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Showing posts from August, 2023

China Showcases Digital Yuan at Asian Games: A Landmark Moment for CBDC

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China is gearing up to promote its digital yuan more broadly, using next month's Asian Games as the stage to introduce its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to an expansive international audience for the first time. For the games, which will take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, from September 23 to October 8, residents in the test areas will be able to purchase tickets using China's official CBDC app. This marks the first time a major sports event in China will accept this form of payment. This occasion is particularly significant for Beijing, as it's the first large-scale international sports event the country is hosting since easing COVID-19 restrictions. The government sees it as a pivotal moment to showcase its digital currency. According to Cebnet, state-owned banks and e-commerce platforms are expected to take Read more about China Showcases Digital Yuan at Asian Games: A Landmark Moment for CBDC #Bitcoin, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations

Argentina Leads World ID Registrations: Is the Nation Prioritizing Tech Over Privacy?

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This tech-forward country that's deeply into crypto has experienced a dramatic surge in World ID sign-ups—9,500 users verified in a single day! Even as Argentine authorities scrutinize how Worldcoin manages data, enthusiasm for the service remains high. Worldcoin's digital ID project, which uses eye scans for setup, is so in demand that it's now the top app on Argentina's App Store. At its core, Worldcoin aims to create a more inclusive global economy, targeting the 4 billion people who lack a formal digital ID. Their World ID platform, founded on a "Proof of Personhood" credential provided by their innovative gadget called the Orb, is a game-changer. The best part? No need to disclose your name, email, or phone number. But it's not just Argentina that's excited. Since its launch on July 24, 2023, World ID has seen a g Read more about Argentina Leads World ID Registrations: Is the Nation Prioritizing Tech Over Privacy? #Altcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocur

Judge Dismisses Class Action Lawsuit Against Uniswap

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Judge Katherine Polk Failla recently threw out a collective lawsuit against Uniswap, a leading decentralized exchange. She said the accusations made by the plaintiffs lacked substantive evidence, underscoring the vagueness of current cryptocurrency laws. The judge is also presiding over a case between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Coinbase. She ruled that many of the claims against Uniswap were baseless and therefore not valid in a legal setting. Initiated last year, the lawsuit claimed that Uniswap, its founder Hayden Adams, and investment firms Andreessen Horowitz and Paradigm were facilitating widespread fraud on the platform. The plaintiffs also argued that Uniswap should comply with FINRA registration and was involved in selling unregistered securities. In her judgment, Judge Failla emphasized Uniswap's Read more about Judge Dismisses Class Action Lawsuit Against Uniswap #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations, #Uniswap

Crypto Industry Uprising: Demands for SEC Leadership Change Amid Regulatory Battles

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As changes in the cryptocurrency landscape occur, there's a shift in how things are developing. Recently, players in the crypto industry have been winning court battles against the current regulatory approach of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), leading to new ways of thinking. Grayscale Investments' recent legal victory over the SEC has prompted Anthony Scaramucci, a well-known advocate for cryptocurrencies, to publicly call for the resignation of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on the X platform. This call for Gensler's resignation isn't just coming from Scaramucci. Over the past few years, many supporters of cryptocurrencies have been increasingly vocal about their desire for Gensler to step down. They feel that under his leadership, the SEC could hinder innovation in the crypto space. Even though the regulatory Read more about Crypto Industry Uprising: Demands for SEC Leadership Change Amid Regulatory Battles #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptonewstoday, #Gensler, #Ne

Upcoming economic events 31 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious01:302 pointsPrivate New Capital Expenditure (QoQ) (Q2)1.1%2.4%01:302 pointsBoJ Board Member Nakamura Speaks------------------01:302 pointsChinese Composite PMI (Aug)---------51.101:303 pointsManufacturing PMI (Aug)49.549.301:302 pointsNon-Manufacturing PMI (Aug)51.151.507:002 pointsECB's Schnabel Speaks------------------09:002 pointsCore CPI (YoY)5.3%5.5%09:002 pointsCPI (YoY) (Aug)5.1%5.3%09:002 pointsCPI (MoM)-0.1%-0.1%09:002 pointsUnemployment Rate (Jul)6.4%6.4%11:302 pointsECB Publishes Account of Monetary Policy Meeting------------------12:303 pointsCore PCE Price Index (YoY) (Jul)4.2%4.1%12:303 pointsCore PCE Price Index (MoM) (Jul)0.2%0.2%12:303 pointsInitial Jobless Claims235K230K12:302 pointsPCE Price index (YoY) (Jul)3.3%3.0%12:302 pointsPCE price index (MoM) Read more about Upcoming economic events 31 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

X Secures Currency Transmitter License: Musk's Multi-Function App Vision Gains Momentum

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Rhode Island regulators have given the green light to X (Twitter) by awarding it a currency transmitter license. This is a significant milestone for the company as it ventures into the financial services world. This license is a legal necessity for firms that handle money transfers on behalf of customers, covering both traditional money and cryptocurrencies. The license will enable X to hold, move, and exchange digital currencies. The Nationwide Multi-State Licensing System (NMLS) confirmed that X's Rhode Island license was approved on August 28. Overall, X has secured seven such licenses across the United States. This development is part of Elon Musk's broader vision to transform X into an "everything app," complete with both crypto and fiat payment capabilities. Although insiders say that X will initially only support Read more about X Secures Currency Transmitter License: Musk's Multi-Function App Vision Gains Momentum #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryp

Coinbase Stock Soars Following Grayscale's Legal Victory Over SEC

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Coinbase Global Inc.'s stock is rallying today, shooting up by nearly 15% to $84.56. This surge comes after Grayscale Investments won its case against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Lately, the SEC hasn't been doing well in its legal battles against major crypto companies. A significant win for the crypto world came when Judge Analisa Torres ruled in favor of Ripple Labs in its long-standing lawsuit with the SEC. This ruling was a game-changer for the emerging industry. In that case, the SEC had accused Ripple of illegally selling XRP tokens and asked for a $1.3 billion fine. After a detailed look into how XRP sales fit into the Howey Test—a criterion used to determine if a transaction qualifies as an investment contract—Judge Torres concluded that while XRP sales to institutional investors are securities, tho Read more about Coinbase Stock Soars Following Grayscale's Legal Victory Over SEC #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket,

Grayscale's Landmark Legal Win Against SEC Opens Door for U.S.'s First Bitcoin Spot ETF

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Grayscale Investments LLC achieved a landmark legal victory over the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), clearing the path for the introduction of America's first Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (ETF). This judicial win has acted as a stimulant for Bitcoin prices and the broader cryptocurrency market. In a significant legal decision, a trio of federal judges in Washington D.C. overturned the SEC's previous disapproval of Grayscale's Bitcoin spot ETF. The court found the SEC's initial denial, which was based on concerns of insufficient oversight and fraud risk, to be "arbitrary and capricious." The judges noted that Grayscale had provided compelling evidence showing that their proposed offering was very similar to existing Bitcoin futures ETFs, which had already garnered SEC approval. Judge Neomi Rao highlighted that Read more about Grayscale's Landmark Legal Win Against SEC Opens Door for U.S.'s First Bitcoin Spot ETF #Cryptocurrency, #Cry

Nuvei and Mastercard Team Up to Deliver Instant Payouts in Asia-Pacific

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Canadian fintech firm Nuvei is teaming up with Mastercard, a leading credit card company, to introduce instant payout features in the Asia-Pacific area. Through the use of Mastercard Send, Nuvei will enable quick disbursements for its clients in the region, covering a range of transactions from business-to-consumer operations to facilitating 1.5 billion transactions on credit, debit, and prepaid Mastercard cards. Founded in 1966, Mastercard has been a major player in the credit card industry. In recent times, the company has also been actively engaging with the emerging cryptocurrency market. It has acknowledged the value of digital currencies and has begun incorporating them into its existing infrastructure. As of February 2021, Mastercard made headlines by declaring its plan to incorporate a select list of cryptocurrencies into Read more about Nuvei and Mastercard Team Up to Deliver Instant Payouts in Asia-Pacific #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryp

Upcoming economic events 30 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious01:302 pointsBuilding Approvals (MoM) (Jul)  -0.8%-7.7%01:302 pointsConstruction Work Done (QoQ) (Q2)1.0%1.8%12:153 pointsADP Nonfarm Employment Change (Aug)195K324K12:303 pointsGDP (QoQ) (Q2)2.4%2.0%12:302 pointsGDP Price Index (QoQ) (Q2) 2.2%4.1%12:302 pointsGoods Trade Balance (Jul)-89.94B-88.83B12:302 pointsRetail Inventories Ex Auto (Jul)---------0.3%14:003 pointsPending Home Sales (MoM) (Jul)-0.1%0.3%14:303 pointsCrude Oil Inventories-2.921M-6.135M14:302 pointsCushing Crude Oil Inventories-2.440M-3.133M23:502 pointsIndustrial Production (MoM) (Jul)-1.4%2.4% Read more about Upcoming economic events 30 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

New Rules in Korea: Crypto Exchanges to Maintain Up to $15 Million in Emergency Funds

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The Korea Federation of Banks (KFB) is reportedly planning to mandate that local cryptocurrency exchanges maintain a minimum reserve of 3 billion won (about $2.26 million). This move comes as local regulators are increasingly tightening oversight on these platforms, pushing for more robust rules around the listing and delisting of digital currencies to better protect consumers. According to Korean media, these new rules are slated to kick in starting this September. Exchanges that have "real-name accounts" will be required to hold emergency funds ranging from $2.26 million to around $15 million. This fund is intended to act as a financial cushion in case of unexpected events like hacking incidents. It's worth noting that the $2.26 million minimum reserve requirement applies primarily to smaller exchanges. Big players like Upbit, Read more about New Rules in Korea: Crypto Exchanges to Maintain Up to $15 Million in Emergency Funds #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket

What is Tether (1 USDT)? How does it work?

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Tether (USDT) is the largest stablecoin by market capitalization. Tether Limited developed the digital currency USDT to serve as the internet's Digital Dollar, with each token  worth  $1 USD and being backed by $1 USD in real money. What is a stablecoin? A low volatility digital asset that often keeps a steady valuation is offered by stablecoins like Tether. A stablecoin seeks to keep the same value as its peg by having its value tied to a stable asset, such as gold, the US dollar, or another fiat currency. Investors who want to protect their digital currency assets from inherent volatility utilize it to do so while maintaining value inside the cryptocurrency market that is readily available for use. USDT history The precursor to Tether, originally named "Realcoin", was announced in July 2014 by Read more about What is Tether (1 USDT)? How does it work? #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Stablecoin, #Tether, #USDT

Robinhood's Secret Billion-Dollar Bitcoin Wallet: What We Know So Far

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A recent study by Arkham Intelligence, released around August 27, suggests that Robinhood may control a single Bitcoin address with a value exceeding $3 billion. The report indicates that this address contains 118,300 Bitcoins, worth roughly $3.07 billion, starting with "bc1ql." As of today, this address remains active. Although recent transactions are minor, its balance has seen substantial growth since mid-May, when it contained just about $5,400 worth of Bitcoin. By May 25, the balance escalated to nearly $1.4 billion, and by June 18, it reached the $3 billion mark. Jump Trading, a trading firm based in Chicago and known to provide the backend for Robinhood's crypto trading functionalities, is the custodian for these funds. Robinhood has neither confirmed nor denied ownership of this address and has not made any public Read more about Robinhood's Secret Billion-Dollar Bitcoin Wallet: What We Know So Far #Adoption, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ethereum,

Elon Musk Considers Revamping X into a Modern PayPal

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Recent information suggests that Elon Musk is contemplating turning X, which was formerly Twitter, into a revamped version of PayPal.In the past, major endorsements of Bitcoin, such as PayPal's in late 2020, significantly impacted Bitcoin's market value, pushing it close to $70,000.Charles Gasparino, a Fox Business News reporter, says that Elon Musk is in active talks with top Wall Street figures about X's direction. Insiders indicate Musk is inclined to unveil a new payment system that could be seen as a modernized PayPal. This system aims to offer lower transaction costs than credit cards while also monetizing user data.This news has led market analysts to speculate on the potential impact on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin, the latter having seen a 4% price increase minutes after X's rebranding in July. This fuels Read more about Elon Musk Considers Revamping X into a Modern PayPal #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket,

Digital Euro, CBDCs, and Crypto Adoption in Spain

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Margarita Delgado, the Deputy Governor of Spain's central bank, has discussed the evolving relationship between the planned digital euro and private payment technologies. She aligns her views with the newly suggested legislative framework for a digital euro, stating that it will likely foster the growth of pan-European financial and payment services in the private sector. Delgado posits that these advancements will help Europe's financial system better rival non-European options. The popularity of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is on the rise, with around 130 nations currently looking into their deployment. However, regulators are exercising caution to avoid pitfalls while allowing usage, a challenging equilibrium to achieve. U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson has expressed skepticism about CBDCs, even calling for their Read more about Digital Euro, CBDCs, and Crypto Adoption in Spain #Adoption, #Blockchain, #CBDC, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ether

Upcoming economic events 29 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious07:402 pointsRBA Assist Gov Bullock Speaks------------------10:002 pointsEU Economic Forecasts------------------13:002 pointsS&P/CS HPI Composite - 20 n.s.a. (YoY) (Jun)-1.4%-1.7%14:003 pointsCB Consumer Confidence (Aug)116.0117.014:003 pointsJOLTs Job Openings (Jul)9.793M9.582M20:302 pointsAPI Weekly Crude Oil Stock----------2.418M Read more about Upcoming economic events 29 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Ronaldinho Under Investigation for Cryptocurrency Scam, Skips Court Appearance

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Brazilian officials have reportedly initiated an investigation into legendary soccer player Ronaldinho, whose real name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, over suspicions that he may be involved in a cryptocurrency scam. Although summoned to court, Ronaldinho failed to show up and provided no explanation for his absence. The former star of teams like FC Barcelona, AC Milan, and the Brazilian national squad is suspected of involvement in a fraudulent scheme tied to a sketchy company named "18kRonaldinho." This company promised investors an unrealistically high daily return of 2% on a minimum investment of $30 in digital currencies. Initially, the company was in the business of selling watches and jewelry, and Ronaldinho served as its ambassador. The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner did not attend court to clarify his potential involvement in the Read more about Ronaldinho Under Investigation for Cryptocurrency Scam, Skips Court Appearance #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptonewstoday, #N

Trump Turns His Imprisonment into a Meme and Now Profits from It

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After a two-year hiatus, former U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the social media platform X, once known as Twitter. He posted his mugshot, and the internet quickly turned it into meme gold. Soon after, the value of his NFT collection skyrocketed. This comes on the heels of a released photo of Trump tied to his legal troubles in Georgia, where he's accused of trying to tamper with the 2020 election. Statistics from the NFT marketplace OpenSea show that the minimum price for Trump's digital trading cards, initially launched in December 2022, jumped by over 62%—from 0.138 to 0.224 Ether (ETH), or roughly $1,654 as of August 24. This uptick coincided with the widespread sharing of his mugshot, which made headlines as the first-ever of a current or former U.S. president facing criminal charges. The case in Georgia alleges t Read more about Trump Turns His Imprisonment into a Meme and Now Profits from It #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations, #Trump

Balancer DeFi Protocol Suffers Nearly $900,000 Exploit Days After Revealing Critical Vulnerability

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Just a few days after revealing a security flaw impacting its enhanced pools, the decentralized finance platform Balancer fell victim to an attack. The protocol acknowledged on Aug. 27 through a platform formerly known as Twitter that it had suffered an exploit costing nearly $900,000. Blockchain security specialist Meier Dolev identified an Ethereum address suspected to belong to the perpetrator. Subsequent to the attack, this address received two separate Dai (DAI) stablecoin transfers, totaling approximately $894,000. In a public statement on the social media platform, Balancer's team acknowledged the exploit connected to the previously announced vulnerability. They stated that although recent preventative steps had lessened the danger, the compromised pools couldn't be halted. They advised users to withdraw from the affected Read more about Balancer DeFi Protocol Suffers Nearly $900,000 Exploit Days After Revealing Critical Vulnerability #CryptoScams, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryp

Hashdex's Spot Bitcoin ETF Application Fuels Market Anticipation Amid Ongoing Uncertainties in the ETF Landscape

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Hashdex has created a buzz by applying for a Bitcoin spot ETF with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The proposed Hashdex Bitcoin ETF plans to acquire its Bitcoin directly from exchanges that are associated with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Experts like James Seyffart from Bloomberg have scrutinized the application, highlighting a strategy mainly focused on exchange-traded position transactions. This approach is unique in that it uses futures contracts to achieve spot market exposure, as opposed to buying Bitcoin outright on other exchanges. The SEC's decision to delay its comments until next year has contributed to significant anticipation and eagerness in the spot Bitcoin ETF space, as stakeholders keenly watch the unfolding developments. The ongoing legal issues surrounding Grayscale continue as the Read more about Hashdex's Spot Bitcoin ETF Application Fuels Market Anticipation Amid Ongoing Uncertainties in the ETF Landscape #Adoption, #Bitcoin, #Crypto

USD Coin (USDC) Hits Two-Year Market Cap Low Amidst Banking Crisis and Rising Interest Rates

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The market capitalization of the USD Coin (USDC) is presently at its lowest in two years, with experts stating that it hasn't fully rebounded after becoming unpegged to the dollar earlier this year. CoinGecko data indicates that the value of USDC is just over $26 billion, marking its lowest since July 2021 when it was at $25.1 billion. While USDC remains the sixth biggest cryptocurrency in terms of market cap, it has lost ground to its primary competitor, Tether (USDT), which currently has a valuation of $82.7 billion. Last year, USDC had a market value of $56 billion, reinforcing its spot as the second-largest stablecoin. However, the market cap dipped sharply in March 2023 due to a regional banking crisis which led to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). At that time, it was revealed that Circle had kept more than $3 Read more about USD Coin (USDC) Hits Two-Year Market Cap Low Amidst Banking Crisis and Rising Interest Rates #Circle, #Coinbase, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket

Upcoming economic events 28 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious01:302 pointsRetail Sales (MoM) (Jul)  0.3%-0.8%17:002 points2-Year Note Auction4.823%17:002 points5-Year Note Auction4.170% Read more about Upcoming economic events 28 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

What is CBDC and How Will It Impact Society in 2023?

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Digital currencies created and regulated by a nation's central bank are known as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). While they share some traits with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the key difference is that their value is stabilized and controlled by the central bank, mirroring the country's standard currency. With a growing number of nations either actively developing or already using CBDCs, it's crucial for us to grasp what they are and how they could impact our lives and society as a whole. What is central bank digital currency? CBDC is essentially a digital version of a country's currency, managed by its central bank. Unlike physical cash, it exists purely as numbers on a computer or other electronic devices. In the context of the UK, the Bank of England is working closely with HM Treasury to explore the Read more about What is CBDC and How Will It Impact Society in 2023? #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #CBDC, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Regulat

Pepe Coin Engulfed in Controversy Over Significant Token Theft and Insider Trading Allegations

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The meme-based cryptocurrency Pepe Coin is currently at the center of a swirling controversy involving a significant theft of tokens and claims of insider trading. On-chain analyst Yazan asserts that those with inside information have begun selling large quantities of their Pepe Coin, approximately 400 billion tokens so far. He strongly urges major crypto exchanges like Binance and OKEx to take steps to stop the suspected insider activity. This follows a social media post from the official Pepe account that reported a loss of 16 trillion Pepe tokens, equivalent to $15 million, that were unlawfully moved to exchanges like OKX, Binance, Kucoin, and Bybit and then sold. Jeremy “Pauly” Cahen, a former marketer for Pepe Coin, has similarly accused the people behind the cryptocurrency of insider trading, particularly after the dis Read more about Pepe Coin Engulfed in Controversy Over Significant Token Theft and Insider Trading Allegations #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #N

HashKey Group to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in Hong Kong Following Regulatory Approval

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HashKey Group is preparing to launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading options for its clients in Hong Kong on August 28. The company's COO, Weng Xiaoqi, revealed in a conversation with local reporters that HashKey will begin offering cryptocurrency trading services to the general public. After applying for a license in July, the company gained regulatory approval earlier this month. Weng stated that Bitcoin and Ethereum were chosen as initial trading options because they are the most widely circulated and least risky digital assets. He also mentioned that HashKey is contemplating the introduction of margin and derivative products, pending approval from Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Negotiations are ongoing between HashKey and multiple prominent banks in Hong Kong to incorporate fiat currencies like the Hong Read more about HashKey Group to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in Hong Kong Following Regulatory Approval #Bitcoin, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket,

Coinbase to Suspend Trading of Multichain (MULTI) Amid Security Concerns

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Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange based in the US, has announced that it will halt trading of the Multichain (MULTI) crypto asset starting September 6th. This decision was made following an advisory from Multichain, cautioning users to refrain from using its services. Earlier in the year, Multichain revealed that its team had lost contact with its CEO, Zhao Jun, just as the platform was experiencing technical issues. "We've done everything we can to keep the protocol operational, but without being able to reach CEO Zhao Jun for the server access needed for maintenance, we're at an impasse," the team stated. In a related incident, cybersecurity firm PeckShield reported last month that hackers had stolen $126 million in assets from Multichain's Fantom (FTM) bridge. This security breach led the developers to temporarily Read more about Coinbase to Suspend Trading of Multichain (MULTI) Amid Security Concerns #Altcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomar

BRICS Nations Uninterested in Establishing a Common Currency

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During an interview at the annual BRICS summit in Johannesburg, which South Africa hosted this year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana discussed the possibility of a shared currency among the BRICS nations. Contrary to popular belief that the group might announce a new currency, possibly backed by gold, he clarified that "the topic of a BRICS currency hasn't come up, not even in casual conversations." The minister went on to say: Setting up a common currency presupposes setting up a central bank, and that presupposes losing independence on monetary policies, and I don’t think any country is ready for that. At the end of the annual BRICS summit, it was announced that six new countries will join the bloc, starting January 1, 2024. The new members include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab E Read more about BRICS Nations Uninterested in Establishing a Common Currency #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations

Robinhood Potential Massive Bitcoin Holder

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If confirmed that Robinhood owns the mysterious Bitcoin address with 118,000 BTC, this could have a profound impact on the world of cryptocurrency by amplifying the role of individual investors and potentially introducing new market vulnerabilities. The address, which recently became the third-largest Bitcoin holder, has drawn speculation regarding its true ownership, with some believing it could belong to MicroStrategy, a U.S. analytics firm holding a substantial amount of BTC. Robinhood, known for its focus on equities and options, diverges from the typical profiles of the largest Bitcoin holders, which are often cryptocurrency exchanges. According to recent financial filings, Robinhood holds about $4.24 billion in Bitcoin, aligning with estimates tied to the address in question. This development challenges the idea that Read more about Robinhood Potential Massive Bitcoin Holder #Adoption, #Bitcoin, #BitcoinHolder, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations

Former Worldcoin Employee Alleges Unlawful Practices

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A person identifying themselves as Nadir Hajarabi, who alleges former employment with Worldcoin, has accused the company of engaging in potentially unlawful activities during their time there. In a YouTube video uploaded on August 23, Hajarabi spoke of observing "highly questionable" practices at Worldcoin, including "sloppy and/or unlawful actions" before they left the project ahead of its token release on July 24. They further alleged that the company withheld some of their salary and mentioned ongoing investigations involving various jurisdictions and Worldcoin. Hajarabi criticized Worldcoin for what they described as "abysmal execution," including cutting corners prior to the publication of its white paper. They stated they had been concerned about these issues "from the get-go," and despite reaching out to the company's CEO Read more about Former Worldcoin Employee Alleges Unlawful Practices #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstod

UK Government Considers Ban on Cold Calls for Financial Products, Including Cryptocurrencies

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The UK government is considering prohibiting unrequested cold calls regarding all consumer financial goods and services, including digital currencies. A consultation paper was published by the HM Treasury this week, targeting the increase in investment scams, particularly those involving new technologies like cryptocurrencies. The number of reported investment scams in the UK jumped to 23,900 in the 2022-2023 period, with financial losses approaching £750 million. This follows a recent statement from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. HM Treasury explained that cold calling is a common tactic used by fraudsters to impersonate legitimate businesses. The real-time nature of these calls allows scammers to adapt their strategies on the fly to manipulate potential victims. Although there are already some limitations on cold calling for Read more about UK Government Considers Ban on Cold Calls for Financial Products, Including Cryptocurrencies #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #N

OpenSea Leads in Active Traders: Top 10 NFT Marketplaces in 2023

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On August 24, Crypto Rank, a platform specializing in crypto market data and analytics, revealed its list of the top 10 NFT marketplaces based on their number of active traders over the past 30 days. Leading the pack is OpenSea, boasting a whopping 229,000 active traders. The platform, which has raised over $425 million across five funding rounds, is known for its diverse NFT offerings. Coming in second is Axie Marketplace with 32,900 traders, showing a significant 52.63% growth from last month. The marketplace, which is linked to the video game Axie Infinity, currently has a trading volume of $1.67 million. Blur takes the third spot, although it has seen a 21.8% drop in traders, settling at 30,800. Despite this decline, its trading volume is a staggering $252.57 million. In a close battle for fourth place, Immutable X Read more about OpenSea Leads in Active Traders: Top 10 NFT Marketplaces in 2023 #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #NFT, #Regulations

Coinbase Engages with Canada's Big Five Banks

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Coinbase, the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, is in dialogue with major Canadian banks as it looks to gain a stronger foothold in Canada. This comes amid regulatory challenges the company faces in the U.S. Lucas Matheson, who heads Coinbase’s operations in Canada, told CoinDesk that he’s been actively engaging with top-tier Canadian banks, commonly known as the Big Five—though he didn't name them explicitly. Matheson expressed optimism that Canada's leading banks would start embracing the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the coming quarters. “We have five banks that serve the majority of Canadians, so one of my key objectives is to work closely with these banks to help them get onboard with crypto and support our industry,” Matheson said. Coinbase recently began its operations in Canada after facing legal troubles in the U.S., spec Read more about Coinbase Engages with Canada's Big Five Banks #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations

Charles Hoskinson Confirms SEC Will Not Pursue Cardano

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In a recent discussion, Charles Hoskinson affirmed that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has no intention of pursuing legal measures against Cardano. This confirmation comes as a relief, especially given the current ambiguous state of cryptocurrency regulations. Debates and conjectures about crypto regulations are widespread. While projects like Binance and Coinbase are under close examination, investors and crypto enthusiasts are eagerly searching for information on how authorities are treating specific digital currencies, including ADA. During the discussion, Hoskinson, the originator of Cardano, indicated that his interactions with the SEC have been positive, noting that the regulatory body acknowledges the platform's commitment to abide by the rules. Hoskinson also stated that political considerations, Read more about Charles Hoskinson Confirms SEC Will Not Pursue Cardano #Cardano, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #SEC

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Plans to Incorporate Bitcoin into Presidential Salary

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In an exclusive conversation with The Block, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who is also eyeing the presidency, disclosed his plans to incorporate Bitcoin into his presidential salary. Suarez, who already receives part of his mayoral salary in Bitcoin, is optimistic about expanding this model if he becomes President. He asserts that cryptocurrencies could offer a safeguard against the economic and political volatility that affects traditional currencies. As a proponent of Bitcoin and blockchain technologies, Suarez is committed to making Miami a global center for crypto initiatives. This perspective sharply contrasts with critics who are wary of digital currencies. Suarez aims to promote not just technological progress but also financial inclusivity and equitable wealth distribution by adopting cryptocurrency payments. His stance is Read more about Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Plans to Incorporate Bitcoin into Presidential Salary #Adoption, #Bitcoin, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptone

Upcoming economic events 25 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious11:002 pointsECB President Lagarde Speaks  ------------------12:002 pointsJackson Hole Symposium------------------14:002 pointsMichigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations (Aug)2.9%3.0%14:002 pointsMichigan Consumer Expectations (Aug)67.368.314:002 pointsMichigan Consumer Sentiment (Aug)71.271.614:002 pointsMichigan Inflation Expectations (Aug)3.3%3.4%14:053 pointsFed Chair Powell Speaks------------------17:002 pointsU.S. Baker Hughes Oil Rig Count---------52017:002 pointsU.S. Baker Hughes Total Rig Count---------64219:002 pointsECB President Lagarde Speaks------------------20:302 pointsCFTC Crude Oil speculative net positions---------242.1K20:302 pointsCFTC Gold speculative net positions---------121.1K20:302 pointsCFTC Nasdaq 100 speculative net positions---------5.2K20:302 Read more about Upcoming economic events 25 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Crypto Millionaire Loses Fortune After Betting Big on Dogecoin

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Glauber Contessoto, a 35-year-old Las Vegas resident who goes by "SlumDOGE Millionaire," went all-in on Dogecoin back in 2020, encouraged by Elon Musk's tweets about the cryptocurrency. He invested $250,000—every last penny of his savings and credit card limits—into Dogecoin. At its peak, his investment soared to a staggering $3 million, but Contessoto, demonstrating what he calls "diamond hands," chose not to sell. However, with Dogecoin's value plummeting more than 90% from its all-time high of $0.73 in May 2021, Contessoto has seen his investment shrink dramatically, at times hitting as low as $50,000. Despite the sharp decline, he remains optimistic. "I genuinely believe Dogecoin will become Twitter's currency," he told Decrypt. Interestingly, Elon Musk, who has recently acquired Twitter and renamed it "X," has hinted at int Read more about Crypto Millionaire Loses Fortune After Betting Big on Dogecoin #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockch

Is Binance Facing the Same Fate as FTX? Bankruptcy Looming?

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Binance, the world's leading crypto exchange, is going through a rough patch that's eerily similar to what happened before FTX went under. There's growing skepticism that Binance might share the same fate as the now-defunct FTX exchange. Things started to go south for Binance after a string of legal challenges and probes raised questions about its future. On June 5, the SEC filed charges against both Binance US and its CEO, CZ, for securities violations, with 13 different counts. At the same time, the CFTC is looking to ban trading on the platform, and there are reports that the Justice Department is investigating how Binance manages potentially illegal funds. Regulatory pressures aren't just coming from the U.S.; they're global. Binance pulled its license application in Austria following increased scrutiny, and Belgium's top Read more about Is Binance Facing the Same Fate as FTX? Bankruptcy Looming? #Altcoin, #Binance, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptomarket, #Cry

Upcoming economic events 24 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious12:002 pointsJackson Hole Symposium------------------12:303 pointsCore Durable Goods Orders (MoM) (Jul)0.2%0.6%12:302 pointsDurable Goods Orders (MoM) (Jul)-4.0%4.7%12:303 pointsInitial Jobless Claims240K239K20:302 pointsFed's Balance Sheet---------8,146B20:302 pointsTokyo Core CPI (YoY) (Aug)2.9%3.0% Read more about Upcoming economic events 24 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Circle to Assume Full Governance of USDC Following Enhanced Regulatory Clarity

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Circle will assume complete governance and operational duties after a period of five years, facilitated by a clearer regulatory environment. On August 21, Coinbase and Circle announced modifications to their existing partnership through identical blog posts on their respective websites. The two companies had initially co-launched the USD Coin (USDC), a stablecoin, and jointly managed it via the Centre Consortium. The Centre Consortium is set to be dissolved, with all operational and governance aspects being managed internally. Circle's role will be expanded, including the holding of smart contract keys and ensuring regulatory compliance. The shift in responsibilities was attributed to a more transparent regulatory framework surrounding stablecoins in the U.S. and globally, negating the need for a separate governing body like the Read more about Circle to Assume Full Governance of USDC Following Enhanced Regulatory Clarity #Circle, #Coinbase, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Crypton

Chinese Yuan Not Serious Threat to US Dollar Hegemony, Says Economist

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Last week, Benn Steil, who's the director of International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote an opinion piece for the Protect Syndicate website. The article, called "The Real Cost of De-Dollarization," talked about the role of the Chinese yuan as a possible replacement for the U.S. dollar. Steil argued that the real danger to the U.S. dollar's global position doesn't come from other currencies like the yuan. Instead, he thinks the threat is closer to home, stemming from U.S. government actions like the recent issues with the federal debt ceiling and the downgrade by Fitch Ratings. The Chinese renminbi, which accounts for less than 3% of global reserves, is not a serious threat to dollar hegemony. “Given China’s deteriorating legal protections, stringent capital controls, and relatively underdeveloped bond mar Read more about Chinese Yuan Not Serious Threat to US Dollar Hegemony, Says Economist #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptom

Sam Bankman-Fried is low on meds, living on $3 peanut butter in prison

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Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, has apparently been having a rough time in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). According to a transcript from an August 22 hearing shared by Inner City Press, he's been surviving on just bread and peanut butter to stick to his vegan diet, while also running out of his prescription medication. During the same hearing where he pleaded not guilty to seven counts of fraud, his lawyers argued for improved conditions for him inside the notoriously tough MDC. They pointed out that the lack of vegan meal options has forced him to eat a very basic diet, as he's unwilling to consume the meat-based meals offered at the facility. Bankman-Fried’s attorney, Mark Cohen, noted that his client hadn’t received his ADHD medication since arriving in prison and was “fearful” they would run out. Read more about Sam Bankman-Fried is low on meds, living on $3 peanut butter in prison #Altcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptonewstoday, #Regula

Ex-OpenSea Product Manager Nathaniel Chastain Sentenced to Prison for Insider Trading and Money Laundering in NFT Marketplace

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Nathaniel Chastain, an ex-product manager at OpenSea, has been given a three-month prison term for financial misconduct, including wire fraud and money laundering, linked to insider trading in the NFT marketplace. The U.S. Department of Justice announced on August 22 that he was also sentenced to an additional three months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, and a financial penalty of $50,000. Furthermore, he must relinquish earnings in Ethereum that were acquired illicitly from NFT transactions. Inner City Press reported that Chastain has until November 2 to turn himself in, and his legal team intends to challenge the ruling and seek bail. During the sentencing, the judge noted Chastain's status as a first-time offender and indicated that there were extenuating factors in his case. Convicted on May 3 for Read more about Ex-OpenSea Product Manager Nathaniel Chastain Sentenced to Prison for Insider Trading and Money Laundering in NFT Marketplace #Cryptocurrency,

Komainu Secures Full Operating License from Dubai's VARA

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Komainu, a collaborative venture among Ledger, CoinShares, and Nomura, has secured a comprehensive operating license from Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), reinforcing Dubai's goal to establish itself as a hub for cryptocurrency. The crypto custody firm Komainu initiated its license application process with VARA in November 2022 and has now successfully completed it. The full licensing process in Dubai involves four stages: obtaining an initial permit, followed by acquiring preparatory and minimally viable product (MVP) licenses, and finally, a full market product (FMP) license. Founded in 2018, Komainu provides regulated, robust digital asset custody and staking services, and is backed by financial institutions like Asia-based Nomura, which offers a range of financial services including investment banking and Read more about Komainu Secures Full Operating License from Dubai's VARA #Adoption, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Dubai, #Komain

Upcoming economic events 23 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious00:302 pointsau Jibun Bank Japan Services PMI ---------53.808:002 pointsHCOB Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (Aug)42.842.708:002 pointsS&P Global Composite PMI (Aug) 48.548.608:002 pointsHCOB Eurozone Services PMI (Aug)50.550.910:002 pointsEU Economic Forecasts------------------12:003 pointsBuilding Permits1.442M1.441M12:002 pointsBuilding Permits (MoM)0.1%-3.7%13:452 pointsS&P Global US Manufacturing PMI (Aug) 49.449.013:452 pointsS&P Global Composite PMI (Aug) 52.052.013:453 pointsS&P Global US Services PMI (Aug) 52.352.314:002 pointsNew Home Sales (MoM) (Jul)----------2.5%14:003 pointsNew Home Sales (Jul)706K697K14:303 pointsCrude Oil Inventories-2.299M-5.960M14:302 pointsCushing Crude Oil Inventories-0.906M-0.837M17:002 points20-Year Bond Read more about Upcoming economic events 23 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Kraken Pro Launches PYUSD Trading

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Kraken Pro quickly rolled out a bunch of cool features for its new offering. Now, users can easily deposit and withdraw funds, making it a breeze to add PYUSD to their crypto collection. This makes trading simpler, letting people manage their assets without any fuss. Not only that, but you can now also trade PYUSD on Kraken Pro. This adds another option for traders, making the platform's crypto lineup even more diverse. Because PYUSD is a stablecoin, savvy traders have a new way to stay secure in the fast-moving crypto world. Kraken Pro's decision to add PYUSD shows they're really focused on pushing the crypto space forward. By offering a wide range of features, they're making it easier for both enthusiasts and investors to succeed financially. With a PayPal-backed stablecoin like PYUSD now available, Kraken Pro is helping to Read more about Kraken Pro Launches PYUSD Trading #Adoption, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ethereum, #

Thailand threatens Meta over crypto scams

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Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) is threatening to take legal action to shut down Facebook if the platform doesn't address the issue of fraudulent ads related to crypto and investment scams. On August 21, MDES revealed that over 200,000 people have fallen victim to scams advertised on Facebook, which included fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities and bogus businesses, as well as impersonations of government agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission. Scammers have been using various tactics, including advertising crypto investments with promises of daily returns as high as 30%. These ads often feature images of celebrities and financial experts to lure people in. MDES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn mentioned that the ministry had reached out to Meta, the company that owns Facebook, about Read more about Thailand threatens Meta over crypto scams #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #

Central African Republic Advances in Crypto Adoption with Land Tokenization and Sango Blockchain Initiatives

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For a year now, the Central African Republic (CAR) has been actively working on asset tokenization as part of its bold Sango blockchain initiative, which also encompasses investor citizenship and a virtual island in the metaverse. The CAR, despite being economically challenged, is a front-runner in embracing crypto technology. On July 24, the CAR's legislative body enacted a law focused on the tokenization of land and natural resources, as revealed in an announcement on X, previously known as Twitter. This legislation will streamline the process for obtaining business visas online and facilitate both citizens and foreign nationals in setting up businesses with less hassle in sectors like real estate, agriculture, natural resource management, and forestry. The law received unanimous support in the National Assembly. The CAR Read more about Central African Republic Advances in Crypto Adoption with Land Tokenization and Sango Blockchain Initiatives #Adoption, #CAR, #CentralAfricanRepu

Ripple and Circle Provide Feedback on Singapore's Proposed Stablecoin Regulations

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The Singapore Monetary Authority (MAS) has published a paper inviting industry input on its planned regulatory framework for stablecoins and related activities within the jurisdiction. Leading crypto companies Ripple and Circle have submitted comprehensive feedback on topics such as the regulatory scope, issuance rules for stablecoins, reserve policies, redemption practices, and systemic risk management. MAS plans to focus its regulatory framework primarily on stablecoins pegged to a single currency (SCS) that are issued within Singapore while applying existing regulations to volatile cryptocurrencies and algorithmic stablecoins. Ripple expresses support for MAS's initial emphasis on regulating SCS issued in Singapore. However, it warns that foreign-issued SCS could become significant and thus should not be ignored. The company Read more about Ripple and Circle Provide Feedback on Singapore's Proposed Stablecoin Regulations #Adoption, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket

Upcoming economic events 22 August 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious14:003 pointsExisting Home Sales (Jul)4.15M4.16M14:002 pointsExisting Home Sales (MoM) (Jul)----------3.3%18:302 pointsFOMC Member Bowman Speaks------------------20:302 pointsAPI Weekly Crude Oil Stock----------6.195M22:452 pointsCore Retail Sales (QoQ)-2.5%-1.1%22:452 pointsRetail Sales (QoQ) (Q2)-2.6%-1.4% Read more about Upcoming economic events 22 August 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Oman Invests $740 Million in Cryptocurrency

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Oman's Department of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology has just unveiled a new center for data storage and cryptocurrency mining in the Salalah Free Zone, worth an estimated $350 million. This comes after another center was announced last November, valued at nearly $390 million, bringing the total investment to $740 million. This could give a big boost to Oman's digital economy, create jobs, and establish the country as a key player in data and crypto mining. Kyrgyzstan is also getting in on the action, spending millions on a crypto mining facility that will run on hydroelectric power from the Naryn River. The company behind Oman's new centers is Exahertz International, led by CEO Sam Fedows. He indicated that this could be the beginning of a broader network of blockchain-focused centers in Oman, starting with Read more about Oman Invests $740 Million in Cryptocurrency #Altcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations