Dennis Wafula
articles by Dennis Wafula
Business 4 hours ago
China’s Guangdong gets blockchain-based tax invoice for e-commerce
The Guangdong Municipal Taxation Bureau announced its intents to implement an electronic invoice platform for the e-commerce industry based on the blockchain.
Business 15 hours ago
Globitex launches the EURO wallet
Globitex has announced the launch of its EURO wallet on February 13, which will allow users to receive and make payments on a personal IBAN account like in any EUR bank account.
Business 18 February 2019
Shift card to close shop after four years of crypto operation
Shift Card has let its American customers know that the party is almost over. The card that allows customers to spend their cryptocurrencies directly from Coinbase's account will soon shut down its operations.
Tech 14 February 2019
UC Berkeley launches blockchain accelerator for startups
The University of California, Berkeley recently announced the launch of a new blockchain-focused accelerator, the Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator for blockchain startups.
Business 14 February 2019
Crypto in Africa: Kenyan breakthrough and justice for Ghana scammers
Kenya sees breakthroughs in their water problems while Ghana continues to face cryptocurrency scams.
Business 13 February 2019
China’s new framework helps blockchain adoption in agriculture
Authorities in China recently announced the release of a new regulatory framework dubbed "Guiding Opinions on Rural Service Revitalization of Financial Services."
Business 12 February 2019
New blockchain based platform by Bitfury, Longenesis and MDW
The Bitfury Group and Longenesis have partnered up with Medical Diagnostics Web (MDW) for better implementation of blockchain technologies in the MDW radiology marketplace.
Business 11 February 2019
Brazil court rules in favor of a cryptocurrency exchange
A court in Brazil has ruled in favor of Mercado Bitcoin, a local altcoin trading platform over the illegal closure of one of its checking accounts.
Business 8 February 2019
Philippines crypto community to get new crypto ATM
UnionBank of the Philippines announced its intention to launch the first cryptocurrency ATM in the country, to allow crypto users' easy access to digital assets.
Business 8 February 2019
Crypto in Africa: Kenya’s new platform and South Africa new crypto laws
Recent reports by Paxful show that Africa is quickly catching up on blockchain and cryptocurrency matters.
Business 7 February 2019
SBI Holdings to launch trading platform next month
SBI Holdings’ new cryptocurrency exchange, VC Trade, will soon be used for crypto trading.
Business 6 February 2019
Banks in Saudi Arabia, UAE join cross-border crypto project
Six commercial banks in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently joined a crypto project.
Business 5 February 2019
South Korea: Bear market weigh heavily on exchanges
Some crypto exchanges in South Korea can barely keep their business running while others are being forced to close down.
Business 4 February 2019
US SEC seeks blockchain data to study and monitor activities
The SEC is trying to find companies that will provide it with blockchain data which it intends to use in supporting its efforts in monitoring risk and improve compliance of digital assets.
Business 1 February 2019
New York awards BitLicense to Cottonwood Vending
The New York Department of Financial Services has awarded Cottonwood Vending LLC a virtual currency license.
Business 31 January 2019
Singapore scammers use fake government approval to lure investors
Authorities in Singapore have warned the public not to be misled by companies that are fraudulently claiming the government has officially adopted a digital currency.
Business 31 January 2019
Crypto in Africa: Tax breaks for South African firms over, Ghana eyes making crypto a legal tender
Africa is taking massive steps to ensure it becomes a blockchain and crypto hub in the coming future. Some countries are even thinking of making cryptocurrencies a legal tender.
Business 30 January 2019
Trinidad and Tobago warn against the use of cryptocurrencies
Trinidad and Tobago authorities gave the warning because many of the virtual currencies promised high returns but end up being fraudulent schemes.
Business 29 January 2019
Courts order BitGrail owner to return investors funds
Francesco Firano, the founder and owner of BitGrail, has been commissioned by the courts to return as many assets as possible to his customers.
Business 29 January 2019
Localbitcoins attackers steal $28,000 worth of cryptocurrencies
LocalBicoins was attacked, and the thieves were able to access accounts on the platform and empty funds from affected accounts.
Business 28 January 2019
Crypto predictions: Kenya to lead in East Africa region
According to a recent prediction, Kenya will soon be a leader in the cryptocurrency market around the East African region.
Business 24 January 2019
Crypto in Africa: Rising interest in Bitcoin, banks pushing back
Interest in Bitcoin is increasing in South Africa and Uganda, and banks all over the continent are fighting against the rush to cryptocurrencies.
Business 24 January 2019
Power Ledger blockchain firm signs new energy deal
Power Ledger, an Australian blockchain startup, plans to partner with Sharing energy, a Japanese renewable energy firm to track consumption of clean energy.
Business 22 January 2019
Tangem gets funding from Japan-based SBI Group
Tangem, Switzerland based crypto smart card wallet, has received funding from SBI Group for its hardware wallet that works as a smart banknote for digital assets.
Business 22 January 2019
2 South Korean crypto exchange heads sentenced to prison
Leaders of Komid, a cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, have been sentenced to serve jail time for faking exchange volumes.
Business 18 January 2019
South African authorities call for regulation for the crypto space
The South African Reserve Bank has issued a consultation paper that gave a detailed assessment of the benefits and risks of cryptocurrencies.
Business 17 January 2019
Crypto in Africa: South Africa gets new crypto mobile app and manifesto
The year has been quite active for the crypto community in Africa. More start-ups continue to emerge, and politicians are taking up these new technologies.
Business 17 January 2019
Binance launched a new fiat to crypto platform in Jersey
Binance has launched a new fiat cryptocurrency exchange, Binance Jersey, which will allow users to exchange cryptocurrencies against GBP and EUR.
Business 16 January 2019
SBI Crypto Investment invests in Breadwinner BRD wallet
SBI Crypto Investment invested an undisclosed amount of funds n Breadwinner AG, a swiss company that develops the recently launched mobile wallet BRD
Business 15 January 2019
South African Cricket Board Twitter account hacked
The South African Cricket Board twitter account suffered an attack earlier this week. According to reports, unknown persons hacked the account to run a bitcoin-related scam.
Business 15 January 2019
Legal or illegal? Malaysia gov’t still undecided on cryptocurrency
The Malaysian government is still uncertain whether to make cryptocurrencies a legal entity or not. The matter is still under consideration.
Business 11 January 2019
South Korea: Seven crypto exchanges pass inspection
Seven cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea passed the security inspection conducted by the government.
Business 10 January 2019
Blockchain-based remittance service launched between Pakistan and Malaysia
Telenor, a global telecommunication giant, announced through its Pakistani subsidiary the launch of a blockchain powered cross border remittance service to Malaysia.
Business 10 January 2019
Crypto in Africa: Kenya warns against Wiseman Talent Ventures’ ICO
The Capital Markets Authority of Kenya warned the public against Wiseman Talent Venture’s ICO, noting the company is unregulated.
Tech 9 January 2019
KodakONE blockchain platform raises over $1 million in its beta test
KodakONE has announced that it made more than $1 million in licensing claims for photographic rights during a limited beta test for its platform.
Business 8 January 2019
Australia freezes John Bigatton’s assets in relation to BitConnect
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has frozen the assets of John Bigatton, BitConnect’s Australia representative.
Business 7 January 2019
NANO cryptocurrency receives a second lawsuit over BitGrail hack
A new lawsuit filed in California federal court accuses the developers of Nano of fraud and violation of the securities act.
Business 7 January 2019
Circle OTC trading desk handles $24B worth of crypto
Circle claimed in a recent blog post to have handled $24 billion worth of Over the Counter trades in 2018, leading the OTC market.
Business 3 January 2019
South Africa gov’t creates a working group to probe crypto activities
The South African government has established a crypto assets regulatory working group to investigate cryptocurrencies and blockchain concepts.
Business 3 January 2019
Crypto in Africa: Separatists offer crypto, Paxful reports 17k trades
Cameroon seperatists are offering cryptocurrency to raise funds for their cause, and Paxful reports 17,000 transactions in Africa alone.
Tech 2 January 2019
Abkhazia authorities cut off power supply to 15 crypto mining firms
Abkhazia authorities have cut 15 mining facilities off from the country's electric grid to avoid power shortages in the winter
Business 28 December 2018
Hackers steal 234 BTC from Electrum wallets
An anonymous attack managed to steal 243 BTC from Electrum wallets.
Tech 27 December 2018
OKEx officially launches Perpetual Swap on its website and app
OKEx has officially launched Perpetual Swap, allowing users to wager on the futures of BTC.
Business 27 December 2018
Wine retailer joins BitMEX to buy stake in BitOcean crypto exchange
Madison Holdings Group, in partnership with BitMEX, is planning to buy stakes in BitOcean, a Japanese crypto exchange.
Business 21 December 2018
ASX continues with plans to launch blockchain settlement system
Despite its CEO stepping down, The Australian Securities Exchange will proceed with its plans to roll out a blockchain clearing and settlement system.
Business 20 December 2018
Crypto in Africa: Impact of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies in 2018
The year started with great promise for the cryptocurrency in Africa, and gains were made in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Uganda.
Business 20 December 2018
China creates new Internet court based on blockchain
China has launched an Internet court in Hangzhou to resolve disputes around internet content, using blockchain technology.
Business 19 December 2018
Abkhazia energy companies call for regulations
A state-run energy company in Abkhazia is calling for the proper regulation of crypto mining in the country as the winter draws near.
Business 18 December 2018
France: AMF blocks four more crypto firms
The Autorité des marchés financiers, the financial authority in France, warned the public against unauthorized investment offerings in the country.
Business 14 December 2018
Venezuela starts paying monthly pensions in Petro: report
Venezuelan citizens are reportedly not too happy with the government’s decision to convert their monthly pensions into Petro.
Business 14 December 2018
NDIC concerned about evolution of digital currencies in banking
Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has expressed concern over the development of digital currencies and their effect on the banking industry.
Business 13 December 2018
Crypto in Africa: New South Africa trading platform, Veritaseum pushes on
The African crypto space is still strong, with Bittrex and VALR partnering on a new exchange, and Veritaseum expanding their offers.
Business 12 December 2018
Good Money raises $30 million in Series A funding round
Good Money, a digital banking platform, raised $30 million in a Series A funding led by Galaxy Digital via its Galaxy EOS VC Fund.
Business 11 December 2018
British MP wants local tax paid in crypto
Eddie Hughes, a conservative MP for the Walsall North constituency, wants residents in the United Kingdom to be able to pay their local taxes and utility bills using Bitcoin.
Business 11 December 2018
South Korea: Blockchain startup threatens to appeal ICO ban
Presto, a blockchain start-up in South Korea, has reportedly claimed that it will file a constitutional appeal over ICO ban.
Tech 10 December 2018
Binance launches sub-accounts to service institutional investors
Binance has announced the launch of a sub-account feature that brings improved managerial control and asset audit tools for institutional account holders.
Business 7 December 2018
Crypto in Africa: Paxful builds schools in Rwanda, crypto trader kidnapped in South Africa
With this new technology spreading to the core of Africa, some are using it to spread joy while others use it to feed their criminal appetites.
Tech 6 December 2018
MikroTik cryptojacking still in play with over 400K affected routers
The number of MikroTik routers that have been affected by a malicious malware that mines privacy-centric cryptocurrency Monero (XMR) has risen to 415,000, according to security researchers.
Business 6 December 2018
US regulator calls for global cooperation to stop fraudulent ICOs
Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are outright frauds that need to be stopped, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Business 4 December 2018
CoinZoom secures license to start Australian operations
CoinZoom, a U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, will soon start its operations in Australia after its subsidiary, CoinZoom Australia, received approval from the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre.
Business 4 December 2018
To protect investors, Japan plans to regulate ICOs
Japan’s chief financial regulator, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), will reportedly roll out a new set of regulations targeting initial coin offerings (ICOs) in the country.
Business 30 November 2018
Illegally plugging fraud ICO leads to $750K penalty for Mayweather, DJ Khaled
Securities regulators in the United States have fined two celebrities who were found to have failed to disclose that they were paid to promote initial coin offerings.
Business 30 November 2018
Crypto in Africa: Nigerian politician vows support as Uganda seeks crypto regulatory framework
It’s an interesting week for the cryptocurrency space in Africa this week. The continent has seen more governments profess their support for cryptos publicly, while others are planning to create a regulatory framework for the market.
Business 30 November 2018
Unauthorized ICO lands crypto mining firm in hot water with Swiss court
Cryptocurrency mining firm Envion AG was reportedly shut down in Switzerland over allegations that it conducted an unauthorized initial coin offering.
Business 28 November 2018
Israeli crypto businessman charged with embezzling ICO funds
Moshe Hogeg, a known cryptocurrency entrepreneur in Israel, is reportedly facing embezzlement charges in connection with the missing funds from two initial coin offerings (ICOs).
Business 27 November 2018
Police arrest 3 Bulgarians in $5M crypto theft case
Authorities in Bulgaria arrested three suspects who were believed to have stolen cryptocurrencies worth $5 million.
Tech 26 November 2018
Cryptojacking malware hits Make-A-Wish Foundation site
Researchers at security firm Trustwave reported that they have found a CoinImp crypto mining script has been injected into the official website of Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Business 26 November 2018
Crypto exchange Wex loses NZ domain over fake registration details
According to reports, the directors at Wex allegedly registered their internet address using fake contact details. For this reason, the New Zealand Domain Name Commission (DNC) revoked the wex.nz domain.
Business 23 November 2018
Silvergate Bank serves close to 500 crypto ventures, IPO filing reveals
Silvergate Capital Corporation, the parent company of SilverGate Bank, has revealed its connections with the cryptocurrency industry.
Business 22 November 2018
3 crypto companies operating sans license shut down in Italy
Three crypto companies, Richmond Investing, Crypton Ltd. and Eagle Bit Trade, along with Alessandro Brizzi, who represents Cryptoforce Ltd., were found to have been not authorized to promote their products in Italy.
Business 22 November 2018
Lawyer accuses Greek top court of ‘violating’ Alexander Vinnik’s rights
The Supreme Court in Greece has been accused of violating the rights of Russian national Alexander Vinnik, the alleged owner of the disgraced crypto trading platform BTC-e.
Business 20 November 2018
Crypto exchange KuCoin raises $20M in IDG Capital-led funding round
Singapore-based cryptocurrency platform KuCoin has secured $20 million in a Series funding round from IDG Capital, Matrix Partners, and Neo Global Capital.
Tech 16 November 2018
Crypto mining firms skip Swedish town, leaving behind unpaid power bills
It’s been an eventful week for the cryptocurrency community in Norrbotten, Sweden, after two crypto mining operators decided to disappear, leaving a trail of unpaid bills.
Business 16 November 2018
NYDIG Execution picks up New York’s BitLicense
The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has approved New York Digital Investment Group (NYDIG) Execution LLC, a subsidiary of NYDIG LLC, for a virtual currency license and a money transmission license.
Business 16 November 2018
Crypto in Africa: Crypto market in Africa expands amid regulatory pressure
Africa has experienced significant growth of cryptocurrency-related activities, and more countries are opening up their doors to crypto innovations and investments.
Business 15 November 2018
Canadian court takes custody of crypto exchange’s disputed funds
QuadrigaCX's disputed funds must be turned over to the Accountant of the Superior Court "to await the outcome of a proceeding in this court, on notice to the Depositors, to determine entitlement to the Disputed Funds."
Business 13 November 2018
Tokyo-based insurer Sompo teams up with Africa’s BitPesa to digitize remittance
Sompo, a Japanese insurance company, has partnered with BitPesa, a pan-African digital payment platform, as part of its bid to increase the company’s global presence.
Business 12 November 2018
Upbit makes its move into Thai, Indonesian markets
Upbit, one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea, has reportedly set up a website for crypto exchanges in Thai and Indonesian languages, as part of its attempt to market its trading services to customers in the two Asian countries.
Tech 12 November 2018
85MW crypto mining facility in Canada now online
DMG Blockchain Solution Inc., a Canadian blockchain and cryptocurrency company, has energized its new cryptocurrency mining facility in Western Canada.
Business 9 November 2018
Crypto in Africa: Bithub uses solar energy for crypto mining
The Africa blockchain ecosystem continues to grow in the last days, with some areas finding new ways to apply blockchain technologies, while others are looking for ways to regulate the ecosystem.
Business 8 November 2018
Thai siblings linked to $24M crypto scam plead not guilty
The three siblings arrested in Thailand on allegations of fraudulently tricking a Finnish investor into shelling out over $24 million in cryptocurrency have pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges.
Tech 7 November 2018
Canadian university shuts down network after cryptojacking attack
The St. Francis Xavier University, located in Nova Scotia, Canada, has found itself targeted by a cryptocurrency mining malware—also known as cryptojacking—forcing the institution to shut down its entire network.
Business 6 November 2018
Japanese cybersecurity experts track down Zaif exchange hackers
Cybersecurity experts in Japan claimed that they have found incriminating evidence against suspected hackers of Japanese cryptocurrency exchange, Zaif.
Business 5 November 2018
Winklevoss twins take Charlie Shrem to court over alleged $32M crypto theft
The Winklevoss brothers are suing Charlie Shrem, claiming the crypto investor and entrepreneur owes them some $32 million worth of cryptocurrency from a previous business deal.
Business 5 November 2018
Court slams South Korean bank accused of treating crypto exchange unfairly
A Seoul Central District Court has ruled in favor of Coinis Exchange, admonishing a major South Korean bank for cutting ties with the crypto company.
Business 2 November 2018
Crypto in Africa: South Africa wants to hike taxes on blockchain-related activities
Blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption in Africa is steadily increasing with new countries in the continent getting onboard.
Business 1 November 2018
Binance freezes accounts linked to crypto exchange over money laundering claims
Binance has frozen accounts belonging to another cryptocurrency exchange, Wex, after users claimed the latter was involved in money laundering activities.
Business 31 October 2018
Brazil banks reopen crypto exchange’s accounts to avoid fine
Two banks in Brazil, Banco de Brasil and Santander, were forced to reopen the accounts belonging to local cryptocurrency exchange Bitcoin Max.
Business 30 October 2018
Mastercard patent merges traditional banking with cryptocurrencies
Financial services giant Mastercard has snapped up yet another patent, this time for fractional cryptocurrency banking.
Business 29 October 2018
Alleged hack forces Canadian crypto exchange to go offline
MapleChange claimed a bug was the reason for the alleged hack, and said it has to close down even its social media accounts “because we have no more funds to pay anyone back.”
Tech 26 October 2018
Bitfury eyes possible initial public offering by 2019: report
Cryptocurrency miner manufacturer Bitfury is reportedly looking at various strategic options to raise funds, including holding an initial public offering (IPO).
Business 26 October 2018
Japan’s SBI lays out plans for proprietary crypto wallet
Japanese financial services giant SBI Group has teamed up with blockchain security startup Sepior to create a “secure online wallet” for its recently launched cryptocurrency exchange.
Business 26 October 2018
Crypto in Africa: Quidax launches crypto literacy program in Nigeria
Quidax, a European-based cryptocurrency exchange, recently launched its operations in Nigeria.
Business 24 October 2018
Coinbase granted license to offer crypto custody services in New York
Coinbase has been awarded a license to operate as an independent qualified custodian for cryptocurrencies under New York State Banking Law.
Business 23 October 2018
Crypto trading firm draws SEC’s ire over false claims
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has suspended trading of the securities of American Retail Group Inc.
Business 23 October 2018
After cryptocurrency, Russia’s digital assets bill loses ‘mining’ references
Lawmakers in Russia are making progress on creating regulations to govern blockchain and digital assets-related activities in the country.
Business 22 October 2018
Trade Bitcoin BCH instantly with fiat wallet provider Neteller
The digital fiat wallet provider announced that its customers can now buy, hold and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin Cash (BCH) via a recognized crypto exchange.
Business 19 October 2018
Venezuela green lights 6 crypto exchanges to sell state-backed Petro
Six cryptocurrency exchanges have been approved by the government of Venezuela to start selling the national cryptocurrency, Petro, ahead of its official launch on November 5, according to local media.
Business 19 October 2018
Crypto in Africa: Binance Uganda launches fiat-to-crypto exchange
International crypto exchange Binance announced on October 15 the launch of its fiat-to-crypto service in Uganda.
Business 18 October 2018
BitConnect faces fresh class action lawsuit: report
A newly consolidated lawsuit has been filed against BitConnect, several months after several cases have been brought forth against the company's alleged fraudulent pyramid scheme at the beginning of 2018.
Business 17 October 2018
India’s Zebpay sets up overseas operations
Zebpay has reportedly set up entities in Singapore and Malta, which reportedly will enable it to “provide cryptocurrency exchange and OTC services to 20 countries in Europe.”
Business 17 October 2018
Maldives central warns against bogus permits for crypto trade
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) wants the public to be wary of social media advertisements promoting the activity in the Maldives.
Business 17 October 2018
Zambia’s central bank confirms stance on cryptos—they’re not legal tender
The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) is finally making a stand on cryptocurrency trading—they’re not legal tender in the country.
Business 16 October 2018
19 crypto exchanges secure provisional license in Philippines’ economic zone
The number of companies that have been granted provisional licenses by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), which operates the Philippine government-owned Cagayan Special Economic Zone (CSEZ), has jumped to 19.
Business 16 October 2018
Gibraltar licenses first crypto exchange—Coinfloor
UK’s first cryptocurrency exchange, Coinfloor, has become the first crypto exchange to be licensed by Gibraltar’s groundbreaking blockchain legislation.
Tech 16 October 2018
Crypto-mining church in Russia fined for excessive energy use
A Protestant church from the city of Irkutsk in Russia has been court-ordered to pay a fine of 1.1 million rubles ($16,600) after it was discovered to have been consuming large amounts of electricity for its cryptocurrency mining operations.
Business 12 October 2018
Bithumb launches crypto indices as new partner gets onboard
This week, the South Korean cryptocurrency exchange opened Bithumb Crypto Index (BTCI), and then found itself a new major stakeholder—Singaporean consortium BK Global.
Business 12 October 2018
Crypto in Africa: Paxful looking at cryptocurrency’s potential in East Africa
Paxful, a peer-to-peer marketplace, is reportedly looking at the cryptocurrency market's growth potential in East Africa.
Business 11 October 2018
1Broker reopens platform to allow withdrawals
1Broker, a BTC futures trading firm, announced that it would be reopening withdrawals as of Thursday.
Business 11 October 2018
Thai authorities revoke passport of suspect in $24M crypto scam
A suspect involved in a Thailand cryptocurrency scam is unable to return home after the Foreign Ministry of Thailand revoked his passport.
Business 10 October 2018
Crypto exchange Binance delists 4 altcoins
In an effort to protect its users, cryptocurrency exchange Binance announced that it would delisting four cryptocurrency tokens from its platform, effective Oct. 12.
Business 10 October 2018
South Korea’s Cashierest hit with lawsuit over price pumping schemes
A cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea has been sued over its alleged price-pumping schemes that involves token issuance.
Business 10 October 2018
Use Bitcoin BCH to buy automotive parts at Newparts
Newparts, an online automotive parts store, has started supporting Bitcoin Cash (BCH) payments as part of its bid to open its store “to customers around the world.”
Business 10 October 2018
UAE may soon allow companies to raise funds via ICOs
A new set of rules will allow domestic companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to raise funds via initial coin offerings (ICOs).
Business 8 October 2018
New AML rules target crypto businesses in Norway
Effective Oct. 15, cryptocurrency-related companies in Norway—including branches of multinational companies—will have to adhere to a new set of anti-money laundering regulations (AML) set by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway.
Business 8 October 2018
Passport fees in Venezuela must be paid in Petro, gov’t says
Starting this week, residents in Venezuela can only use Petro—the state-backed cryptocurrency—to pay for their passport fees.
Business 8 October 2018
No, really: Cryptocurrencies are commodities in US
For years, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has been clear on its stance—cryptocurrencies are commodities, just like oil and corn.
Tech 8 October 2018
BlackBerry develops blockchain platform for healthcare
Former smartphone manufacturer BlackBerry has launched a blockchain-based solution for the healthcare sector that will enable data to be shared in an “ultra-secure” manner.
Business 5 October 2018
Crypto in Africa: Pesamill opens 2-in-1 crypto exchange as ONEm launches hybrid crypto
Pesamill Africa has begun trading in one of Africa’s most active crypto markets. The startup’s exchange service will compete with the likes of Bitpesa and will market itself to more than 48 million Kenyans.
Business 4 October 2018
Poloniex ends margin trading, lending services for US customers
Cryptocurrency exchange Poloniex is removing margin trading and lending products for its customers in the United States, effective “by the end of the year.”
Tech 4 October 2018
Malware disguised as cheat tools steals crypto from Fortnite players
When the sixth season of popular video game Fortnite dropped, fans rejoiced. And opportunists tried to cash in too—by developing a cryptocurrency- and data-stealing malware posing as game cheat tools.
Business 3 October 2018
McAfee-linked MGT Capital Investments faces lawsuit over pump-and-dump scheme
Shareholders of crypto mining and investing firm MGT Capital Investments have filed a class-action lawsuit against the company over allegations of a pump-and-dump scheme that manipulated the price of MGT shares.
Business 3 October 2018
Venezuela to start selling state-backed Petro in November
President Nicolas Maduro announced that Venezuela will officially launch the state-backed Petro in November, after the Parliament passed a decree on the nation’s official oil-backed crypto coin.
Business 3 October 2018
ICOs sold off most ETH holdings for profit, research claims
Contrary to popular belief, many initial coin offerings (ICOs) had the foresight to sell their Ethereum (ETH) and profit off their holdings before the price of the coin fell, according to a new report by BitMEX Research.
Business 2 October 2018
French agent accused of peddling state secrets on dark web for crypto
A security officer in France is accused of selling confidential state information on the dark web, according to local media reports.
Business 1 October 2018
Zebpay trading shuts down amid regulatory pressure in India
Zebpay has ceased all digital currency-related trading on its platform, effective Sept. 28. The exchange cited the “extremely difficult” conditions that crypto-related businesses had to operate in recently as the reason behind
Business 1 October 2018
CFTC goes after crypto fraudsters accused of impersonating regulators
Two people are facing a slew of charges, including fraudulent solicitation, impersonation and forging official documents in the United States—all in an effort to steal cryptocurrency.
Business 28 September 2018
Bitnovo expands boundaries with Bitcoin BCH support
Users of Bitnovo’s Bitcard and N26 bank-free products can now top up their accounts with Bitcoin BCH. Payments using the cryptocurrency are also supported, according to the trading platform.
Business 28 September 2018
Coinbase ‘Bundle’ aims to simplify crypto trading
The Coinbase Bundle is a market-weighted selection of five cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin Cash (BCH), along with BTC, ETH, LTC and ETC—which are available to buy and sell on Coinbase for as low as $25.
Business 28 September 2018
Crypto in Africa: New intercontinental payment methods poised to overtake US dollar
The U.S. dollar is reported to be losing its place as the top intercontinental currency in Africa.
Business 27 September 2018
France blacklists 21 more websites promoting crypto scams
The French financial market authority, Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), has updated its official blacklist of fraudulent businesses operating in the country.
Tech 27 September 2018
25 apps hosting cryptojacking scripts found on Google Play Store
SophosLabs claims to have identified at least 25 Android apps published on the official Google Play Store containing scripts that facilitate cryptojacking activities on users’ computers.
Tech 26 September 2018
Malaysia wants to put major industries on blockchain
The Malaysian government is seeking to utilize blockchain to increase transparency, sustainability and logistical efficiency of its three largest industries—renewable energy, palm oil, and Islamic finance.
Business 26 September 2018
North Korea using cryptocurrencies to evade US sanctions, experts say
To avoid the economic sanctions imposed by the United States, North Korea has reportedly been using cryptocurrencies “increasingly,” according to two Washington-based financial analysts.
Business 25 September 2018
Coinnest execs face bribery charges over unfair crypto listing
Coinnest CEO Kim Ik-hwan and COO Cho have received a total of KRW1 billion ($890,000) worth of BTC and S Coin from the latter’s CEO, a man also named Kim, in exchange for S Coin’s “unfair” listing on the exchange.
Tech 25 September 2018
Walmart’s leafy greens will be tracked on blockchain by September 2019
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer both by revenue and employee count, has turned to blockchain technology for help in its battle with E.coli contamination scares.
Business 25 September 2018
Africa’s BitPesa, Japan’s SBI Remit team up for cross-border payments
The partnership will see the two companies utilizing blockchain technology to make it easier for Africans to buy Japanese products. With the help of blockchain, BitPesa and SBI Remit expect to get rid of challenges accompanying the transfer of funds between African traders and Japanese exporters.
Tech 25 September 2018
Iceland moving away from crypto mining to ‘pure blockchain’ operations
Iceland is steadily shifting away from crypto mining and focusing its facilities on “pure blockchain” operations, according to industry insiders.
Tech 21 September 2018
IBM files patent for blockchain-based drone fleet security
Tech giant IBM is seeking to patent a system that will utilize distributed ledger technology (DLT) to address security and privacy concerns following the increasing popularity and usage of drones—both commercially and for recreational purposes
Business 21 September 2018
US lawmakers want IRS to clarify guidelines on crypto tax
Five legislators in the United States have sent an open letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), urging the tax agency to update its cryptocurrency tax guidelines.
Business 21 September 2018
Crypto in Africa: Namibia conservationist uses Bitcoin BCH, Zimbabwe seeks to adopt crypto
A wildlife conservationist decided to use cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin BCH in particular, to help save the wildlife in Namibia.
Business 20 September 2018
Brazil watchdog cracks down on banks restricting crypto exchanges
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense has launched an investigation into banks in Brazil, which were allegedly abusing their power to undermine domestic cryptocurrency exchanges.
Business 20 September 2018
Japan’s Zaif crypto exchange loses $60M in hack
Zaif, a cryptocurrency exchange based in Japan, has fallen victim to a hack, resulting in the loss of JPY6.7 billion ($60 million) worth of cryptocurrencies.
Tech 19 September 2018
Morocco to see 36MW wind-powered crypto mining farm in 2019
The Soluna.io project, which is being developed by Brookstone Partners out of New York, will involve the setting up of wind turbines that will generate electricity at the farm to facilitate crypto mining.
Business 19 September 2018
China’s central bank warns public (again) against cryptos, ICOs
the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) has issued yet another notice to remind everyone in the country against investing in cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings (ICOs) amid reports that domestic crypto activities have been flourishing recently.
Business 18 September 2018
South Korea’s Shuttle Delivery accepts Bitcoin BCH for food deliveries
Shuttle Delivery, a food delivery service based in Seoul, now accepts Bitcoin BCH as a payment method for door-to-door meal deliveries.
Tech 18 September 2018
Indian gov’t websites ‘cryptojacked’ to mine cryptos
Security researchers have identified “hundreds of Indian sites,” including that of the director of municipal administration of Andhra Pradesh (AP), Tirupati Municipal Corporation and Macherla municipality, that have been infected by a cryptojacking malware.
Tech 17 September 2018
South Korea turns to Samsung’s blockchain tech for decentralized customs clearance
The Korea Customs Service (KCS) is tapping tech giant Samsung’s blockchain technology for its customs clearance system.
Business 14 September 2018
GAW Miners CEO gets 21 months’ jail time over fraud charges
Homero Joshua Garza originally faced 20 years in prison, but his sentence was reduced after the man pleaded guilty on a wire fraud charge in connection with the development and sale of a cryptocurrency called PayCoin.
Business 14 September 2018
Crypto in Africa: South Africa tops Google Trends data, gets new Sharia-based crypto
When it comes to cryptocurrency, Africa is quickly catching up. One particular cryptocurrency market gaining so much interest is that of South Africa.
Business 13 September 2018
Mt. Gox allows corporate users to file claims on its website
Corporate users can now start filing their claims with now-defunct Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox.
Tech 12 September 2018
Nevada firm in talks to transform US data center into crypto mining farm
Wuhan General Group, a Chinese holding company, is in talks to transform a data center of the U.S. Department of Defense into a cryptocurrency mining facility.
Tech 11 September 2018
7 charged in Iceland’s ‘big’ Bitcoin mining rig heist
Police in Iceland have charged seven individuals suspected to be involved in the so-called "big Bitcoin heist" that took place early this year.
Business 10 September 2018
Japan’s internet giant GMO rolls out live crypto trading platform
GMO, via its subsidiary GMO Coin, has launched a live cryptocurrency trading platform, its third crypto exchange and trading service to date.
Business 7 September 2018
Robinhood trading app eyes IPO: report
Robinhood, a cryptocurrency exchange and a stock trading app, is planning to go public, Tech Crunch reported.
Business 7 September 2018
Uzbekistan president signs decree legalizing crypto trading
The decree states that an organization or individual providing an electronic platform for the exchange, purchase or sale of digital assets, will be recognized as an exchange in Uzbekistan.
Business 7 September 2018
Crypto in Africa: Binance eyes African market despite East African central bank’s crypto warnings
Binance has decided to tap into the vast cryptocurrency potential in Africa. In a statement, the company said it is looking to make investments in Africa and is calling on its supporters to help them connect with crypto- and blockchain projects in the continent with "excellent founders."
Tech 6 September 2018
Winklevoss brothers file patent for system to securely store digital assets
Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss are seeking another patent, this time for a blockchain-based system designed for “securely storing digital assets” like cryptocurrency.
Tech 5 September 2018
Iran accepts cryptocurrency mining as industry
The government of Iran has accepted cryptocurrency mining as an industry in the country.
Business 4 September 2018
Laos central bank warns against use of ‘unregulated’ crypto
The Bank of Laos cautioned the public to exercise caution when dealing with cryptocurrencies, saying current laws refute cryptocurrencies as payment instruments.
Tech 3 September 2018
Future Firefox browsers to block cryptojacking malware
Mozilla, the company behind popular web browser Firefox, is gearing up to automatically block malware scripts, including those that "silently mine cryptocurrencies" in future versions of Firefox.
Tech 31 August 2018
Wal-Mart files patent for blockchain-powered army of autonomous robots
Wal-Mart has turned to blockchain again, this time to create an army of autonomous robots that will be controlled by the technology.
Business 31 August 2018
Crypto in Africa: Akon launches digital coin for Senegal’s Crypto City
Despite the rejection, criticism and slow adoption of blockchain and its technology they are still making major changes in Africa.
Tech 30 August 2018
What ban? Crypto mining apps still available on Google Play Store
Cryptocurrency mining applications are still live on the Google Play Store, despite the ban imposed in July.
Business 29 August 2018
Indiegogo cancels first ICO amid regulatory concerns
Indiegogo, a crowdfunding giant, quietly canceled its first initial coin offering (ICO), which raised $5.2 million in December 2017.
Business 28 August 2018
NiceHash continues to reimburse clients post 2017 hack
NiceHash, a Slovenian-based crypto mining pool, has so far managed to return 60% of their stolen BTC, according to reports.
Tech 27 August 2018
Bank of America seeks to patent crypto vault for large-scale enterprises
The Bank of America has filed a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the development of a cryptocurrency storage system.
Business 24 August 2018
Crowdfunder Indiegogo allows companies to sell security tokens
Indiegogo’s first security token offering (STO) is already available on the platform. The STO is from a luxurious ski resort, St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen, Colorado.
Tech 24 August 2018
Crypto in Africa: Kenya’s electoral body seeks to adopt blockchain
The Kenyan Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is turning to blockchain for a better election experience.
Tech 23 August 2018
After bomb threat, Norwegian crypto mining firm faces closure over noise complaints
One of Kryptovault's facilities could be shut down after residents filed noise complaints against the Norwegian crypto mining company, according to reports.
Business 22 August 2018
China’s WeChat blocks crypto, blockchain-related accounts
A WeChat official told Lanjinger news outlet that the accounts were suspected of publishing ICO and cryptocurrency information contrary to the set regulations.
Business 22 August 2018
South Korean businessman falls victim to crypto-fiat scam
A cryptocurrency transaction went sour for a South Korean businessman, who reportedly lost $2.3 million in BTC after the offline peer-to-peer exchange he was dealing with allegedly gave him fake fiat currency.
Business 21 August 2018
MobileGo threatens to sue people criticizing its operations
Sergey Sholom, CEO of eSports cryptocurrency token MobileGo, has threatened to sue investors and anyone else critical of the company, saying that "all the immature and ridiculous demands will be redirected toward our lawyers for appropriate response."
Tech 20 August 2018
UPS turns to blockchain to streamline logistics
USP applied for a patent in February for a blockchain and distributed ledged technology (DLT)-based system that will route packages, possibly using multiple carriers, across an international supply chain.
Tech 17 August 2018
Genesis Mining forces clients to upgrade BTC mining contracts
Genesis Mining, a hashpower hosting service, announced that some clients would soon have to upgrade to a five-year subscription in order to continue using their services to mine BTC.
Business 17 August 2018
Crypto in Africa: Gov’ts hold back on crypto regulation, South Africa drafts tax law
The blooming cryptocurrency industry in Africa continues to operate in legal gray areas as it progresses upwards. While other countries worldwide give cryptos attention with intention of regulating them, their African counterparts remain reluctant to make any substantial moves.
Business 16 August 2018
US SEC digs deeper into crypto company Riot Blockchain
Riot said the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last July 30 is looking into a number of Riot’s registration statements as well as its purchase of a minority stake in Canadian cryptocurrency exchange Coinsquare.
Business 16 August 2018
7 crypto firms secure SEC nod to operate in Thailand
Seven cryptocurrency firms in Thailand have been granted approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate in the country.
Business 16 August 2018
Jamaican bourse teams up with Canadian fintech firm for crypto, token trading
The Jamaica Stock Exchange has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Blockstation to help build a platform that will allow clients to trade in cryptocurrencies.
Business 16 August 2018
Venezuela announces 2 currency units—Petro and Sovereign Bolivar
Effective on August 20, Venezuela will have two official units of account: the state-backed Petro token and the new Petro-pegged sovereign bolivar, President Nicolas Maduro announced during a televised address.
Business 14 August 2018
ICO exit scams made off with $60M in investors’ money in August: report
In the first two weeks of August alone, an estimated $68 million of investors’ money were lost in initial coin offering (ICO) exit scams, according to a Diar report.
Business 14 August 2018
Venezuela assembly wants a central bank for cryptocurrency
Not content with just developing its own cryptocurrency, Venezuela is now taking it a notch higher with a proposal to create a central bank for cryptocurrency as part of its efforts to link the Petro token to its new bolivar currency, according to a Reuters report.
Tech 13 August 2018
Americans are most susceptible to crypto hacks, study finds
Group-IB, a Russian-based cyber intelligence firm, has released a new report that looks into user account leaks within the cryptocurrency exchanges. The study revealed that Americans are most vulnerable to crypto hacking with one in every three cyber-attacks targeted U.S.-based victims.
Tech 13 August 2018
Beer pong out? College students ride cryptocurrency mining wave
A new wave of cryptocurrency miners has come, and this group is putting U.S. colleges on alert with their rather unorthodox ways to collect and earn crypto coins.
Business 10 August 2018
UK’s FCA warns investors against yet another crypto ‘clone firm’
The UK Financial Conduct Authority raised the alarm on yet another cryptocurrency-related clone company called Good Crypto, which was reportedly impersonating an FCA-authorized firm to lure investors.
Business 10 August 2018
Crypto in Africa: Nigeria launches blockchain hub as it welcomes new crypto exchange
The cryptocurrency sector in Nigeria has been busy growing in the last couple of weeks with new game changers joining in the fray. More Nigerians are trading in cryptocurrencies both locally and internationally.
Business 9 August 2018
Crypto tax software startup Libra raises $15M in Series B funding
Libra’s new funding will help to continue developing the Libra Crypto Office platform and the release of new products and services. The conclusion of Series B funding raises Libra capital to $24.8 million.
Business 8 August 2018
FCA warns UK investors against ‘clone’ crypto companies
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning against a clone company called Fair Oaks Crypto, which has been impersonating FCA-authorized firm Fair Oaks Capital Limited to lure investors to its site.
Tech 7 August 2018
15,000 crypto scam bots spamming Twitter with ‘giveaways’: research
Security analysts at cybersecurity firm Duo Security discovered that the Twitter platform is host to at least 15,000 crypto scam bots—many of which were promoting free token giveaways to unsuspecting users.
Tech 7 August 2018
Over 200,000 routers in Brazil, Moldova succumb to Monero cryptomining attack
It’s barely a week, and Monero (XMR) is on the spotlight again. According to recent reports, a malicious malware has been attacking over 200,000 routers in Brazil to mine the privacy-centric cryptocurrency.
Business 6 August 2018
Crypto exchange OKCoin draws investor’s ire over unclaimed Bitcoin BCH
China-based cryptocurrency exchange OKCoin is facing legal problems after an investor filed a lawsuit, claiming the exchange failed to provide him with Bitcoin Cash (BCH) that he was entitled to after the August 2017 hard fork.
Business 6 August 2018
Arizona BTC trader gets jail time over money laundering charges
Thomas Mario Costanzo, a cryptocurrency trader in the state of Arizona, has been sentenced to serve more than three years in prison after he was found guilty of money laundering charges, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
Tech 3 August 2018
Bug bounty hunter exposes Monero bug enabling theft from exchanges
Privacy-centric altcoin Monero was discovered to have been carrying a bug that allows hackers to steal coins directly from cryptocurrency exchanges.
Tech 3 August 2018
Yenom developers roll out Bitcoin Cash Kit, a BCH library for iOS
The creators of Bitcoin Cash-centric Yenom mobile wallet have released a new iOS library for Bitcoin BCH called Bitcoin Cash Kit (BCK).
Business 3 August 2018
Crypto in Africa: Nigeria taps blockchain to stop corruption, South Africa mulls pro-crypto tax guidelines
African countries are not just taking blockchain technology by the horn, they’re also tightly holding on to it. In the last few months, some countries in the region are finally realizing the great potential of cryptocurrency and its underlying technology.
Business 3 August 2018
BitPay processed $1.2B worth of Bitcoin payments in 2017, executive says
Chief Operating Officer Sonny Singh reported that BitPay has processed an estimated $1.2 billion worth of crypto payments in 2017—making it “the largest processor of Bitcoin in the world.”
Tech 2 August 2018
Cryptocurrency mining companies in Russia increase by 15% in 2018
The number of cryptocurrency mining operators in the country has grown by as much as 15% since the beginning of 2018, according to the Russian Association of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain.
Business 1 August 2018
88% of crypto exchanges want industry to be regulated, survey finds
A new study conducted by European electronic payment company Mistertango found that 88% of cryptocurrency exchanges around the world want the industry to be regulated, which they believe is necessary in helping the industry grow.
Tech 31 July 2018
New cryptojacking malware PowerGhost targets corporate networks
Security company Kaspersky Lab has discovered a new malware that uses business computers and servers to mine cryptocurrencies.
Tech 30 July 2018
Vietnam crypto mining CEO flees with $35M in investors’ money
At least 20 investors of a Vietnamese crypto mining company have fallen victim to yet another scam and are now seeking justice after the CEO of Sky Mining reportedly fled the country.
Business 30 July 2018
OpenBazaar enables zero-fee trading of over 1,500 cryptocurrencies
Decentralized marketplace OpenBazaar rolled out its Version 2.2.2, which offers additional features and bug fixes. In a blog post, the OpenBazaar development team outlined the two main improvements in the new version, aimed at helping users make seamless transactions.
Business 27 July 2018
Crypto in Africa: Kenya hot on heels of South Africa in crypto expansion
In recent months, South Africa has appeared to be on the lead when it comes to adopting the new technology, with Uganda recently joining the crypto party. Now, the crypto gathering in Africa finds a new member—Kenya.
Business 27 July 2018
Venezuela creates a new national currency affixed on the Petro
The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro is planning to introduce a new currency barely two months after his re-election. Maduro’s new currency will have five zeros less than the existing currency.
Business 26 July 2018
KT Corp: South Korea mobile carrier creates first blockchain-based commercial network
South Korean second largest mobile carrier, KT Corp, announced on Tuesday the world’s first blockchain-based commercial network. KT Corp plans to launch its new technology before the end of this year.
Business 25 July 2018
India’s Unocoin disables fiat withdrawals ‘per orders of RBI’
Unocoin, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in India, has suspended its Indian rupee (INR) withdrawal and deposit services in the wake of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ban.
Business 25 July 2018
G20 eyes crypto AML regulatory standard by October
During its meeting in Buenos Aires, the G20 forum set out plans to put the cryptocurrency sector under anti-money laundering (AML) standards.
Business 23 July 2018
Workers in Costa Rica can legally accept wages in cryptocurrency
Costa Rican workers can receive part of their salaries in cryptocurrencies, since the country's laws allow employers to pay their staff not just with fiat currency, but also goods.
Business 20 July 2018
Tutanota creates room for payments in Bitcoin Cash, other cryptos
Germany-based encrypted email service provider Tutanota has started accepting donations in Bitcoin Cash and three other cryptocurrencies on its platform.
Tech 20 July 2018
Quebec wants crypto miners to pay more for electricity
Régie de l’énergie approved Hydro-Quebec's proposal to have cryptocurrency miners pay CAD0.15 per kilowatt-hour, which is double the price that residential and other utility customers are required to pay.
Business 20 July 2018
Crypto in Africa: Companies make room as more Africans eye crypto investments
South Africa has been a frontrunner in the cryptocurrency industry in Africa. Since the beginning of 2018, the country's cryptocurrency market has seen a notable growth with more people joining each day.
Business 19 July 2018
Alleged GainBitcoin scam kingpin offers to repay investors in Indian rupees
Amit Bhardwaj, the alleged mastermind behind the GainBitcoin scheme, has offered to pay back investors their initial investments—in Indian rupees.
Tech 18 July 2018
MasterCard’s new patent links crypto assets to fiat currency accounts
MasterCard has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a system and method for managing "fractional reserves of blockchain currency," also known as cryptocurrency.
Business 17 July 2018
Iran may turn to cryptocurrency to avoid US sanctions: report
Like Venezuela, Iran is also considering adopting cryptocurrencies to combat the upcoming U.S. sanctions, according to reports.
Business 17 July 2018
Coinrail ignites hope with relaunch, offer to recover 11 cryptocurrencies
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Coinrail has resumed its operations on July 15, and it's first order of business was to refund customers the crypto coins they lost during the June 10 attack.
Business 16 July 2018
Crypto trader ‘Bitcoin Maven’ faces jail time over money laundering charge
Theresa Lynn Tetley was a former stockbroker and real estate investor who authorities said conducted an illegal business and engaged in unlawful monetary transactions involving BTC.
Tech 13 July 2018
New power rates approved for crypto miners in New York
New York authorities approved the new rates in order to help balance electricity usage between cryptocurrency miners and local residents.
Business 13 July 2018
Crypto in Africa: Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe embraces blockchain, Kenya moves closer to regulation
Accepting blockchain and its technologies has not been an easy task in Africa. However, the technology is slowly making headway in the continent.
Business 12 July 2018
Crypto exchange Coinsquare’s global expansion starts in Japan
Coinsquare will open the new exchange in Japan jointly with venture capital firm Dlta21x formally Protos Blockchain Corp.
Business 11 July 2018
Hackers attack MyEtherWallet using fake Hola VPN extension
The hacker uploaded a fake version of Hola VPN to the app store, which, in turn, compromised MyEtherWallet (MEW) for about five hours before it was finally taken down.
Tech 10 July 2018
Police in China arrest 20 linked to major cryptojacking case
The fight against illegal cryptocurrency mining continues in China, this time with the arrest of at least 20 individuals who police suspect have been part of a mega cryptojacking case.
Tech 9 July 2018
Bitmain value hits $12B after Series B funding: report
Cryptocurrency mining hardware manufacturer Bitmain is now valued at $12 billion, following the recently concluded Series B funding which raised $400 million for the company.
Business 6 July 2018
India’s ruling party hit with $763M crypto scam claims
The governing political party in India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been accused of involvement in a “mega bitcoin scam” worth INR5,000 crore ($763 million).
Business 6 July 2018
Crypto in Africa: KuBitX hybrid exchange targets emerging markets, Binance takes on Uganda
In this week’s roundup of crypto and blockchain news in Africa, KuBitX reveals its plans for the African market, which includes setting up a hybrid crypto exchange to serve emerging markets in the region.
Business 5 July 2018
New lawsuit accuses XRP of being a security
Ripple Labs has been served with yet another lawsuit seeking to have its cryptocurrency, XRP, classified as a security.
Business 4 July 2018
Bermuda wants new class of banks for blockchain, fintech companies
The government of Bermuda is making amendments to its Banking Act, which will pave the way for a new class of banks that will cater fintech and blockchain companies in the British overseas territory.
Tech 3 July 2018
Upgraded GMO crypto miner features 33TH/s max hash power
Like the B2 model, the new GMO B3 model as an upgrade of version B2 and comes with an ASIC 7nm processing chip, which supports mining of SHA256 and can also mine BTC and Bitcoin Cash.
Tech 3 July 2018
Japanese man faces jail time over illegal remote mining charge
A court in Japan has sentenced a man to prison over charges of illegally using a remote mining tool to mine cryptocurrencies through other people's computers without their consent.
Business 2 July 2018
Abu Dhabi issues new regulatory framework for crypto activities
The Abu Dhabi Global Market announced the finalization of its crypto assets framework, which will "regulate spot crypto asset activities" in the region.
Business 2 July 2018
South Korea’s Kakao seeks partners for Steemit-like crypto platform
Mobile app operator Kakao is making arrangements to raise funds for its new cryptocurrency platform, which will provide similar services as Steemit.
Business 29 June 2018
Philippines remains fertile ground for crypto adoption
Despite warnings about the risks of acquisition and possession of cryptocurrencies, crypto-to-fiat trading in the Philippines remains high, according to the central bank.
Business 28 June 2018
Crypto in Africa: Startup meshes with free mobile data, KryptoPal helps African kids
Different innovations continually come up to help curb the problems afflicting African countries—the latest of which is from a South African company looking to provide free data to the continent.
Business 28 June 2018
Bitcoin BCH, other cryptos fuel Coinbase’s GiveCrypto charity
Coinbase founder and CEO Brian Armstrong said GiveCrypto's goal is "to financially empower people by distributing cryptocurrency globally."
Business 27 June 2018
India’s Belfrics exchange restarts trading amid RBI crypto ban
Belfrics has also added four more cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin Cash, Ether, Ripple and Litecoin—to its platform.
Tech 26 June 2018
California firm forks out $13M for abandoned Intel plant to mine crypto
3G Venture II has reportedly bought an abandoned Intel manufacturing complex in Colorado, where it plans to open a new cryptocurrency mining operation.
Tech 25 June 2018
Mining for cryptocurrency allowed in Ukraine sans license
The State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection said cryptocurrency mining companies will not need to obtain a license in order to conduct their activities.
Business 22 June 2018
Cambodia requires license for crypto-related activities, authorities say
Three government agencies in Cambodia have issued a stern warning against cryptocurrency-related activities in the country.
Business 21 June 2018
French regulator blacklists 4 unauthorized crypto websites
Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has added four websites, which have been offering crypto investments without licenses, to its list of blacklisted domains.
Business 21 June 2018
Grammy-winning singer Akon wants to build crypto city in Senegal
The Akon Crypto City will blend smart city planning design with a blank canvas for "cryptonizing" daily life, and will use the Akoin crypto as the basis of transactions.
Business 21 June 2018
Crypto in Africa: Golix eyes expansion, South Africa sees new blockchain hub
The crypto bug is quickly spreading across Africa, as the popularity and adoption of virtual currencies and blockchain-based startups and hubs continue to rise in the continent.
Business 20 June 2018
Turcoin founders flee Turkey with millions in investors’ money
Turkish investors are reeling from reports that the founders of Turcoin, described as Turkey’s “national” crypto, fled the country with their money.
Tech 19 June 2018
Pedal-powered mining: Specialized e-Bike rewards users with crypto
A new series of e-bike, called Toba, is able to mine cryptocurrencies as the biker rides to work, along the sidewalks or even in competitions.
Business 18 June 2018
Ukraine police shut down 6 fake crypto exchanges
Authorities in Ukraine arrested four people believed to be running fake online cryptocurrency exchanges in the country.
Business 15 June 2018
Tech-driven Africa shows great potential for greater crypto adoption
In a new report, Global Risk Insights listed the various factors that enabled the growth of cryptocurrency and blockchain businesses in Africa.
Business 14 June 2018
Bahrain central bank grants regulatory sandbox license to Palmex
Palmex becomes the first cryptocurrency exchange in the Middle East and North Africa region to receive a regulatory sandbox license.
Business 14 June 2018
Crypto in Africa: Continent experiences rapid cryptocurrency uptake
Africa is catching the crypto wave; the domestic market growing every day with Uganda being pitched as the next cryptocurrency hotbed.
Tech 13 June 2018
Coinhive at center of cryptojacking probe in Japan
Police in Japan are investigating a cryptojacking case that involves Coinhive. So far, three suspects have been arrested.
Business 12 June 2018
Malta-based Binance plans to add euro trading on platform
Binance is working with authorities to get the necessary license in order to start exchanging cryptocurrencies to Euros.
Tech 11 June 2018
Crypto miners get on wrong side of Russia’s law
Some cryptocurrency miners have been resorting to ingenious ways to mine digital coins, a fact that Russia has discovered in recent days.
Business 8 June 2018
Coin Metro secures wallet, exchange licenses in Estonia
Estonian authorities recently granted cryptocurrency trading platform Coin Metro licenses to offer wallets and exchange services in the country.
Business 7 June 2018
Asset manager Fidelity plans to open crypto exchange: report
The Boston-based firm has advertised internally for a DevOps system engineer, who will help create and deploy a digital asset exchange to public and private cloud networks.
Business 7 June 2018
Crypto in Africa: Domestic crypto market shows great prospects
Despite the myriad of challenges, cryptocurrencies are doing quite well in Africa as crypto-related activities start to become a norm in most countries in the region.
Business 6 June 2018
Police in India shut down cryptocurrency scam
The alleged scam involved the Flinstone Group, a real estate company that allegedly promised to give investors flats and citizenship in Africa and the Caribbean countries. The company also had a cryptocurrency named MoneyTrade Coin.
Business 6 June 2018
Estonia will not be creating its own cryptocurrency
Estonia, a country in Northern Europe, has discarded its original plan for a state-backed cryptocurrency.
Business 5 June 2018
HitBTC stops operations in Japan
HitBTC, a Hong Kong based cryptocurrency exchange, will no longer be offering its services to people in Japan.
Business 1 June 2018
India turns down Venezuela’s cryptocurrency deal
The government of India has rejected the state-backed Petro cryptocurrency despite Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s offer of a 30% discount if India uses Petro to pay for its crude oil purchases.
Tech 31 May 2018
Quebec to lift ban on energy sale to cryptocurrency miners: report
The moratorium was imposed in March on grounds that the industry “could absorb a large amount” of Quebec’s surplus energy, resulting in limited cryptocurrency mining activities in the Canadian province.
Business 31 May 2018
Crypto in Africa: Continent opens doors to cryptocurrency adoption
Cryptocurrencies will soon be the order of the day in Africa as locals slowly warm up to the idea of a digital world.
Business 30 May 2018
Golix’s operations still paralyzed despite Zimbabwe court orders
Golix, a major cryptocurrency exchange in Zimbabwe, has yet to resume cryptocurrency operations despite the High court order issued last week.
Business 29 May 2018
‘BCH is Bitcoin’: Rory MacDonald hooks up with Bitcoin Cash
MMA champion and outspoken fan of cryptocurrency Rory MacDonald has made his Bitcoin Cash connection public.
Business 28 May 2018
Sygnia announces plans for crypto exchange in South Africa
Johannesburg-based asset management company Sygnia Ltd. is planning to launch its first cryptocurrency exchange, called Sygniacoin, in the third quarter of 2018.
Business 25 May 2018
Zimbabwe court sides with Golix exchange, lifts cryptocurrency ban
Cryptocurrency investors in Zimbabwe are a happy lot after the second highest court in the country reversed the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ban on crypto-related activities.
Tech 24 May 2018
BTC Gold suffers double spend attack
BTC Gold reportedly fell victim to a double spend attack when a miner gained 51 percent control of the network.
Business 24 May 2018
Crypto in Africa: Blockchain takes root in the heart of African countries
While most African countries are slowly warming up to blockchain technology, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana are taking the bull by the horns.
Tech 23 May 2018
Verge succumbs to second attack in months
Cryptocurrency Verge has suffered yet another hack, leading to 35 million XVGs worth $1.7 million stolen within a few hours.
Business 22 May 2018
Spanish laws allow for direct crypto investments, regulators confirm
The National Securities Market Commission in Spain (CNMV) has clarified its position on registered funds investing directly in cryptocurrencies.
Business 21 May 2018
Pink Taxi ICO settles intellectual property dispute
Pink Taxi said the third party it hired to help them market its ICO had copied content from A2B Taxi, assuring the blockchain-based taxi platform that proper measures were being taken against the third party.
Tech 18 May 2018
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange develops blockchain-based lending platform
TASE said the security lending platform will be based on the Hyperledger Sawtooth, which uses Intel software Guard Extension to encrypt data transactions.
Tech 17 May 2018
Russia’s Sberbank conducts first-ever bond transfer on blockchain
Sberbank worked together with telecoms operator MTS and the National Settlement Depository (NSD) to carry out a landmark commercial transaction using blockchain technology.
Business 16 May 2018
Microsoft’s Bing joins Internet giants in banning cryptocurrency ads
Bing, a Microsoft powered search engine, announced its intention to ban cryptocurrency-related advertisements on its platform by July.
Tech 15 May 2018
Cathay Pacific initiates blockchain-based reward program
The airline and its rewards program, Asia Miles, have created a new platform with a mobile app developed by Accenture.
Business 14 May 2018
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe bans all cryptocurrency trading
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has ordered a ban on all cryptocurrency activities, giving operators 60 days to shut down all operations.
Business 14 May 2018
Kodak-backed company eyes $50M ‘sweet spot’ in token offering
Wenn Digital developed KODAKOne, a blockchain-based system that protects the copyright of images or photographs registered on the platform.
Tech 10 May 2018
WeChat third-party blockchain app in hot water over ‘violation of service’
Chinese social media app WeChat has suspended a blockchain-based program Xiao Xieyi less than a day after its launch.
Tech 9 May 2018
‘Ultra-secure’ Finney smartphone packs 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
Touted to be the “world’s first blockchain smartphone,” the Finney is due to arrive before 2018 ends, and when it does, expect a spec list that will rival any other flagship smartphone.
Business 8 May 2018
Gov’t seizes domain name of Vietnam’s oldest crypto exchange
Bitcoin Vietnam has found itself in trouble with the law after local authorities claimed the company has been "operating a blog without a proper license."
Tech 7 May 2018
Iceland tracks down 600 missing crypto mining machines to China
A ray of hope shined down in Iceland following reports that the 600 cryptocurrency miners stolen in the country could have made its way to China.
Tech 4 May 2018
Social network Blockpress launches on Bitcoin Cash blockchain
Blockpress allows people to create, share and, connect with each other without the involvement of intermediaries.
Tech 3 May 2018
Facebook messenger malware FacexWorm targets crypto platforms
FacexWorm, a malicious Google Chrome extension, has been targeting cryptocurrency trading platforms via Facebook Messenger, according to a Trend Micro report.
Business 2 May 2018
Couple faces robbery charges in ‘Discount Bitcoin Bandit’ case
Two people in Los Angeles have been charged with stealing more than $87,000 from people who sought to buy cryptocurrencies at a discounted price.
Tech 1 May 2018
Bitgrail clients want Italian court to declare exchange bankrupt
Another development in the Nano developers lawsuit that uncovers the details behind the theft dated Jan 19 but was first reported on Feb 8, 2018.
Business 30 April 2018
3 cryptocurrency exchanges fall in Venezuela’s ‘Operation Paper Hands’
The government of Venezuela has shut down three cryptocurrency exchanges as part of its “Operation Paper Hands,” while 16 others have been certified to facilitate Petro transactions in the international market.
Business 27 April 2018
No surprises there: Infographic explores Bitcoin Cash triumphs
A Yours.org post has debunked BTC camp’s belief that Bitcoin Cash is dying using an infographic that showed what the BCH community has always known (and the BTC supporters have feared)—that Bitcoin BCH has triumphed in “a couple of critical success criteria.”
Tech 26 April 2018
Cisco targets cryptocurrency mining with new patent
Cisco has been granted a patent for a crowd-sourced cloud computing application, which the company claimed could be used for cryptocurrency mining.
Business 25 April 2018
Gaming giant Nexon in talks to acquire Bitstamp for $350M
South Korean gaming behemoth Nexon is reportedly negotiating to take over Bitstamp, one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.
Business 24 April 2018
Razer bets on virtual currency with $61M MOL Global takeover
Gaming hardware company Razer has announced its intention to take over Malaysian e-payments firm MOL Global in a bid to create one of world's largest virtual credits platform for gamers.
Business 23 April 2018
BitPay accepts Bitcoin Cash on Checkout point-of-sale app
Cryptocurrency payment service provider BitPay has expanded its Bitcoin Cash (BCH) support, allowing merchants to accept the cryptocurrency on its checkout point-of-sale (PoS) app.
Tech 20 April 2018
Walmart punts on blockchain tech to secure payment data
The U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published two patent filings by Walmart describing blockchain-based applications that will help secure payments and protect private information from third parties.
Tech 19 April 2018
Blockchain-guided autonomous spacecraft gets NASA green light
An Ohio professor has been awarded a three-year $330,000 NASA grant to begin the development of a blockchain-based technology that will enable autonomous spacecraft to make decisions on its own.
Tech 18 April 2018
Amazon wins patent for cryptocurrency data marketplace
A subsidiary of e-commerce and cloud computing giant Amazon has been granted a patent for a streaming data service that could allow its subscribers to receive real-time cryptocurrency transactions data.
Business 17 April 2018
Coinsecure promises to refund customers—but in Indian rupees
Indian cryptocurrency exchange Coinsecure will pay back its customers affected by the $3.4 million heist involving SegWit-Coin BTC. The catch, however, is that the refunds will be made in Indian rupees.
Tech 16 April 2018
Bitmain’s crypto mining facility secures land deal in US state
China’s cryptocurrency mining giant Bitmain has cleared a hurdle in its bid to establish a mining facility in the state of Washington.
Business 16 April 2018
BitFlyer makes changes to strengthen identity verification
BitFlyer has denied reports it has been making it easy for customers to start trading after submitting copies of their identity cards.
Tech 16 April 2018
First EU blockchain hackathon offers €100K prize
In a bid to explore how blockchain technology can be used for intellectual property (IP) rights enforcement, European Union (EU) agencies are organizing a “Blockathon” event in Brussels in June.
Business 12 April 2018
Couple behind $17M BTC investment scam in the Philippines arrested
Arnel and Leonay Ordonio allegedly scammed 50 people into investing in SegWit-Coin BTC in 2017, promising 30% return on their investments every two weeks.
Business 11 April 2018
Vietnamese startup swindles $660M with 2 ICO projects: report
Modern Tech has gone dark after allegedly defrauding 32,000 people out of $660 million in connection with two initial coin offerings, according to local reports.
Business 10 April 2018
India police nab rogue officers in $1.8M Bitcoin ransom case
The Gujarat police has filed a criminal complaint against eight police officers who allegedly kidnapped a businessman and forced him to pay the ransom in cryptocurrency.
Business 9 April 2018
Philippines sees surge in cryptocurrency exchange applications
At the moment, there are 29 applications under different stages of the application process—twice the number of applications recorded by the central bank in December 2017.
Business 6 April 2018
Denmark’s Danske Bank bans cryptocurrency investments
The largest bank in Denmark announced that it will not support investments in cryptocurrencies.
Business 5 April 2018
Coinnest co-founder arrested in South Korea on embezzlement charges
Kim Il-hwan, CEO of South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Coinnest, was arrested in Seoul on allegations of embezzling customer funds.
Business 5 April 2018
Underground cryptocurrency trade thrives in China
Cryptocurrency investors in China have resorted to underground activities after the Beijing government banned Bitcoin trade in the country, according to reports.
Business 4 April 2018
Australia rolls out AML regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges
Australia has finally implemented new legislative guidelines aimed at regulating digital currency exchange businesses in the land down under.
Business 3 April 2018
SEC shuts down Mayweather-backed ICO over fraud charges
Centra Tech founders Sohrab Sharma and Robert Farkas were charged with selling unregistered securities to thousands of investors, raising more than $32 million in the process.
Business 29 March 2018
Bitfinex in talks to move business to Switzerland: report
The fifth largest cryptocurrency trading exchange platform is reportedly planning to cut its relations with Asia and move its offices to Switzerland.
Business 29 March 2018
Belarus targets cryptocurrency companies with crypto-friendly regime
The decree, signed into law last December, made Belarus the first country in Europe to offer freedom for all cryptocurrency activities.
Business 28 March 2018
Bitfinex passes up on listing Venezuela’s Petro token
One of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, Bitfinex, has refused to list the first cryptocurrency backed by Venezuela's crude oil reserves, Petro, in its platform.
Business 27 March 2018
New bill may pave the way for cryptocurrency payments in Russia
Bill No424632-7 shines a light on various cryptocurrency-related activities in Russia, such as defining cryptocurrency as digital money and outlining digital rights of digital assets owners.
Business 26 March 2018
Digital currency is taxable, IRS reminds taxpayers
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has warned taxpayers about incurring penalties should they fail to report their cryptocurrency-related incomes.
Business 23 March 2018
US Marshals nets $18.7M in new round of Bitcoin sale
The U.S Marshals Office successfully auctioned 2,170.7 legacy Bitcoin (BTC) to two buyers, according to reports.
Business 22 March 2018
Snapchat joins social media networks banning ICO ads
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., announced that it has banned all ICO-related ads in the social media app.
Business 21 March 2018
Venezuela got help from Russia in launching petro: report
Russian billionaires reportedly advised Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in his efforts to create petro, the first state-backed cryptocurrency in the market.
Business 20 March 2018
Securities regulator stops Hong Kong company from offering ICO
Black Cell has been selling “krop” tokens as a means to connect buyers with crop and livestock producers, but regulators said the startup had engaged in “potential unauthorized promotional activities and unlicensed regulated activities.”
Tech 19 March 2018
Venezuela’s Maduro encourages residents to mine cryptocurrency
In Venezuela, people are being called upon to build cryptocurrency mining farms throughout the country.
Business 16 March 2018
Thailand backs first draft of landmark ‘digital assets’ legislation
The Thailand cabinet approved in principle the draft of two royal decrees on cryptocurrencies and ICOs. These drafts are not to ban but regulate the use of cryptocurrency and ICOs in the country.
Business 15 March 2018
Brazilian officials busted changing part of scam money to BTC
Police in Rio de Janeiro recently uncovered a major money-laundering scheme involving state officials who reportedly acquired $22.4 million—some of which had already been converted to BTC.
