Binance Reportedly Backing HKVAEX in Pursuit of Hong Kong Crypto License

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is reportedly supporting HKVAEX, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency trading platform, in its efforts to obtain a local crypto license. HKVAEX, which was established as a separate entity in December 2022, is said to be sharing resources with Binance. However, HKVAEX claims to be an independent platform with its own […]

BlockFi Emerges from Bankruptcy, Begins Asset Recovery and Repayment

BlockFi, a crypto lender, has announced that it has emerged from bankruptcy and is now ready to recover assets and repay creditors. The company had filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2022 due to the plummeting crypto prices and insolvencies in the industry. However, with the approval of its restructuring plan by a New Jersey […]

BlockFi Emerges from Bankruptcy, Plans to Pay Users in Early 2024

BlockFi, a cryptocurrency lending platform, has announced that it has emerged from bankruptcy and will now proceed with its bankruptcy plan. The company will continue to distribute client assets and allow wallet customers to request withdrawals until December 31. In early 2024, BlockFi plans to enable withdrawals for BlockFi Interest Account (BIA) and Retail Loan […]

Euroclear Launches Digital Securities Issuance Service, Settles $106 Million World Bank Bond

Euroclear, a leading securities settlement house, has launched a digital securities issuance service and successfully settled a 100-million-euro digital bond issued by the World Bank. This marks the first step in Euroclear’s digital infrastructure strategy. The three-year bond, known as a digitally native note, was issued by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a […]

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Successfully Completes Offline Payments Trial for e-HKD Digital Currency

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) has successfully completed an extensive offline payments trial for Hong Kong’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), e-HKD. The trial focused on ensuring inclusiveness, security, and reliability of transactions, particularly in regions with unreliable internet access. Over several months, the trial involved 200 individuals and over ten merchants, who made transactions […]

Ripple Executives Secure Legal Victory as SEC Case Dismissed

In a significant development, Ripple executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen have emerged victorious in their legal battle against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On Monday, October 23, 2023, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres dismissed the SEC’s case against them, putting an end to the charges. The dismissal was marked with prejudice, which […]

BlackRock Expected to Provide Seed Funding for Bitcoin ETF

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is reportedly planning to provide seed funding for its iShares spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). This funding would involve BlackRock purchasing a certain amount of Bitcoin to kickstart the fund. While the exact date and amount of funding have not been confirmed, recent filings suggest that the contribution could […]

BlackRock to Sponsor Its Own Bitcoin ETF Launch, Demonstrating Confidence in the Market

Investment manager BlackRock has revealed plans to provide initial funding for its spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), according to recent securities filings. The company’s S-1 amendment details the process of seeding an ETF, whereby a bank or broker-dealer purchases Bitcoin in exchange for ETF shares. This move by BlackRock is seen as a significant display […]

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Discusses XRP’s Role and Bitcoin’s Limitations

Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, recently discussed the company’s stance on XRP and its broader business strategy. While Ripple owns a significant amount of XRP and recognizes its efficiency for various use cases like cross-border payments, Garlinghouse emphasized that they are not XRP maximalists. He believes there is room for other digital assets, including Bitcoin. Ripple’s […]

New York Attorney General Sues Gemini, Genesis, and DCG for Defrauding Investors of $1.1 Billion

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against cryptocurrency firms Gemini, Genesis, and Digital Currency Group (DCG), accusing them of defrauding 230,000 investors out of $1.1 billion. The lawsuit specifically focuses on Gemini’s investment product, Gemini Earn, which was marketed as a safe way to earn interest on cryptocurrencies. However, it was […]