virtual
FATF Virtual Assets Guidelines for Cryptosphere Review
With the growing concern of virtual assets/cryptocurrencies being used as a medium for the financing of illegal activities, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issues revised guidance from time to time to combat money laundering and terrorist financing involving virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
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.
Is Blockchain-Based Virtual Reality the Future?
For years, advocates of virtual reality have struggled to overcome several major barriers to mass adoption — centralised corporations controlled user accounts, hackers eliminated digital assets, and developers lacked incentives to create quality VR content. Now, blockchain is changing the game.
HKSFC Guidance on Virtual Asset Fund Managers: The 4 Key Takeaways
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC) released the latest guideline “Proforma Terms and Conditions for Licensed Corporations which Manage Portfolios that Invest in Virtual Assets”, providing further guidance on fund dealing and virtual asset fund management.
Avo Receives First Virtual General Insurer License in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority (IA) announced on Tuesday that it has granted the first authorization for virtual general insurance under Fast Track. The license was granted to Avo, a local insurtech company providing products like health and travel insurance.
Mastercard Launches Virtual Platform to Help Governments Test CBDCs
Payment giant Mastercard has unveiled a virtual platform that will enable central banks to assess and explore Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
FATF Assessment Finds Majority of US Exchanges are Compliant with Virtual Asset Guidance
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has published an assessment of the US’s compliance with its revised criteria for anti-money laundering (AML) and terrorist financing (CTF) through virtual assets and found that most virtual asset providers are compliant.
Gamers Invest Just Over 1 Million USD In Blockchain for Virtual Real Estate
Investing in real estate is what many call a sound investment, however, does this also apply to virtual seaside views and luxury apartments in the gaming worlds as well?
China Declares Bitcoin as Virtual Property with Monetary Value
China has taken a new step with an important legal precedent regarding Bitcoin in a property dispute case in Hangzhou. Read more about how this case affirmed the legal status of Bitcoin as a virtual property with protection under Chinese law.
Standard Chartered's Planned Hong Kong Virtual Bank Announced as Mox
Mox is the new virtual bank in Hong Kong to be launched by Standard Chartered in partnership with PCCW, HKT and Trip.com. Launching later this year, the mission of Mox is to help everyone in Hong Kong grow – “your money, your world, your possibilities.”
A New Era of Smart Banking: Virtual Bank by Standard Chartered Building Digitally-Born Services
During Hong Kong Fintech Week 2019, Blockchain.News spoke with Deniz Güven, the CEO of the Virtual Bank by Standard Chartered, to understand the current developments and the new technology behind it. The Virtual Bank by Standard Chartered was one of the first granted a virtual banking license on March 27, 2019, from the HKMA along with two other licensees, Livi VB Limited and ZhongAn Virtual Finance Limited.
Standard Chartered's Virtual Bank, Mox Will Usher in New Era of Banking for Hong Kong
Mox Bank Limited, or Mox, the new virtual bank in Hong Kong recently launched by Standard Chartered, has now been made available to select customers via invitation in an external pilot. The aim of the pilot is to prepare the state-of-art virtual bank for the public launch scheduled for later this year.
Hong Kong IFEC Warns Against Trading on Illegal and Foreign Platforms for Virtual Assets
The investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), a public organisation under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), has issued a warning regarding the potential risks connected to unlicensed and foreign virtual asset trading platforms.
Taiwanese Singer Chen Lingjiu Implicated in JPEX Cryptocurrency Fraud Case
Taiwanese singer Chen Lingjiu faces fraud case involving JPEX, highlighting potential pitfalls of celebrity endorsements in cryptocurrency investments and the need for robust regulatory measures.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Explores Virtual Asset Regulation in UAE and Highlights Converging Global Standards
According to a report by Ming Pao, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) recently visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the regulation of virtual assets (cryptos) with the local central bank.
UAE to Strive for Virtual Service Provider Licenses before Q2
In a bid to become a global crypto hub, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to issue federal licenses to virtual asset service providers (VASPs) by the end of Q1 2022.
Hong Kong's Crypto Rise: Harbinger for China?
Hong Kong's rising status as a crypto hub amidst regulatory amicability sparks speculations on China's evolving stance towards digital assets. The significant crypto activity in Hong Kong, combined with its thriving Over-The-Counter market, reflects a conducive environment for both institutional and retail crypto engagements. As Hong Kong continues to bolster its crypto market, it might be hinting at China's exploratory approach towards understanding and possibly embracing digital assets in the long term.
SFC Outlines Regulatory Expectations for Virtual Asset Trading Platforms Post-Transition
SFC briefs virtual asset trading platforms on regulatory expectations after the transition period ends.
NVIDIA (NVDA) Schedules Annual Stockholder Meeting for June 26, 2024
NVIDIA's 2024 Annual Stockholder Meeting will be held online on June 26, 2024.
Roblox Leverages Generative AI for Enhanced User Experiences
Roblox is harnessing generative AI to improve virtual experiences, focusing on inclusivity and user safety, according to NVIDIA Blog.
Hong Kong's SFC Alerts Public on Seven Entities Suspected of Virtual Asset Fraud
The SFC has issued a public warning about seven entities involved in suspected virtual asset-related fraud, urging caution.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Reviews Virtual Banks, Proposes Renaming to 'Digital Banks'
The HKMA issued a report on virtual banks, evaluating their impact and proposing a name change to 'Digital Banks'.
IBM Research Advances in Conversational AI with Next-Gen Virtual Agents
IBM Research is developing advanced AI systems to meet the rising demand for virtual agents capable of efficiently handling customer needs.
Understanding Virtual Machines: A Deep Dive by Gala News
Gala News explains the concept of Virtual Machines (VMs), their uses in development, cloud computing, and security, making complex tech jargon accessible.
SFC Issues Warning on ICE Global Professional Station for Fraud and Impersonation
The SFC has issued a warning about ICE Global Professional Station, citing impersonation and suspected virtual asset-related fraud.
Canaan Inc. to Join 4th Annual Needham Virtual Crypto Conference
Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN) will participate in the 4th Annual Needham Virtual Crypto Conference on September 5, 2024, featuring a presentation and investor meetings.
Leveraging NVIDIA NIM Agent Blueprint for AI Virtual Assistants in Customer Service
Explore how NVIDIA's NIM Agent Blueprint is transforming AI virtual assistants in customer service, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and personalization across industries.
Matrixport Seeks License for Virtual Asset Services in Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City
Matrixport is applying for a Financial Services Permission Licence to offer virtual asset services in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, enhancing its presence in South Asia.
NVIDIA's RAPIDS cuDF Enhances pandas Through Unified Virtual Memory
NVIDIA's RAPIDS cuDF utilizes Unified Virtual Memory to boost pandas' performance by 50x, offering seamless integration with existing workflows and GPU acceleration.
National Bank of Georgia Enhances Sanction Monitoring, Includes Virtual Asset Service Providers
The Acting President of the National Bank of Georgia, Archil Mestvirishvili, stated that the bank has not only been monitoring the observance of financial sanctions but also expanded its oversight to virtual asset service providers.
Revive Elvis Presley with AI: A Next-Generation Tribute
Elvis Presley returns in a virtual concert "Elvis Evolution," using AI and holographic technology. The immersive show by Layered Reality recreates his life and music, set to open in London and tour globally.
Epic Games CEO Defends Metaverse
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney dismissed a recent article from Business Insider claiming that the Metaverse is "dead" and that virtual worlds have been abandoned by the business world. Sweeney cited the 600 million users across virtual world platforms as proof of the Metaverse's continuing relevance.
Hong Kong Aims to Lead in Green Finance and Web 3.0, Says Financial Secretary
Hong Kong is setting its sights on becoming a global leader in two new fields: green finance and Web 3.0, according to a recent speech by the city's Financial Secretary Paul Chan.
The Cayman Islands Creates Regulatory Framework to Attract Virtual Asset Business
The Ministry of Financial Services of the Cayman Islands announced that it is building regulatory frameworks for individuals and entities that offer digital assets in business.
Hong Kong Embraces Virtual Asset Spot ETFs
Hong Kong is set to become the first market in Asia to allow Virtual Asset Spot ETFs, with around ten fund companies preparing for launch. This move signifies a major shift in the region's approach to virtual assets.
Donald Trump's NFT Trading Card Collection
On Dec. 15, 45,000 self-themed trading cards were released for $99 apiece. The collection has generated approximately $1.2 million in secondary sales. Sewer Pass NFT transactions on secondary markets are strong. #NoNeoNFT emerged when the company's Solana network NFT collection failed. NUS claims the HaptGlove simulates touch and grip more realistically than conventional gloves.
Proposal to Amend Cryptocurrency Leverage Regulations in Japan
JCBA has proposed to JVCEA to amend the leverage ratio regulations in cryptocurrency margin trading, advocating for the application of corporate leverage calculation methods to individual transactions as well. The proposal aims to align the crypto market's leverage regulations with other derivative markets and possibly re-attract users who shifted to overseas exchanges for higher leverage.
Decentraland's Virtual Land Sells for a Record Value of $2.4m in Mana tokens
A piece of virtual real estate in Decentraland was sold for a record value of $2.4 million in cryptocurrency, according to Reuters.
European Commission Unveils Strategy to Lead Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds
A new strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds has been unveiled by the European Commission in an effort to steer the next technological revolution and guarantee a safe, open, and welcoming online environment for individuals, organizations, and government agencies across the EU.
HashKey Launches Wealth Management Platform for Institutional Investors
HashKey Group has launched a wealth management platform for professional and institutional investors in response to growing demand for virtual assets. The Hong Kong-based digital asset firm is expanding its over-the-counter trading service and increasing its liquidity coverage to 24/7.
HashKey Group Secures Licenses from Regulator to Operate Virtual Asset Trading Platform
Hong Kong-based digital assets company HashKey Group announced it has secured regulatory approval from the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SEC) to operate a virtual asset trading platform.
Hong Kong to Submit Virtual Asset OTC Trading Licensing Scheme Bill
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Christopher Hui, plans to introduce a licensing scheme for virtual asset OTC trading platforms to combat crime and promote transparency in digital transactions.
Hong Kong Brokers Seek SFC Clearance Before Virtual Asset Trading Law
Regional brokers and investment managers have sought licensing guidance ahead of new regulations. Retail investors may trade digital assets with high market capitalization and liquidity. Digital asset trading is confined to experienced investors and traders with at least $1 million in bankable assets.
FinCEN Director Kenneth Blanco Warns Banks to Take Crypto AML Seriously
Kenneth Blanco, the Director of the FinCEN warned banks to seriously consider how virtual currencies should fit into their anti-money laundering (AML) policies.
Over 220 Web3 Companies Settle in Hong Kong, Boosting Virtual Asset Development
Hong Kong has welcomed over 220 Web3 companies from 20 countries and regions, focusing on sectors like virtual asset exchanges, blockchain infrastructure, network security, and payment services, aiming to balance development with regulatory frameworks.
Why Upland’s Virtual Land NFTs Are The Future Of Crypto
The asset class of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is quickly growing and coincides with the rise of parallel worlds where people are spending more of their time and money.
Indian Couple Tie their Knot in the Metaverse, Offering 3D Experience for 500 Guests
Have you ever thought about getting married virtually? An Indian couple decided to arrange their first wedding of its kind in the metaverse.
Real Vision CEO believes NFT will act similar to high-end property
The Real Vision CEO predicted that when the crypto market swells again, high-end NFTs would be bought like high-end property.
Bitget U30 Hackathon Recognizes Budding AI and Blockchain Innovators
Bitget’s Under 30 Virtual Hackathon, a part of its Blockchain4Youth initiative, concluded on October 16, 2023, showcasing exemplary AI and blockchain innovations. With over 1,000 participating teams, winners were recognized across various categories, each receiving $10,000. The hackathon highlighted promising young talents, aligning with Bitget's aim of promoting blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption among the youth.
Meta's Metaverse Division Reports 3rd Quarter Loss of Over $3.7B
Meta's Facebook Reality Labs division has reported a third-quarter loss of over $3.7 billion, making only $285 million, according to its earnings report released on Wednesday.
Craig S Wright Challenges Cypherpunk Interpretation of Bitcoin
Dr. Craig S Wright criticizes the cypherpunk movement for misinterpreting Bitcoin's goals, emphasizing on Twitter and his blog the importance of legal frameworks in cyberspace. He highlights the growing global regulations due to cybercrime, and explores blockchain technology's potential and the necessity of legal adherence for its evolution across various sectors.
Hedera Mainnet Exploited, Leading to Theft of Liquidity Pool Tokens
Hedera Hashgraph has confirmed a smart contract exploit on its mainnet, resulting in the theft of liquidity pool tokens from decentralized exchanges (DEXs) that use code derived from Uniswap v2 on Ethereum. The suspicious activity was detected when the attacker attempted to move the stolen tokens across the Hashport bridge, leading operators to temporarily pause the bridge. The exact amount of tokens stolen is unknown, and the Hedera team is working on a solution to remove the vulnerability.
Hong Kong SFC Finalizes Regulatory Framework for Virtual Asset Trading Platforms
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong concluded a consultation period today, revealing the finalized regulatory requirements for operators of virtual asset trading platforms licensed by the SFC.
Colombia Holds Landmark Virtual Court Trial in Metaverse
Colombia's Magdalena Administrative Court conducted a trial in the metaverse on February 15, with participants appearing as avatars in a virtual courtroom. The trial involved a traffic dispute brought by a regional transport union against the police and lasted two hours. The verdict could also be given in the metaverse. Colombia is one of the first countries to test legal proceedings in the metaverse.
HK to Issue Tokenised Green Bond, Open Market for Virtual Assets ETFs Trading
HKFTW2022: In the latest policy statement published in Hong Kong, regulators disclosed issuing tokenized green bonds this year and actively developing virtual assets trading.=
FinCEN Issues Alert to Counter Financing to Hamas and its Terrorist Activities
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued an alert to financial institutions, urging vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious activities related to the financing of the terrorist organization Hamas. The alert comes in the wake of a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which was funded through various means, including virtual currency.
HK SFC Details JPEX Probe; CEO Affirms Hong Kong's Web3 Commitment
Hong Kong's SFC has provided a detailed timeline of its investigation into the fraudulent activities of the unlicensed virtual asset trading platform JPEX. Despite the ongoing case, SFC CEO Leung Fung-yee reaffirms that Hong Kong's commitment to developing a Web3 ecosystem will not waver.
Hong Kong to Unveil Virtual Assets-Related Policy Statement on Upcoming Fintech Week
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government will release the plans for the development of virtual assets in the city during FinTech Week by the end of this month.
Neopets Announces Neopets Metaverse Version Release
Neopets Metaverse announced to launch of a Metaverse product to enhance generational memories and experiences for Neopians and its users.
Axie Infinity Sells a Genesis Virtual Land Slot for 550 ETH
The most expensive virtual real estate in the Non-Fungible Token metaverse worth 550 ETH has just been sold by Axie Infinity.
Vitalik Buterin Proposes Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines on Ethereum Layer 1
Vitalik Buterin suggests implementing zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines (zk-EVMs) on the Ethereum base layer to accelerate the verification process on the blockchain without compromising decentralization and security. The technology enables smart contract execution on the blockchain with ZK proofs. It would be the third type of Ethereum client, along with the consensus and execution clients. By integrating zk-EVMs at the Ethereum layer 1, Ethereum would remain decentralized and new clients could be developed, further decentralizing Ethereum at the base layer.
Alchemy Pay Bolsters Hong Kong's Crypto Infrastructure with Enhanced Virtual Card Services
Alchemy Pay enhances Hong Kong's crypto infrastructure by adding new BINs for its Crypto Virtual Card, aligning with the region's evolving regulatory landscape and advancing global crypto payment solutions.
Dubai Regulator Grants Virtual Asset License to Former Singapore Legislator's Company
The VARA license allows Calvin Cheng- a former Singaporean member of Parliament, for his Web3 company to operate within Dubai’s crypto market.
Greater Bay Area Blockchain Week 2021 to Bring Global Attention to Blockchain Innovation
Being one of the world’s fastest growing tech hubs, Greater Bay Area (GBA) attracts audiences passionate about smart technology applications for business, education, and finance to come together for the premier international virtual event.
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US Treasury Targets Hamas Financial Networks Post-Israel Attack
In a strategic move following the recent terrorist attack on Israel, the US Treasury designated ten key individuals and entities affiliated with Hamas, targeting their financial networks across several countries. This action accentuates the broader US initiative to choke off Hamas’s financial resources, while spotlighting the emerging challenges posed by virtual currencies in terror financing.
UAE's Ras Al Khaimah to Launch Free Zone for Virtual Asset Companies
Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE is launching RAK Digital Assets Oasis, a free zone for digital and virtual asset companies. The purpose-built zone will support emerging technologies in the virtual assets sector, including blockchain, NFTs, and DApps. The free zone is set to open for applications in Q2 2023.
South Korea Top Four Crypto Exchanges Launch Joint Venture To Abide By AML Regulations
The heads of Bithumb, Korbit, Coinone, and Upbit signed a memorandum to form a company with a system, which will enable them to adhere to anti-money laundering regulations.
Invesco Unveils Metaverse Fund to Tap into £1.4 Trillion Opportunity
Invesco has launched the fund to invest in startups building the metaverse. The fund will invest in large, medium, and small-scale businesses worldwide.
NYDFS Introduces Stricter Crypto Listing and Delisting Rules
NYDFS has implemented stricter regulations for cryptocurrency businesses, enhancing investor protection through detailed risk assessments and governance, highlighting New York's proactive regulatory approach.
What Is Web 4.0?
Web 4.0 is an innovative concept outlined by the European Commission, designed to compete with the rapidly emerging trend of Web 3.0, which is gaining significant momentum in countries or regions such as the USA, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Greenland Financial Holdings to Apply for Virtual Asset Trading License in Hong Kong
Greenland Financial Holdings, a subsidiary of Greenland Group, is planning to apply for a virtual asset trading license in Hong Kong, according to Shanghai Securities News.
Signum Digital Receives Approval for Security Token Offering Platform
Signum Digital, a joint venture of Coinstreet and Somerley, has received approval-in-principle from Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for its security token offering platform called CS-Pro. The platform will allow investment in tangible assets such as private equities, real estate, art, and collectibles.
Bitfinex CTO: Keeping Crypto Safe with State-of-the-Art Cyber Security
Paolo Ardoino, the CTO of Bitfinex and Tether tells us why safety and security should always be a top priority for crypto exchanges.
Hong Kong to Release Cryptocurrency Exchange Licensing Guidelines
The Hong Kong Securities Futures Commission (SFC) plans to release guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange licensing next month, in support of trading services to retail investors by June 1. AML/KYC regulatory requirements were key considerations in the consultation process. Some trading platforms have already received licenses, while others have chosen to cease operations.
Hong Kong's SFC Warns of Improper Practices by Unlicensed Virtual Asset Trading Platforms
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has warned against unlicensed virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) engaging in improper practices, including false licensing claims and non-compliance with regulations.
Jamaica to Launch Central Bank Digital Currency in 2022
Jamaica’s Minister of Finance Nigel Clarke has announced that the country intends to launch its central bank digital currency (CBDC) in 2022.
HKSFC to Hire 4 More Staff to Supervise Crypto
The statement states that more operators want to use virtual assets.
Greater Bay Area Blockchain Week 2021 to Showcase International Technological Bridges
A nearly week-long premiere virtual event will feature industry leaders discussing the most exciting use cases of blockchain application in fintech, healthtech, investment banking, supply chain etc., as well as strengthen links between China’s own Greater Bay Area and other countries.
Hong Kong SFC Chief Executive: New Guidelines for Crypto Trading Platforms Prioritize Investor Protection
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced that the upcoming guidelines for operators of virtual asset trading platforms will place investor protection at the forefront.
Virtual Money Is Regulated In Alaska
Digital currency enterprises in Alaska must receive a money transmission license by January 1, 2023. Investments and monetary worth will incorporate virtual money. Investors in Alaska, South Dakota, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida still pay no capital gains tax.
Bitfinex and Polygon zkEVM Facilitate Tether Gold Transactions
Bitfinex has integrated Tether Gold transactions via the Polygon zkEVM transport layer, marking a significant step towards cost-effective and secure digital asset transactions from October 11, 2023.
CBDCs Require Balance between Data Access & User Privacy Protection, HashCash CEO Says
CBDC would need a delicate balancing act between data access and user privacy protection in terms of taming illegal activities, according to HashCash Consultants CEO Raj Chowdhury.
Epic Games and LEGO Group Partner to Build Family-Friendly Metaverse
Epic Games and LEGO Group have announced a long-term partnership to build a "family-friendly" Metaverse. The partnership comes shortly after Epic Games' $2 billion funding round aimed at accelerating the company's plans for the Metaverse.
South Korea Intensifies Measures Against Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges
South Korea's financial regulators are urging public disclosure of unlicensed crypto exchanges, as part of their efforts to regulate the digital asset market and safeguard investors.
World Sustainability Organization Adopts Blockchain-Based Virtual Audits to Curb COVID-19 Spread
With coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention measures necessitating self-isolation and social distancing, Friend of the Sea (FOS), a World Sustainability Organization’s project for seafood certification, has embraced blockchain-enabled virtual audits to mitigate the expansion of this pandemic. As a result, FOS has eradicated onsite scrutinies because safety is of the essence during these trying times.
Metaverse will be a Trillion-dollar Market in Future: Grayscale
Cryptocurrency investment giant Grayscale released a report on Thursday stating that by 2025, the revenue of the virtual gaming world may grow to $400 billion.
OCC Issues Update to Organize a Virtual Innovation Office Hours
The US OCC has created virtual office hours to discuss fintech and possibly crypto-related innovations
Hong Kong's SFC Sets 2024-2026 Agenda: Emphasis on Tokenization and Virtual Asset Innovation
The SFC’s Strategic Priorities for 2024-2026 focus on enhancing Hong Kong's financial sector by maintaining market resilience, boosting global competitiveness, embracing financial innovation, and improving institutional resilience.
Kraken Secures E-Money License in EU, Expands Virtual Asset Services in Spain
Kraken, a San Francisco-based crypto platform, has secured an E-Money Institution license from the Central Bank of Ireland and registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider in Spain. These moves are part of Kraken's strategy to expand its European operations.
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission Sets New Regulations for Crypto Exchanges
The Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong’s financial regulatory has set out new regulations for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges on Oct. 6. Announced by Ashley Alder, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SFC made an announcement in his speech at the Hong Kong FinTech Week 2019. Following his speech, the SFC also published a new regulatory approach to “virtual asset trading platforms,” on its website.
The Sandbox, FlickPlay Collaborate to Accelerate Interoperability in Metaverse
With the metaverse expected to be worth between $8 trillion and $13 trillion by 2030, virtual world gaming platforms The Sandbox and FlickPlay have joined hands to enhance its adoption by offering players a blockchain asset.
South Korea's Stance on Virtual Currency Investment and ETFs in 2024
South Korea reaffirms its prohibition of local financial institutions from owning, buying, or investing in cryptocurrencies and businesses offering crypto, including a strict ban on cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The Sandbox Appoints Nicola Sebastiani as Chief Content Officer
The Sandbox announced the appointment of Nicola Sebastiani as its Chief Content Officer to bolster its global content development. With a notable background from Sony PlayStation Studios and Apple, Sebastiani is set to enhance The Sandbox’s creator and content ecosystems. Alongside, executive promotions were announced with Mathieu Nouzareth now as Chief Business Officer and Amit Kumar as Chief Marketing Officer, marking a strategic move towards expanding its global community and fostering user-generated content in its decentralized virtual platform.
Estonia to Strengthen Supervision of Virtual Asset Service Providers
Estonia has recently considered enacting new rules on encryption and proposed draft legislation that will strengthen the supervision of virtual asset service providers.
Taiwan's Legislature Considers Virtual Asset Management Bill to Protect Consumers
The Taiwanese Legislature is deliberating on a new Virtual Asset Management Bill aimed at fostering better consumer protection and industry oversight. The bill, seen as moderate, outlines pragmatic mandates for VASPs while leaving room for further regulatory fine-tuning, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
Astar Network Launches Second Iteration of Smart Contracts
Astar Network is launching the second iteration of its smart contracts that support both Ethereum Virtual Machine and WebAssembly Virtual Machine on its mainnet on April 6. The Astar team invited community members to a panel discussion led by its executives and Polkadot developers to discuss how WASM can be utilized.
ENS Launches EVM Gateway, Enhancing Interoperability Between L1 and L2 Chains
ENS Domains introduces the EVM Gateway, an open-source platform enhancing interoperability between L1 and L2 chains, promoting a more connected and efficient blockchain ecosystem.
Hong Kong to Propose Statutory Licensing Regime for VASPs: CE John Lee
Hong Kong leader John Lee delivered his first policy address Wednesday, indicating that the administration has introduced a bill to propose establishing a statutory licensing regime for virtual asset service providers.
People's Bank of China Seeks to Prohibit the Creation of Digital Tokens
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) is calling for public opinion or feedback in line with its plans to revise its extant banking laws
Mox Bank to Launch Crypto Investment Services
Hong Kong-based virtual bank Mox Bank has recently announced plans to introduce cryptocurrency investment services in the second half of 2024, providing customers with access to popular digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Meta's Virtual Reality Programmers Earn $1 Million
Meta’s virtual reality programmers earn up to $1 million, according to anonymous sources. Despite significant losses in its metaverse-building division, the company's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is committed to its long-term vision.
First Virtual Banks By 2025 From Bank Of Thailand
Bank of Thailand will enable virtual banks for the first time. Financial businesses will provide services by 2025. The move boosts competitiveness and Thailand's economy. The licensing structure will regulate and supervise virtual banks like regular commercial banks.
Nvidia Plans to add Innovation in the Metaverse with Software, Marketplace Deals
Nvidia Corporation has set its eyes on adding more creativity in the metaverse based on various marketplace and software deals.
Korean Prosecution Investigates Cypto Coin WEMIX Issuer WeMade and Hyperism Simultaneously
The Korean prosecution has simultaneously raided WeMade, the issuer of the cryptocurrency WEMIX, and Hyperism, the asset management company responsible for WEMIX's market making. This incident comes right after South Korea’s parliament passed the Virtual Asset Protection Act, which aims to crack down on illegal illegal trading practices such as market price manipulation and insider trading.
Europe's Watchdog MONEYVAL Sees Crypto as a Threat to AML
European regulator MONEYVAL has published a report that considered cryptocurrencies a major threat to regulators' efforts to fight money laundering activities.
South Korea May Have to Postpone Crypto Taxation, Lawmaker Declares
A push from one of the South Korean top lawmakers may stir the postponement of the crypto taxation billed to commence on January 1, local media reported.
Beyond Banking: DBS Bank’s Digital Transformation into Smarter ‘Phygital’ Banking Services
In 2019, despite facing an increasingly challenging and uncertain environment, especially the second half of last year, DBS achieved a record performance and successfully launched DBS’ First Fully Virtual Wealth Management Account Opening Solution.
Crypto.com Denies Allegations of Misleading Trading Practices, Faces Regulatory Scrutiny Over Proprietary Trading Concerns
According to insider sources cited by The Financial Times, Crypto.com, the Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange platform, allegedly operates an in-house trading and market-making team whose primary objective is to generate profits rather than facilitate trading.
HK Outlines Regulatory System for Virtual Asset Sector
Measures include a licensing regime for the virtual asset service providers, contemplating the regulation of payment-related stablecoins and providing traditional financial institutions with guidelines on offering virtual asset-related services to clients.
United States CFTC Issues Advisory on Digital Currencies for Futures Commission Merchants
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has released an advisory to futures commission merchants clarifying how to hold digital currencies in segregated accounts.
South Korean Stakeholders Opposes the Proposed "Know-the-Sender" Rule
Some stakeholders are pushing back against the proposed Know-the-Sender (KTS) rule that the South Korean parliament is looking to pass into law.