, citing the public's right to access bankruptcy filings. FTX and its customers have failed to justify the need for such secrecy, according to the media outlets.
AI Transforming Cybersecurity Landscape: Key Challenges and Solutions
AI is transforming the cybersecurity landscape in 2024 with advanced threat detection, zero-trust architecture, and generative AI, while facing challenges like adversarial AI and regulatory complexities.
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.
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.
TRON Toasts Tether Takeover in Bumper Year for Blockchain Network
2020 will go down as a good year for crypto and a very good year for TRON. While the entire industry came on in leaps and bounds, the progress made within the ever-expanding TRON ecosystem was particularly impressive, giving even its skeptics pause for thought.
Australia’s Securities Regulator Approves the Launch of Crypto ETFs
Australia Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has finally opened the door for crypto ETFs to trade on Australian stock exchanges.
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.
Blockchain-Based Tenancy Platform via REIQ-Igloo Collaboration in Australia
Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has partnered with an Australian technology firm, Igloo in setting up a blockchain-based tenancy platform that will propel productivity and efficiency in Queensland's real estate sector.
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.
Prime Core Faces $8M Loss Amid TerraUSD's Collapse
Prime Core Technologies, parent of Prime Trust, experienced an $8 million financial setback due to investments in TerraUSD, a stablecoin, leading to bankruptcy proceedings in August 2023, highlighting the cryptocurrency market's volatility.
Bankrupt Celsius Seeks to Return $50m of Locked Crypto for Custody Holders
The filing from Celsius comes a few days after a group of customers claiming about $25 million in custody holdings petitioned the court for payback of their funds.
Australia to Continue Treating Cryptos as Assets
According to the Australian government's budget announcement on Tuesday, legislation will be put upon treating digital currencies such as bitcoin as an asset.
Crypto Hacks in Q1 2023
In Q1 2023, hackers accessed over $320 million through 139 incidents on BNB Chain and losses of $221 million on Ethereum. While significantly lower than Q1 and Q4 2022, the quarter saw hundreds of millions lost, with 60% due to the Euler Finance hack. However, funds were recovered through negotiations with hackers, a trend increasingly common in the industry.
Australian Scammers Prefer Crypto than Credit Cards: Report
Australia's local media outlet disclosed a total loss of $84 million was reported to the ScamWatch website in 2021, a figure that is reasonably higher than the $27 million reported in 2020 and $19 million in 2019.
Australia Zoo Rolls Out NFT Project to Pay Tribute to Wildlife Warriors’ Conservation Efforts
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wildlife Warriors’ role in protecting injured, threatened, or endangered wildlife, Australia Zoo has launched an NFT project to raise funds and awareness to protect Australia’s wild places and wildlife.
Standard Custody and GSR Form Alliance for Secure Digital Asset Settlement
Standard Custody & Trust Company and GSR Markets Limited have partnered to enhance digital asset transactions security and efficiency through an innovative escrow solution.
Power Ledger Partners with Power Club To Roll Out Blockchain Plants in South Australia
Powerledger enters into a partnership with Powerclub, an Australian electricity wholesaler for better energy usage, allowing the integration of power club's blockchain ledger application.
Paxos—How the Global Financial Crisis Inspired the Creation of the NYDFS-Regulated Stablecoin
Charles Cascarilla is the CEO and co-founder of Paxos, a financial technology company working to modernize the financial system by digitizing and mobilizing assets. A traditional hedge fund manager and equity investor, Cascarilla was able to recognize the power of blockchain and the function it could have in revolutionizing the way trade is conducted and settled.
German Stock Exchange Subsidiary Blocknox Unveils Cryptocurrency Custody Services to Institutional Clients
German Stock Exchange Boerse Stuttgart has made an announcement that its subsidiary Blocknox is expanding its crypto custody service to institutional players.
Prime Trust Hires Former Secret Service Veteran as VP of Regulatory Affairs
The two-decade government service veteran, Jeremy Sheridan will be responsible for overseeing Prime Trust's regulatory strategies.
Frankfurt Main Finance: Establishing Trust Between Continental Networks
Frankfurt Main Finance is one of the founding members of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC). The mission of the Alliance is to establish transparent networks that facilitate cooperation and sharing of best practices for financial centres globally in the face of breakthrough technologies and rapid social change.
Australia Opens Public Consultation on National Taxonomy of Crypto Assets
A crypto licence and custody document will be released in mid-2023.
DAG Global Seeks to Break New Ground as First UK Bank to Support Crypto Businesses
DAG Global, a UK financial services company, aims to set a precedent by gaining a UK banking license to close the void between banks and crypto businesses. It intends to become the nation’s first bank to support cryptocurrency businesses.
US Media Giants Block AI Crawlers to Protect Copyrights
A Wired report reveals that 88% of top US news outlets are blocking AI crawlers like OpenAI's GPTBot, to protect against copyright infringement and uncompensated content use.
Justin Sun Receives 3.45 Million ETHFI, Top 20 TVL Contributors Awarded 9.96 Million Tokens
The anticipated ETHFI airdrop goes live, rewarding top liquidity providers with a significant token distribution, stirring the DeFi community's interest.
FTX Continues Global Expansion, Launches Subsidiary Division in Australia
FTX has continued with its lines of expansion with the latest establishment of a new office in Australia.
Bitcoin SV Moons As Craig Wright Tells Court That he Has Access to Tulip Trust
Bitcoin Satoshi Version (BSV), a fork of the Bitcoin Cash, is surging in trades following Craig Wright’s compliance with a court order to open up the mysterious Tulip Trust for inspection.
Australian Online Broker SelfWealth Becomes the First Platform to Add Crypto for Trading
Australian online broker SelfWealth plans to list 10 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, on its trading platform for trading before the end of this year.
China’s Petrochemical Sector Conducts First Blockchain-Powered Warehouse Receipt Finance
China’s petrochemical industry has accomplished the first-ever blockchain-enabled digital warehouse receipt pledge financing transaction to minimize costs.
Standard Chartered raises $36m for crypto custody platform
Standard Chartered's crypto custody subsidiary, Zodia Custody, has raised $36 million in a series A funding round led by SBI Holdings. Standard Chartered remains the majority shareholder in the firm.
How Australia's National Blockchain Roadmap Will Change The Future
Australia was one of the first countries to recognize the immense potential of blockchain technology and to incorporate it into various sectors in the country.
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.
IRA Financial Trust Files Lawsuit against Gemini for $36m Crypto Hack
IRA Financial Trust said it has filed a lawsuit against Gemini crypto exchange for its alleged role in breaching customers’ retirement accounts.
ANZ Bank Pushes Customers Towards Digital, Faces Criticism
ANZ Bank is facing criticism as it discontinues withdrawals and deposits from a number of Australian branches to encourage customers to use digital transactions. Critics suggest this could impact older customers and increase vulnerability to technical issues. This decision highlights the gradual shift towards a cashless society in Australia, with cash payments falling from 59% in 2007 to 27% in 2019.
UN convenes AI High-level Advisory Body for Global Governance
The UN Secretary-General is convening a High-level Advisory Body on AI to analyze and advance recommendations for global AI governance. Comprising up to 38 international experts from government, private sector, and civil society, the body aims to harness AI for humanity while addressing its risks. The initiative, which underscores the importance of a globally inclusive approach, seeks to align AI governance with human rights and Sustainable Development Goals.
Binance.US Sued for Selling Unregistered LUNA Securities
Binance.US has been sued in a class-action lawsuit for the sale of unregistered security tokens from the Terra blockchain protocol.
TRON Founder Justin Sun Offers Bounty Reward for Twitter Bitcoin Scammers
As distressed Twitter users scrambled to get a sense of the recent Bitcoin attack that happened earlier this week, TRON founder Justin Sun spoke up and offered a $1 million bounty reward for whoever was able to uncover the identities of those behind the Twitter mass hack.
Australia Evaluates Mandatory AI Rules in High-Risk Areas
Australia is considering mandatory regulations for AI development in high-risk areas, balancing innovation with public safety, ethical concerns, and global alignment in AI governance.
Australia's Federal Police Force Floats Crypto Unit: Report
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched a new unit to help focus its fight against crimes that are perpetrated in the digital currency ecosystem.
Tether Regains $1 Peg
Tether (USDT) has regained its 1-to-1 peg with the dollar after briefly dropping to 94.55 cents, its lowest since December 2020.
Banking Giant Morgan Stanley Purchases 28,289 Shares of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust
According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's document, the US leading investment bank Morgan Stanley is buying 28,289 shares of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust through its European Opportunity Fund.
Prime Trust Pulls $100m in Series B to Float New Products
Cryptocurrency infrastructure service provider, Prime Trust LLC, has raised $107 million in Series B funding as it seeks to deepen ties with its clients with its proposed new products.
Reserve Bank of Australia Meeting Finds No Strong Case for CBDC or e-AUD
The Reserve Bank of Australia has found no strong public policy-case to issue a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Tron Founder Justin Sun Wants to Spend $5B to Save Distressed Crypto Firms
While there has been no news of Tron bailing out any crypto firm thus far, Sun said he is willing to commit as much as $5 billion to save distressed crypto outfits
Houston Texans Partnered with BitWallet, Becoming First NFL Team to Sell Game Suite with Crypto
Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL) have selected cryptocurrency platform bitWallet as their exclusive official crypto wallet provider and said the partnership will go into effect.
South Korea Launches “Emergency” Inspection of Crypto Exchanges Following Terra Crash
To boost investor protection following the recent collapse of LUNA and TerraUSD (UST) tokens, financial authorities in South Korea have beefed up crypto exchange inspections.
1inch Network Launches Hardware Wallet Amid Rise of Self-Cust
1inch is the newest hardware wallet supplier for cryptocurrency. The 1inch Hardware Wallet's 2.7-inch E-Ink grayscale touch panel and stainless-steel frame mimic the iPhone 13.
TrueUSD's TUSD Circulating Supply Surpasses $3 Billion Despite Prime Trust's Challenges
In June 2023, TrueUSD (TUSD) experienced significant growth and adoption across multiple blockchain ecosystems. With the circulating supply reaching 3,059,838,623 TUSD, backed by dollar reserves of over $3 billion, the stablecoin is gaining more recognition in the crypto markets.
Circle Formally Refutes Allegations of Illicit Financing and Connections to Justin Sun
Circle denies CfA's allegations of illicit financing and Justin Sun ties, emphasizing regulatory compliance and advocating for stronger stablecoin laws, as clarified by Dante Disparte.
Coinbase Legal Chief Requests Revisions to SEC Rulemaking
Coinbase's legal chief has urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise its proposed rulemaking on registered investment advisers' responsibilities to store client assets with qualified custodians. Coinbase has criticized the SEC's proposed custody rule, claiming that it unfairly targets crypto assets and fails to safeguard them properly.
Fidelity Launches Cryptocurrency Custody Business
In a rare interview with Fidelity Investments CEO Abigaile Johnson, the Financial Times revealed that the Boston-based asset management giant is “now engaged in a full rollout” of its cryptocurrency custody and trading service.
Non-US FTX Customers Want Bankruptcy Files Suppressed
A group of non-U.S. FTX customers wants court records to redact their identities and sensitive information. FTX.com's $1.9 billion frozen assets are represented by the Ad Hoc Committee. On December 12, the U.S. Trustee objected to the initial motion.
Crypto Remain the Most Popular Investment Assets Compared to Gold in Australia: Survey
A recent survey from BTC Markets exchange has revealed that the embrace of crypto like Bitcoin is largely more popular than precious metals such as Gold.
BNPL Payment Firm Afterpay Urges Senate to Support AUD-backed Stablecoins for Cutting Merchant Cost
The BNPL payment company Afterpay expressed their intention to the Australian Senate to launch the Australian dollar stablecoin soon, saying that crypto will help merchants reduce related payments.
Scammers Target Australians in Cryptocurrency Call Center Scheme
An Israeli-run cryptocurrency fraud targets Australians, according to a raid on Eastern European scam call centers.
OpenAI in Advanced Funding Discussions Targeting Over $100 Billion Valuation
OpenAI is in talks to raise over $100 billion in funding, potentially making it the second most valuable U.S. startup, with discussions also involving a chip venture with G42.
Top Four South Korean Banks Announce Plans to Provide Cryptocurrency Custodial Services
Two of South Korea’s top banks have recently announced that they were looking into providing cryptocurrency custodial services to their clients.
Jul 24 Trading Analysis: What Bloodbath?
Despite stonk's bloodbath, BTC managed to close higher on the day with some short squeeze liquidation through $9600 level. I am actually surprised that we are still trading at current levels, would only be a matter of time that we see us retracing back some of its gains, which was why I said yesterday, we need to continue to monitor the momentum of capital into BTC.