SEC postpones decision on ARK Bitcoin ETF
SEC has postponed the decision on the Bitcoin ETF proposed by ARK Investment Management. On August 11, SEC launched a 21-day public comment period for the ETF. ARK had filed in May, and SEC has until January 2024 to decide. To be listed, the ETF needs to meet certain regulatory criteria. Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK, expected the delay, but sees future approvals of several Bitcoin ETFs.
Post Malone and Joe Rogan criticize US Digital Currency in podcast
In the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Post Malone and Joe Rogan criticized the digital currency proposed by the US Central Bank (CBDC), seeing it as government control. Both emphasized the risks of loss of liberty and assets. Crypto community took this as support given the mounting regulatory pressure. Political figures such as Robert F. Kennedy and Ron DeSantis have also expressed concerns about CBDCs and highlighted their pro-cryptocurrency stance.
Canadian citizens prefer traditional payment methods, says Bank of Canada
The Bank of Canada revealed that many Canadian citizens are reluctant to adopt a central bank digital currency (CBDC) as they are satisfied with current payment methods such as cash and cards. The report indicated that even if cash were eliminated, most would use electronic means. To improve financial inclusion, suggestions include improving internet access and offering low-cost bank accounts. The bank stressed the need to keep banknotes as a reliable payment method.
Binance seeks registration in Taiwan amid regulatory challenges
Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, has applied for registration in Taiwan under anti-money laundering regulations. Taiwan’s Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) informed local providers about Binance’s moves, according to a report by Chen Peiyun of BitShine. Binance, already operating in Taiwan since May 2023, faces regulatory challenges in the US and Europe. Meanwhile, Taiwan stresses independence from Chinese policies on cryptocurrencies.
Kraken overtakes Coinbase as US altcoin trading leader
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has become the US leader in altcoin trading, surpassing Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) with 47% market depth for top 10 altcoins, as per data from Kaiko. Kraken’s market share increased to 21.1% in July, compared to 8.3% in August 2022. The exchange attributes this growth to Kraken Pro, which launched in December. Still, Kraken has seen a drop in monthly trading volumes, following the industry trend.
Visa tests paying Ethereum fees with conventional cards
Visa (NYSE:V) has completed tests that allow one to pay Ethereum (COIN:ETHUSD) gas fees with fiat money via Visa card, overcoming challenges in managing balances from ETH to floating rates. Utilizing Ethereum’s ERC-4337 standard and a “paymaster” smart contract, the solution eliminates the need for users to have ETH to cover fees. This innovation can improve the interaction of merchants and dApps with customers and drive integration between traditional payments and cryptocurrencies.
Worldcoin launches reserve feature for tokens as Argentina faces investigations
Worldcoin (COIN:WLDUSD) launched a feature in the World App that allows unverified customers to reserve WLD tokens before having a World ID. The reserve lasts for 12 months, after which tokens can be obtained through the iris scanning device, Orb. Worldcoin aims to create a global identification system to distinguish humans from bots, using iris scanning as identification. However, it faces investigations and regulatory problems in several countries. Recently, the Argentine Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) began investigating Worldcoin over data security concerns, following the company’s controversial practice of requesting iris scans for tokens. Although Worldcoin claims compliance with Argentina’s Personal Data Protection Law, the AAIP reviews its claims.
Shiba Inu price sees substantial rise in one week
In the last 24 hours, the price of Shiba Inu (COIN:SHIBUSD) rose 0.91% to $0.000010, for a total increase of 20.63% in the last week. Trading volume grew 34% for the week, with circulating supply reaching 589.34 trillion and a market capitalization of $5.9 billion.
Rollbit Token rises significantly with Gamblefi wave
The iGaming Rollbit Coin (COIN:RLBUSD) has increased by 99.35% in 7 days due to the growing popularity of Gamblefi. RLB, a crypto casino and NFT token, now trades at $0.19 with solid technical support.
KimberLite announces IDO launch focused on the diamond market
KimberLite, a diamond-centric web3 ecosystem, announced its launch of IDO in partnership with Gempad, Gagarin and IXIR Pad, aiming to raise $300,000. KimberLite token, $KIMBER, will start at $0.20 on IDO and will be listed on PancakeSwap DEX at $0.22. A subsidiary of BSR Global Group, KimberLite seeks to modernize the diamond industry by introducing an NFT marketplace, P2E gaming and facilitating global transactions. The project is still up for pre-sale, offering the token for $0.17.
PayPal stablecoin faces skepticism from Bank of America
Recently, PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) launched its own stablecoin, PYUSD, aimed at improving payment efficiency. However, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) predicts its near-term adoption will be limited, facing competition from yielding CBDCs and stablecoins. With fees in excess of 5%, profitable stablecoins can attract more investors. PYUSD targets markets like blockchain payments, but it may face regulatory challenges.
FC Barcelona joins Web3 with a millionaire investment
FC Barcelona secured a €120 million investment from Libero Football Finance AG and Nipa Capital BV for the Barça Vision project, focused on Web3 and blockchain. In exchange, it sold 29.5% of Bridgeburg Invest, the project’s holding company. Barça Vision focuses on digital content, including NFTs and metaverse. Completion of the transaction is expected by the end of 2023. Previously, Barcelona partnered with Chiliz and launched NFTs, including one auctioned for $693,000 in New York.
HKVAX moves closer to operating legally in Hong Kong after SFC endorsement
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has granted the Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange (HKVAX) an “approval in principle” to operate as a virtual asset platform. HKVAX plans to introduce security token offerings and, upon final approval, will provide OTC brokerage services, institutional exchange and custody solutions. HKVAX CEO Anthony Ng expressed plans for expansion and future partnerships. This follows licenses recently awarded to HashKey and OSL as the SFC focuses on regulation following the 2022 FTX collapse.
Boyaa Interactive plans investments in bitcoin and ether
Hong Kong-based Boyaa Interactive has allocated $5 million to buy mainly bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) and ether (COIN:ETHUSD) in the coming year on regulated platforms. This decision aims to position the Group in the field of Web3. The company, founded in 2004, is known for developing online games in China.
RCMP seeks technology to manage seized digital assets
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada’s main police force, is looking for a technological solution to manage cryptocurrencies and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) that have been seized. Through a contest, the RCMP wants to find a centralized repository system that allows for the secure seizure and efficient storage of these digital assets. Furthermore, such a system must be compatible with the main blockchains currently on the market and have the ability to adapt to new blockchain technologies that may emerge in the future. It is also important that the solution provides strict security measures, including protection of private keys. This move comes after Canadian police adopted specialized tools to track cryptocurrency transactions in their investigations.
Dubai fund Illuminati Capital raises $50 million for Web3 startups
Dubai-based venture fund Illuminati Capital has raised $50 million to invest in blockchain startups and Web3 games. The fund intends to use the experience of blockchain founders to evolve Web3 investments. Vickaash Agrawal and Laura K. Inamedinova, partners, highlight the firm’s approach to building lasting partnerships.