Ed Drake
articles by Ed Drake
Tech 22 August 2019
Heavy floods in China’s Sichuan province threaten crypto mining farms
Crypto mining farms in the Sichuan province are under threat from rising floodwaters, amid significant rainfall in southwest China.
Business 22 August 2019
Cryptopia liquidator forced to reconcile 900,000 customer data manually
Grant Thornton, which was appointed to manage the liquidation, confirmed it had difficulty in obtaining data from Cryptopia servers.
Business 21 August 2019
WhatsApp reportedly plans mobile payments launch in Indonesia
Messaging app WhatsApp is in discussion with a number of local partners on proposals that would see the firm introduce mobile payment services in Indonesia.
Business 16 August 2019
Crypto miner maker CoinMine raises $2.5M in seed funding
The funding round, led by M13 Ventures, featured contributions from investors including Gumi Crypto, Republic Labs, and Shervin Pishevar, who is known as an early investor in Uber.
Interviews 15 August 2019
Cheddar interviews Dr. Craig Wright on origins of Bitcoin
In an interview with CheddarNews, Dr. Craig Wright confirmed that Bitcoin was never meant to be a store of gold, or a store of value, but instead was always envisaged as a network for micropayments fueling commercial data networks.
Tech 15 August 2019
Leaked chat shows no evidence of development in Litecoin
Charlie Lee has supposedly admitted that the rumor that no development has been happening in the Litecoin chain are true.
Business 14 August 2019
More stolen Bitfinex crypto ‘mysteriously moved’ to new address
More of the SegWitCoin (BTC) stolen from crypto exchange Bitfinex was moved to a new address, sparking fresh speculation over the identity of the hackers behind the theft.
Events 14 August 2019
Dr. Craig Wright to speak at MoneyMuseum event in Zurich
The MoneyMuseum event will explore the path to global scalability for Bitcoin SV, emphasizing on the commercial applications of the technology.
Events 13 August 2019
Why developers should attend CoinGeek Seoul
There are many reasons why developers should attend CoinGeek Seoul conference taking place at the Le Meridien Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, on October 1-2.
Tech 9 August 2019
BitBoss now using Tokenized protocol on Bitcoin SV
BitBoss is now processing tokens on the Bitcoin SV (BSV) blockchain, in what has been described as a major milestone for the company.
Business 8 August 2019
China opens probe into EtherDelta exchange over alleged exit scam
The alleged scam involves the issuance of native tokens by the platform, known as EtherDelta Tokens, after the exchange was acquired by anonymous local investors.
Business 8 August 2019
Regulators want direct oversight of crypto exchanges in South Korea
The new proposals announced Wednesday clarifies the Financial Services Commission’s regulatory position for cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea.
Tech 7 August 2019
Maltese crypto miner awarded damages after rig runs up hefty power bill
An aggrieved crypto miner brought a case to a tribunal in Malta after buying a mining machine for €2,600 from 3 Group.
Events 7 August 2019
Join the waitlist for the 2nd BSV Virtual Hackathon on Aug. 17
Due to high demand, applications are now closed for the 2nd Bitcoin SV (BSV) Virtual Hackathon, but interested applicants can still join the waitlist for the event happening on August 17.
Tech 2 August 2019
New details emerge in Malta’s plan for blockchain-powered gov’t agency
The new Malta Business Registry (MBR) would be run on blockchain with the help of artificial intelligence, in a bid to deliver efficient services.
Business 2 August 2019
Brazil rolls out new tax reporting requirements for crypto transactions
Brazil’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now requires those engaged in cryptocurrency transactions to report their activities.
Business 1 August 2019
Crypto miner maker Canaan Creative reportedly files for IPO in US
Canaan Creative has reportedly filed a confidential application for initial public offering (IPO) in the United States.
Editorial 1 August 2019
UK court hands down jurisdictional ruling on Dr. Craig Wright’s libel claim, but fight is far from over
A U.K. High Court judge has delivered a jurisdictional ruling on Dr. Craig Wright’s legal claim for libel against Roger Ver, but the battle on the merits is not yet over.
Business 31 July 2019
Mark Karpeles ordered to face Mt. Gox class action lawsuit in US
The ruling, by a federal judge in Philadelphia, will now see further action brought against former Mt. Gox CEO Mark Karpeles personally.
Business 31 July 2019
UK exchange IndoEx International latest to onboard Bitcoin SV
Cryptocurrency investors in the U.K. and beyond have access to BSV through another platform, IndoEx International.
Business 26 July 2019
Venezuela now using BTC to avoid US sanctions in airports: report
Nicolas Maduro has reportedly approved the use of an app for collecting airport taxes which converts funds into BTC through several partners.
Business 26 July 2019
FBI suspects Long Island Iced Tea crypto switch spiked with insider trading
The FBI is investigating reports of insider trading and securities fraud in connection with the company formerly known as Long Island Iced Tea Corp.
Business 25 July 2019
New card from CoinBene exchange integrates cryptocurrencies ‘100%’
The Singapore-based crypto service will offer the card from September, allowing users to pay for everyday transactions from crypto balances.
Tech 25 July 2019
Cloud computing exploits up in 2019, as crypto mining usage declines: report
The report from Skybox Security found a stark increase in the number of cloud attacks, effectively creating thousands of infected virtual servers.
Tech 24 July 2019
Aggressive malware turns search engine into crypto mining botnet
The botnet could be used in DDoS attacks by launching sequential attacks on public-facing servers running outdated versions of the search engine software.
Business 24 July 2019
Facebook faces up to Libra fakers as crypto scammers gather
Only a matter of weeks since Facebook published its whitepaper, a number of fake accounts and communications around the stablecoin have sprung up.
Business 19 July 2019
Bitcoin SV now available in Brazil
The flexibility of BSV has become available for users in Brazil, opening up access for millions of consumers and merchants for the first time.
Business 19 July 2019
Former Microsoft employee busted stealing millions in crypto
Volodymyr Kvashuk is facing fines of $250,000 and up to 20 years behind bars after being charged on counts of mail fraud.
Business 18 July 2019
Coinbase abruptly imposes £1,000 minimum deposit for UK customers
Coinbase is reportedly introducing a mandatory £1,000 minimum for deposits by SWIFT, according to reports.
Events 18 July 2019
London BSV Meetup inspires developers to be even more ambitious
The London BSV Meetup 2019 has inspired developers to push the boundaries even further with their Bitcoin SV projects.
Business 17 July 2019
Crypto exchanges face ‘tailored’ regulatory regime in Canada
The Canadian Securities Administrators’ business plan for 2019-22 includes a focus on developing understanding of blockchain as well as approach to regulation.
Business 17 July 2019
IMF: Regular money could soon be replaced by digital currencies
The IMF report said traditional money would face “tough competition and could even be surpassed” by cryptocurrencies.
Business 12 July 2019
Spanish police call crypto ATMs ‘blind spot’ for money laundering
Law enforcement in Spain the automated machines operate within an anti-money laundering blind spot that is helping criminals.
Events 12 July 2019
Applications now open for 2nd virtual Bitcoin SV Hackathon
The second Bitcoin SV hackathon event will take place on August 17, with teams competing virtually to create, pitch and win prizes in BSV.
Business 11 July 2019
Blockchain firm Diginex reportedly listing on Nasdaq ‘soon’
Diginex is about to announce a merger with Nasdaq-listed 8i Enterprises Acquisition Corp., according to reports.
Business 11 July 2019
$750,000 OneCoin fraud victim files legal action in New York
A victim of the OneCoin cryptocurrency scam has filed a lawsuit in New York, revealing the extent of the losses suffered its victims.
Tech 10 July 2019
Unwriter rolls out Eventchain Bitcoin events log
The Eventchain application records blockchain events in a simple log file, rather than “firing once and forgetting.”
Business 10 July 2019
US trademark filing hints at LG’s plan for crypto wallet
The South Korean consumer electronics giant filed for trademark protection with USPTO on July 2, in respect of a “ThinQ Wallet” trademark.
Tech 5 July 2019
Cyprus finance minister promises blockchain bill by end of 2019
Finance Minister Harris Georgiades described blockchain as “a new technological revolution similar to that of the internet.”
Business 5 July 2019
Philippines central bank still ‘lukewarm’ on cryptocurrency
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to wait a further “three to five years” before it entertains the idea of launching its own cryptocurrency.
Tech 4 July 2019
Cambridge index tracks BTC energy consumption in real time
The Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index tracks the total power consumption of cryptocurrency.
Business 4 July 2019
Cuba unveils plan for cryptocurrency as fiat falters
Cuba has confirmed it is considering plans that could introduce a national cryptocurrency, in a bid to revive the country’s flagging economy.
Tech 3 July 2019
Nestlé announces plan for palm oil blockchain pilot, but not with IBM
The food and drinks conglomerate will soon allow customers to track sustainability and provenance throughout its supply chain.
Business 3 July 2019
$100M down, $600M to go: Bitfinex partly repays Tether loan
Troubled crypto exchange Bitfinex has confirmed it has repaid $100 million of the money it borrowed from sister company Tether.
Business 28 June 2019
Hacked Singapore crypto exchange Bitrue loses $5M in user assets
Bitrue lost over 9.3 million XRP and 2.5 million Cardano (ADA) after hackers gained access to funds stored in a hot wallet environment.
Business 28 June 2019
Yet another Indian crypto exchange shuts down amid banking ban
Koinex is bowing out over the regulatory uncertainty around the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) policy.
Business 27 June 2019
Chainalysis hires ex-FinCEN official amid tougher crypto compliance burden
Former chief of strategic advancement and tactical development at FinCEN Mike Mosier brings extensive compliance and enforcement experience to Chainalysis.
Business 27 June 2019
New lawsuit accuses Mt. Gox founder of fraudulent misrepresentation
Jed McCaleb is being sued for “fraudulent” and “negligent” misrepresentation contributing in part to losses suffered by Mt. Gox users.
Business 26 June 2019
‘Crazy’ Australian tax laws hitting crypto traders hard
The state of Australian tax laws left one crypto owner facing a A$100,000 tax liability—despite only buying A$20,000 worth of cryptocurrency.
Business 26 June 2019
Alleged AlphaBay moderator faces 20 years in jail on racketeering charges
Bryan Connor Herrell, alias “Penissmith” and “Botah,” has been charged with conspiring to engage in a racketeer corrupt organization.
Tech 21 June 2019
Monero mining malware targets music production pirates
The mining script, known as LoudMiner, is multi-platform, and hijacks user resources to mine for Monero.
Business 21 June 2019
Line close to securing Japanese license for crypto exchange
The regulatory clearance would pave the way for Line to launch its BitMax crypto exchange platform.
Tech 20 June 2019
Coinbase hacking attempt leads to discovery of Firefox bug
Hackers are taking full advantage of a “zero-day” exploit in Mozilla’s Firefox browser.
Business 20 June 2019
Bancor restricts US crypto traders as regulatory uncertainty continues
The ongoing climate of uncertainty around crypto regulation in the U.S. is stifling innovation in its ecosystem, according to Bancor.
Tech 19 June 2019
Canada cannabis blockchain pilot hailed ‘future of medical cannabis’
The blockchain pilot is being trialed by Shoppers Drug Mart, part of a chain of around 1,300 pharmacies across Canada.
Business 19 June 2019
CFTC to pursue defunct UK fraud crypto scheme firm, founder
The U.S. regulator is taking action against the now-defunct Control-Finance Limited and its director in connection with the alleged frauds.
Business 14 June 2019
Philippine payments firm Cebuana Lhuillier acquires stake in fintech startup
The Filipino payment services company has secured a stake in Satoshi Citadel Industries Ventures Ltd., a blockchain startup backed by Kakao.
Business 14 June 2019
Bloomberg, Reuters gear up for new cryptocurrency social media index
People using the Cryptoindex terminal will be able to access data on the top 100 cryptocurrencies, ranked according to volume reliability.
Business 13 June 2019
CryptoCompare unveils new benchmark for digital asset exchanges
CryptoCompare’s Exchange Benchmark seeks to bring more clarity and transparency to the cryptocurrency sector.
Business 13 June 2019
Developer Ubisoft exploring blockchain for gaming: report
The gaming giant has been undertaking extensive research and development work into blockchain for a number of months, according to reports.
Business 12 June 2019
Former employee takes Zcash to court over $2M unpaid shares
The ex-staffer raised the action after failing to receive $15,000 allegedly owed in 2016 from Zerocoin, now known as the Electric Coin Company.
Tech 12 June 2019
ViaBTC launches BSV mining pool, offers 70% fee discount
ViaBTC has launched a Bitcoin SV mining pool, providing users with the opportunity to mine BSV on the platform for the first time.
Business 7 June 2019
Jihan Wu planning launch of new crypto services company: report
The former head of Chinese mining company Bitmain is reported to be launching a new startup as soon as July, with a focus on crypto services.
Business 7 June 2019
200 specialists to go after tax evading crypto traders in Japan
Japan is deploying some 200 tax specialists who will investigate undeclared gains from online transactions, including cryptocurrency trading.
Business 6 June 2019
Italian regulator suspends crypto investment firm behind liracoin
La Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa has shut down investment firm Tessline and its corresponding cryptocurrency, liracoin.
Business 6 June 2019
Vancouver mulls ban on Bitcoin ATMs over money laundering fears
According to law enforcement in Vancouver, a ban would bring an end to a reported surge in criminal use of the crypto ATMs.
Tech 5 June 2019
Listed crypto mining firm Argo updates forecast amid market upturn
London-listed Argo Blockchain PLC expects that its Q2 results will benefit from the positive trends across the board in cryptocurrency markets.
Business 5 June 2019
FBI joins probe into defunct crypto exchange QuadrigaCX
The FBI is searching for victims of the now-defunct QuadrigaCX cryptocurrency exchange.
Business 31 May 2019
Authorities investigate illegal crypto mining facilities in China
Authorities in China’s Sichuan province are investigating reports of illegal Bitcoin Core (BTC) mining farms.
Business 31 May 2019
Australian securities regulator updates guidance on crypto assets
The updated ASIC guidance spells out the legal obligations cryptocurrency firms must discharge to operate lawfully in Australia.
Business 30 May 2019
Russian authorities nab alleged creator of massive crypto pyramid fraud
The individual from Kazakhstan was accused of promoting a scheme that stole money from investors by promising undeliverable, low-risk returns from crypto investment.
Business 30 May 2019
Bahamas central bank confirms national digital currency by 2020
The bank is preparing to enter into a deal for the development of the new currency system as part of a scheme dubbed “Project Sand Dollar.”
Business 29 May 2019
Australian securities regulator warns investors against ‘scam’ OneCoin
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission warned the public in a notice that it suspected OneCoin “could be involved in a scam.”
Business 29 May 2019
Microsoft adds Bitcoin symbol in latest Excel update
Microsoft may have just added support for cryptocurrency in its latest Excel update.
Business 24 May 2019
Robinhood opens trading in BSV, other cryptos for New York customers
Investment and banking app Robinhood launches with support for seven cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin SV (BSV), on the platform.
Business 24 May 2019
Deconomy panel: BSV ‘in some ways the purest form of Bitcoin’
Bitcoin SV (BSV) is “in some ways the purest form of bitcoin,” according to a panel of crypto experts at a recent Deconomy Forum event in South Korea.
Business 23 May 2019
Israeli court declares ‘cryptocurrency is an asset’ in landmark tax ruling
The Central District Court backed Israel Tax Authority in holding cryptocurrencies to be an asset, which means profits on crypto sales would be liable to capital gains tax.
Tech 23 May 2019
New Firefox option allows users to block crypto mining scripts
Mozilla has included an option under “Privacy & Security” tab allowing users to automatically block “cryptominers” from running in their browser.
Tech 22 May 2019
Bitfury to open data centers, other blockchain projects in Kazakhstan
The Nur-Sultan based Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) will leverage expertise from Bitfury in developing new applications for blockchain.
Business 22 May 2019
$30M Ponzi scheme: SEC shutters dubious diamond-backed ICO
Argyle Coin and its principal Jose Angel Aman are alleged to have been engaged in the scam, under the guise of offering investors a new token backed by diamonds.
Business 16 May 2019
Critical hack pushes Cryptopia exchange over the brink of liquidation
New Zealand-based Cryptopia is closing after filing for bankruptcy, several months after the crypto exchange was hit with a $15 million hack.
Business 16 May 2019
Japanese crypto platform Liquid enters joint venture for US growth
Cryptocurrency trading platform Liquid has its eye on a U.S. expansion, following the announcement of a new joint venture with Virtual Currency Partners.
Tech 15 May 2019
‘Small’ hard fork bug results in near zero-tx per block on Bitcoin Cash network
The Bitcoin Cash network underwent its planned hard fork upgrade on May 15, but things aren’t going as planned.
Business 15 May 2019
Exchanges risk breaching securities laws with IEOs, SEC official warns
Exchanges facilitating IEOs could fall within the definition of a ”securities dealer” in the event the issuer or investors are based in the United States, the regulator warns.
Business 15 May 2019
Bitfinex, Tether turn to court for funds restrictions reprieve
IFinex Inc. has asked courts to consider loosening restrictions on how its Tether funds can be used, amid ongoing probe by the New York Attorney General.
Business 17 May 2019
Estonia crypto licensing ‘getting harder’ after gov’t policy crackdown
Getting a cryptocurrency license in Estonia has just got a whole lot harder, following a decision from the Estonian government to pass tighter laws.
Tech 17 May 2019
How do solution providers deal with hacks? Just pay crypto ransom and move on
A damning new study has revealed the trick up the sleeve of some so-called ransomware solution providers—just pay the hackers their ransom in crypto.
Business 8 May 2019
Con man uses Indiegogo crowdfunding gains to buy BTC
Douglas Monahan allegedly used money from his iBackPack campaign on “personal purposes,” namely buying BTC, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Business 8 May 2019
New WeChat payment policy outlaws crypto transactions
The Chinese social media giant reportedly states that users who continue to transact in cryptocurrencies on the platform will have their user accounts terminated.
Business 10 May 2019
India’s Coinome cryptocurrency exchange shutting down on May 15
Coinome, one of India’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, confirmed rumors in a tweet requesting customers begin withdrawing assets held at the exchange.
Business 10 May 2019
Overstock’s tZero loses $400M investor amid revenue, profit slide
GSR Capital, which was set to buy $30 million in tZero tokens, will now exit the deal with just $5 million in tZero equity.
Business 9 May 2019
New Bitfinex whitepaper confirms initial exchange offering token
Troubled cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex has published the whitepaper for its Initial Exchange Offering, confirming plans to raise up to $1 billion from the token issue.
Tech 9 May 2019
Mining firm Argo Blockchain jacks up capacity to save stock price
Argo Blockchain, the London-listed cryptocurrency mining company, has invested in 1,000 new miners in a bid to shore up its ailing financial performance.
Editorial 3 May 2019
Beware of BCH troll miner posing as ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’
Going by the name of Satoshi Nakamoto, after the pseudonym used by Bitcoin’s creator, the miner has grown to control close to 40% of the overall hash rate of BCHABC.
Business 3 May 2019
Canada, Singapore central banks trial cross-border blockchain payments
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has teamed up with the Bank of Canada, linking their existing experimental blockchain infrastructure to facilitate the pilot transaction.
Business 26 April 2019
Mt. Gox trustee postpones deadline for filing civil rehabilitation
Nobuaki Kobayashi, who was appointed to oversee the handling of compensation claims against the company, said he had applied to a court in Tokyo to revise the deadline for filing.
Business 26 April 2019
Vitalik Buterin fails to respond to legal Letter of Claim and now faces High Court of Justice case for libel against Bitcoin Creator Dr Craig Wright
Either out of defiance or out of a failure to check his mail, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has failed to respond to Dr. Craig Wright’s letter in a libel case.
Business 2 May 2019
‘True cost’ of crypto crime reaches $1.2B in Q1 2019
Cryptocurrency intelligence firm CipherTrace has detailed the many and varied scams, hacks and thefts to have plagued the cryptocurrency community so far this year.
Business 25 April 2019
Analyst discovers unusual BTC product index trading on Nasdaq
U.S. stock exchange Nasdaq is reported to be testing trading of a Bitcoin Core (BTC)-based product, according to findings published by an analyst at StrongMarket.
Business 2 May 2019
3 blockchain firms get green light to join UK FCA’s regulatory sandbox
The Financial Conduct Authority has included Diro Labs, Fintech Delivery Panel Partners and ecommerce payment firm Nuggets within the cohort 5 group of companies.
Business 25 April 2019
Bitfury-backed regulated fund provides ‘convenient access’ to Bitcoin mining
Swiss investment firm Final Frontier has partnered with blockchain company Bitfury to launch a new regulated cryptocurrency mining fund aimed at attracting institutional investors.
Business 26 April 2019
Nike makes a play for crypto with ‘Cryptokicks’ trademark filing
The global sports brand has sought trademark protection for “Cryptokicks” as a name for a new platform for collecting, storing and exchange non-fungible tokens.
Business 24 April 2019
2 crypto exchanges in Japan raided over ‘internal oversight’ fears
Huobi Japan and Fisco Cryptocurrency Exchange were inspected by members of the Financial Services Agency after the firms undertook significant restructuring, according to reports.
Business 1 May 2019
22M users in US visiting crypto exchanges each month: research
The United States is the most popular destination for crypto users globally, with more than triple the number of the next most popular countries, according to a new report.
Business 1 May 2019
Investor hints Bitfinex planning exchange token amid $850M Tether scandal
Dong Zhao, a shareholder with Bitfinex, has suggested that the crypto exchange could be planning to launch an exchange-based token in the wake of the Tether scandal.
Events 24 April 2019
Dr. Craig Wright discusses personal device security on blockchain
In another presentation at Brunel University in London, nChain Chief Scientist Dr. Craig Wright addressed the scope for more effective personal device security through cryptography and the blockchain.
Business 26 April 2019
Jihan Wu on his own? Bitmain reportedly wants out of ‘failure’ Bitcoin Cash
Sources claimed Chinese crypto mining equipment maker Bitmain “will dial down the support” for the BCHABC project.
Events 22 April 2019
Bitcoin will move to 3 billion transactions per second, says Dr. Craig Wright
In a presentation at Brunel University in London, Dr. Craig Wright says Bitcoin will move to 3 billion transactions per second and beyond, which makes the platform suited to mass consumer payments.
Business 18 April 2019
3 of South Korea’s top crypto exchanges post losses in 2018
Against the backdrop of the ongoing bear market, only Upbit turned a profit for the year, bucking the trend which saw Bithumb, Coinone and Korbit post heavy losses for the period.
Business 17 April 2019
Crypto platform Unocoin slashes staff as last-ditch funding talks fail
Half of cryptocurrency startup Unocoin’s remaining staff have been laid off in a desperate bid to conserve cash, down from over 100 staff at its peak in February 2018.
Business 17 April 2019
Japan’s Rakuten opens registration for new crypto exchange, wallet
Traders with a Rakuten ID and a bank account associated with their account are now invited to begin signing up for the service, which will combine crypto exchange and wallet functionality.
Business 16 April 2019
SBI exchange to drop Bitcoin Cash due to dwindling market cap
SBI is removing Bitcoin Cash (BCH) from its list of supported coins. after watching BCH’s market cap continue to dwindle, which would ultimately make the blockchain susceptible to a 51% attack.
Business 16 April 2019
South Korea’s Bithumb secures $200M from Japan’s blockchain fund
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has secured $200 million in fresh funding from a Japanese blockchain investment fund as part of a wider Series A funding round.
Tech 16 April 2019
Hacked Sweden ruling party’s Twitter touts fake crypto news
Swedes awoke on Monday to the government hawking Bitcoin Core (BTC), with hackers using their short time in control of the Twitter account to urge Swedes to buy BTC.
Business 12 April 2019
‘Initial exchange offerings’ criticized as ICO alternative
A number of cryptocurrency commentators have criticized the growing trend for Initial Exchange Offerings, or IEOs, as an alternative to the discredited ICO model.
Business 12 April 2019
Bithumb crypto exchange posts $180M net loss on BTC struggles
South Korea-based crypto exchange Bithumb has posted a net loss for 2018 in a dramatic reversal of fortunes from the previous year.
Business 11 April 2019
Japan’s Financial Services Agency calls BTC ‘not virtual currency’
Bitcoin Core (BTC) has become ineffective for payments, due to slow processing times and high transaction fees, relative to other Bitcoin payment solutions, such as Bitcoin SV.
Business 11 April 2019
2 charged in Singapore over promotion of crypto fraud OneCoin
Police said the scam roped in new participants with promotional tokens which could be used to mine for OneCoin, a practice which is expressly prohibited under pyramid selling laws.
Business 10 April 2019
It’s official: Embattled Canadian exchange QuadrigaCX enters bankruptcy
Canadian cryptocurrency exchange QuadrigaCX has been declared bankrupt following a failed attempt to restructure the firm.
Editorial 10 April 2019
Dr. Craig Wright: ‘Crypto’ devs seek complexity, end with chaos
nChain Chief Scientist Dr. Craig Wright has argued for preserving the simplicity of Bitcoin, and development of the protocol in line with the original whitepaper.
Business 5 April 2019
BitMEX users affected by ‘auto deleveraging’ to be compensated
Crypto exchange platform BitMEX has said it will refund users who lost money following an unexpected surge in Bitcoin Core (BTC) prices, resulting in a process known as “auto deleveraging.”
Business 5 April 2019
Drug dealer in Canada ordered to forfeit $1.4M in crypto
After Matthew Phan was found dealing narcotics online, Canadian law enforcement officers uncovered a large stash of Bitcoin Core (BTC) in a device in his home.
Tech 4 April 2019
New app delivers automated local weather feeds on Bitcoin SV chain
The WeatherSV app allows anyone to activate automated weather channels 40,000 live stations, and the climate data can be stored on the BSV chain forever.
Business 4 April 2019
Crypto mining firm Riot Blockchain posts $58M loss for 2018
Against the backdrop of ongoing U.S. securities regulator’s investigations into the company, the crypto mining firm reported losses of $58 million for the year.
Business 3 April 2019
‘A bloodbath’: Digital Currency Group reports choppy crypto ventures
Spanning almost 130 investments, the company reported summaries of the performance of its positions since 2016, providing a basis for comparison of the health of the industry from then until now.
Business 3 April 2019
PayPal makes debut in blockchain space with startup investment
The firm’s blockchain investment came as part of the Series A funding round in Cambridge Blockchain, which specializes in helping banks and other financial institutions manage data shared on public blockchains.
Business 29 March 2019
Swiss mortgage lender Hypi Lenzburg partners with TokenSuisse
Lender Hypi Lenzburg announced it had reached agreement with local crypto startup TokenSuisse in a deal that will allow the bank to offer a broader range of services to blockchain and crypto firms.
Business 29 March 2019
Another crypto exchange gets green light from Japan regulators
DeCurret Co. Ltd. has successfully completed the application process to become registered as a virtual currency exchange service provider in Japan.
Business 28 March 2019
Uniform Law Commission wants US states to hold off on crypto regulations
The U.S. Uniform Law Commission (ULC) is planning to undertake a review of existing model legislation to take account of the “emerging digital economy” and virtual assets like cryptocurrencies.
Business 28 March 2019
Crypto miner maker Canaan Creative plans fresh attempt at IPO: report
The firm behind the Avalon processor, Canaan Creative is said to be discussing the matter with shareholders in light of a plan to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, according to reports.
Business 27 March 2019
BIS chief: Central banks question ‘value’ of issuing digital currencies
Agustin Carstens said central banks “are not seeing the value” of issuing their own central bank-backed digital currencies (CBDCs), citing concerns over uncertainties about the impact on the wider monetary system.
Business 27 March 2019
Rakuten relaunches crypto exchange, wallet under new license
Japanese retail giant Rakuten has been awarded a license to operate a cryptocurrency exchange, after relaunching its exchange service as Rakuten Wallet.
Business 22 March 2019
Nvidia wants pre-crypto bear stock sold off entirely by Q1 end
The stockpiles that built up towards the end of 2017 and 2018 have been a major drag on the firm since, which has been struggling to shift units following the collapse in cryptocurrency prices.
Business 22 March 2019
AriseBank CEO pleads guilty to $4.2M fraud
Jared Rice has entered a guilty plea to one charge of securities fraud, but could have implicated himself in lying to investors during his time at AriseBank.
Business 21 March 2019
SEC crypto ETF review slammed with multiple negative comments
Those hoping for a Bitcoin exchange traded fund (ETF) might have to wait a bit longer, following a large number of negative comments over proposals currently before regulators in the United States.
Business 21 March 2019
Trustee publishes next steps over $263M for Mt. Gox creditors
Trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi announced the amount secured for creditors stands at $623 million, slightly down from the figures discussed at the first creditors' meeting.
Business 20 March 2019
CoinMarketCap integrates new ‘health’ metric for crypto fundamentals
Known as the Fundamental Crypto Asset Score (FCAS), the measure factors in several variables to compare different cryptocurrencies, including market maturity, level of developer activity in the market and user activity.
Business 20 March 2019
Swiss online retail giant Digitec now accepting Bitcoin SV, other cryptos
Customers will now be able to pay for transactions over CHF200 (approximately $200) in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin SV, in addition to the range of other payment methods supported by the retailer.
Business 15 March 2019
Gatecoin is dead: Hacked crypto exchange finally in liquidation
Gatecoin had been forced to cease trading, following documented difficulties with an external payment service leading to “substantial losses.”
Business 15 March 2019
Stock Exchange of Thailand to launch digital assets platform in 2020
The exchange has confirmed it would be working closely with a range of different stakeholders to develop the platform ahead of its launch next year.
Business 14 March 2019
Police in Canada hunt BTC ATM double-spend scammers
Police in Canada are pursuing four men in connection with so-called ‘double-spend’ attacks, a type of cryptocurrency scam that has been plaguing Bitcoin Core (BTC) across the country.
Tech 13 March 2019
German politicians criticize regulators over ‘lack of legal crypto framework’
A proposal drafted by the Free Democratic Party was laid in front of a Bundestag Finance Committee public hearing this week, stressing the need for a framework to encourage the country’s nascent blockchain sector.
Business 13 March 2019
Crypto miner Canaan secures ‘hundreds of millions’ in fresh investment round
Chinese crypto mining giant Canaan Creative has secured investment running to hundreds of millions, according to local press reports, in the latest positive sign for the recuperating crypto mining sector.
Business 8 March 2019
UK’s Financial Conduct Authority flags ‘illegal’ Next Coin Market
The regulator, which is responsible for overseeing the financial services sector in the country, flagged a firm called Next Coin Market, which it said had been falsely claiming FCA authorization.
Business 8 March 2019
73% of UK consumers ‘don’t know what cryptocurrency is’
Almost three-quarters of consumers don’t know or can’t describe what a cryptocurrency is, according to a new survey published by the UK’s chief financial regulator.
Tech 7 March 2019
IBM security testing tool targets blockchain enterprises
IBM crack security team X-Force Red has announced a new service for testing blockchain, which would help discover weaknesses and vulnerabilities in blockchain systems.
Tech 7 March 2019
Argentina gov’t partners with Binance for local blockchain investment
The agreement between Binance and the government will see Argentina providing matching funding of up to $50,000 for blockchain projects.
Business 6 March 2019
PwC report links crypto exchange WEX to Iranian ransomware
WEX has been linked to funds received in connection with Iranian ransomware, in the latest example of illicit activity being linked to the crypto exchange.
Tech 6 March 2019
Crypto mining recovery emerges amid expectations of cheaper energy
Following some 18 months of challenging trading, some indicators are now showing outlook for the cryptocurrency sector turning more positive.
Business 1 March 2019
Update: Thai SEC bans Bitcoin Cash, 2 other cryptos for ICOs, trading pairs
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand has added three new cryptocurrencies to its list of permitted cryptocurrencies for ICOs and trading pairs.
Business 1 March 2019
Singapore wealth fund ‘secretly invested’ in Coinbase: report
GIC Pte, the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore, is reported to have been involved in a $300 million funding round held by cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase in October 2018.
Business 28 February 2019
London Stock Exchange leads crypto bond startup’s $20M funding round
Nivaura's platform allows for automatic settlement, either within existing clearance systems, or as tokens written to the blockchain.
Business 28 February 2019
‘9.4% of total holdings’: Cryptopia reveals extent of January hack
New Zealand crypto exchange Cryptopia has revealed more details on the hack it suffered in January, suggesting as much as 9.4% of the firm’s entire holdings had been stolen.
Tech 27 February 2019
National Bank of Ukraine completes e-hryvnia digital currency trial
The central bank of Ukraine has completed the latest stage of its digital currency pilot, as it continues to investigate the utility and functionality of a so-called “e-hryvnia.”
Business 27 February 2019
Swiss bank Julius Baer enables crypto services to meet ‘increasing demand’
The Swiss bank announced that it has partnered with digital bank startup SEBA Crypto to offer access to crypto storage, investment and transaction services to its customers nationwide.
Business 22 February 2019
Wilsons Auctions to sell seized crypto for Belgian government
In what looks set to become a global first, the auction house is preparing to put the crypto up for public sale later this month.
Tech 22 February 2019
Security researcher finds Bitmain S15 miner exploit
A developer has discovered vulnerability in Bitmain’s Antminer S15, which has subsequently been turned into an exploit by an anonymous security researcher.
Tech 21 February 2019
Japanese securities brokerage Daiwa concludes blockchain pilot
Japan-based Daiwa Securities Group has completed a blockchain trade matching pilot, completing the second stage of testing of its proof-of-concept model.
Tech 21 February 2019
Blockchain security firm CipherTrace secures $15M investment
The company, which provides compliance solutions and technologies for crypto exchanges, banks and regulators, has been tracking criminal activity around cryptocurrency sector since 2011.
Business 20 February 2019
$1 billion Seoul startup fund to include blockchain companies
The fund has been committed by the government in Seoul, South Korea’s capital, through the Seoul Innovation Growth Fund, designed to encourage entrepreneurship within the city.
Business 20 February 2019
BitGo offers up to $100M insurance for crypto assets
Custodial assets held by BitGo are covered by the Lloyd’s insurance market up to the value of $100 million, with the firm itself covered by a variety of policy types to its customers.
Business 15 February 2019
South Korean telecom firm to launch local cryptocurrency
South Korea’s largest telecoms company, KT Corporation, has been chosen to operate a new local cryptocurrency platform for Gimpo City, according to reports.
Business 15 February 2019
Huobi Wallet brings Bitcoin SV, other cryptos to Japan and Korea
Huobi Wallet has extended support for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin SV to its customers, now including those based in Japan and Korea.
Tech 14 February 2019
South Korea’s KEB Hana Bank files 46 blockchain-related patents
The largest foreign exchange bank in South Korea has filed 46 patents for blockchain technology, in one of the largest single disclosures of blockchain IP ever disclosed.
Business 14 February 2019
Police: ‘Battle royale’ gamers stole $2.47M from Turkish crypto firm
Twenty-four suspects have been arrested in a simultaneous operation, after Turkish police received reports of a theft of cryptocurrencies.
Business 13 February 2019
Crypto analysis firm Chainalysis secures $30M in Series B funding
Chainalysis, a cryptocurrency analysis firm, has raised $30 million in Series B funding, as the firm looks to expand into new markets in 2019.
Business 13 February 2019
Bithumb to launch new crypto exchange in UAE
South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb is to launch a new exchange in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a partnership with blockchain VC firm Nvelop.
Business 8 February 2019
Voyager Digital set to become first publicly traded crypto broker
The broker will list on the TSX exchange in Toronto, after acquiring the currently listed UC Resources.
Business 8 February 2019
‘Crypto celebrity’ plans to give Mt. Gox clients their money back
Brock Pierce plans to recover the company’s $1.2 billion in assets and to disperse them to those who had their funds locked down in the collapse.
Business 7 February 2019
Opera now lets users buy crypto from mobile browser
Opera is the latest company to take crypto to the mainstream, following the announcement the firm will include the functionality to buy cryptocurrency alongside its wallet service on Android.
Business 7 February 2019
FCA issues scam alert after £197M lost to scams in 2018
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning to investors over investment scams, many of which are connected to unregulated cryptocurrency companies in the United Kingdom alone.
Business 6 February 2019
Mt. Gox trustee bank book exposes crypto dumping
The revelations show significant sell-offs by the trustee, which researchers have linked to specific declines in value in BTC, BCHABC and the wider cryptocurrency sector.
Business 6 February 2019
Isle of Man eyes ‘premium’ businesses with new blockchain initiatives
The self-governing British dependency announced a regulatory sandbox for blockchain development as well establishing a Blockchain Office, in a bid to shore up its position as a jurisdiction of choice for the blockchain sector.
Business 1 February 2019
South Korea’s ICO ban to stay, regulators say
South Korea will maintain its ban on initial coin offerings (ICOs), following analysis of a survey conducted by the country’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), on behalf of Korea’s chief financial regulator
Business 1 February 2019
Crypto exchange Binance adds support for debit, credit card deposits
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has announced it is now supporting debit and credit card payments, in a move expected to help increase mainstream adoption.
Business 31 January 2019
‘Financial business alliance’ between LVC, Line, Nomura focuses on blockchain
LVC Corporation, Line and Nomura Holdings Inc. have executed a memorandum of understanding, which will see the firms forming a “financial business alliance” to focus on developing blockchain technology.
Tech 31 January 2019
Fujitsu applies blockchain for electricity exchange
Japanese tech giant Fujitsu has announced a new blockchain-based system for electricity exchange, with a model capable of improving efficiency by up to 40% on existing systems.
Tech 30 January 2019
Money Button: Large OP_RETURN data sizes on Bitcoin SV are the start of a new era
Crypto payment button app Money Button has announced support for giant OP_RETURN data sizes, allowing users to store files of up to 100KB on a single transaction on the blockchain.
Tech 30 January 2019
Report: 60% of crypto exchange hacks come from 2 groups
Blockchain analysis software company Chainalysis said there were two “prominent, professional” criminal gangs behind attacks totaling over $1 billion in losses—sufficient to account for 60% of all hacking activity over the reporting period.
Business 25 January 2019
IMF: Blockchain in Malta poses ‘significant risks’ to financial system
According to the IMF, the rise of the blockchain sectors in Malta isn’t wholly innocent, and could in fact pose “significant risks” to the country’s financial system.
Tech 25 January 2019
Italian Senate approves amendment to include blockchain terms in law
The Italian senate has approved amendments to legislation which introduces blockchain terms into existing laws, marking the first significant steps from the government towards regulation for the blockchain sector.
Business 24 January 2019
Blockchain.com becomes latest crypto wallet adding support for Bitcoin SV
Leading crypto wallet Blockchain.com has become the latest service to onboard support for Bitcoin SV, as the currency continues to gain traction as the closest reflection of Satoshi’s original vision.
Business 24 January 2019
In Pennsylvania, crypto exchanges do not require money transmission license
The U.S. state of Pennsylvania has confirmed that cryptocurrency exchanges are not money transmitters, and therefore do not require a money transmission license to do business in the state.
Business 23 January 2019
Token platform BlockEx ends 2018 with layoffs
The London-based startup had been tipped for big things, but after a number of setbacks over the past year, BlockEx now finds itself laying off staff, in a bid to remain viable.
Business 23 January 2019
Mastercard fined $640M for obstructing cross-border payments
Mastercard has been handed a fine of over €570 million ($648.4 million) after it was found to be obstructing merchants from accessing lower fees for cross-border payments, contrary to European Union (EU) law.
Business 18 January 2019
Google blocking ‘Ethereum’ ads in latest crypto blacklist
Decenter, a smart contract security audit startup based in Belgrade, said it had noticed a “hard stop” on ads containing references to “Ethereum,” including for terms such as “Ethereum security audits.”
Business 18 January 2019
Huobi launches regulated crypto exchange in Japan
Singapore cryptocurrency exchange group Huobi has announced the launch of Huobi Japan, a regulated and fully licensed cryptocurrency exchange, following a recent merger with BitTrade.
Business 17 January 2019
Giga Watt woes continue: Bankrupt miner forced to shut down operations
Embattled cryptocurrency miner Giga Watt has been dealt another serious blow, with the news that the firm has been forced to shutter its day-to-day operations with immediate effect.
Business 17 January 2019
Security researchers uncover crypto scam spoofing BBC News
A cryptocurrency scam which spoofs the BBC News website has been uncovered by security researchers, in the latest crypto scam to target unsuspecting victims.
Business 16 January 2019
Bitmain cutbacks claim another victim—Wormhole
Is Wormhole, the supposed game-changing project backed by Bitmain CEO Jihan Wu, is no longer “auxiliary” to the Chinese cryptocurrency mining company?
Tech 16 January 2019
Fake movie on Pirate Bay injects malicious code to steal crypto: report
A fake movie file on The Pirate Bay torrent tracker is infecting computers and stealing cryptocurrency, in the latest example of cryptocurrency-based malware to sweep through online communities.
Business 16 January 2019
Hack forces Cryptopia exchange offline with mounting losses
The scale of the attack remains unclear for the time being, though there is the suggestion that as many as 19,931 ETH and 48 million Centrality (CENNZ) tokens could have been moved from the exchange, totaling in the region of US$3.65 million.
Business 11 January 2019
Blockchain Terminal-linked firm sued in New York over unpaid fees
A company affiliated with professional crypto trading service Blockchain Terminal is being sued in New York, over allegations it failed to make licensing payments due under contract.
Business 11 January 2019
Paris tobacconists branch out, start selling cryptocurrency
Tobacconists in Paris are now offering their customers the chance to pick up some cryptocurrency along with their cigarettes, lotto tickets and daily newspaper, as part of an initiative set to sweep across the sector in France in 2019.
Business 10 January 2019
European watchdog calls for ‘EU-wide’ crypto regulation
In a document designed to inform policymakers, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) suggested that current regulatory gaps should be addressed by the EU Commission.
Business 10 January 2019
Thailand welcomes first crypto exchanges as SEC issues new licenses
Overseen by the Ministry of Finance, the first licenses have been issued to four cryptocurrency exchanges, with two rejected and a further license application still in the balance.
Tech 9 January 2019
Ledger announces new ‘Nano X’ hardware wallet
French crypto startup Ledger has unveiled their latest model, described as a “next-generation cryptocurrency wallet,” to enable users to send and receive cryptocurrency through their smartphone.
Business 9 January 2019
Japan’s FSA plans new regulation for unregulated crypto firms
The financial regulator in Japan is planning a new round of regulation for the crypto sector, this time targeting firms currently operating on an unregulated basis.
Business 3 January 2019
Phillip Frost coughs up $5.5M to settle pump-and-dump charges with SEC
Diversified healthcare firm OPKO Health has become the latest to propose settlement terms in a case brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over alleged breaches of securities laws.
Business 3 January 2019
Japan’s DMM axes crypto mining unit amid plunging profits
E-commerce powerhouse DMM.com has announced it is winding down its cryptocurrency mining operations, the latest firm to roll back after a disastrous year for the mining sector.
Business 4 January 2019
Coinbase celebrates Q4 achievements—but still no Bitcoin SV?
Coinbase has rung in the New Year with a roundup of its achievements in the last quarter of 2018, yet there still remains a glaring omission—still no support for Bitcoin SV.
Business 4 January 2019
Token exchange startup to trade Nasdaq companies
DX.Exchange said customers would be able to trade in tokens representing shares in different listed tech companies when the exchange goes live on January 7.
Business 2 January 2019
UK regulator launches fraud probe into 18 crypto companies
The Financial Conduct Authority launched the latest round of investigations on Sunday as part of an operation to clean up the crypto sector, with as many as 18 firms under formal investigation.
Business 2 January 2019
A ‘criminal act’? Iran bans Telegram cryptocurrency
Authorities in Iran have outlawed the native token of the message app Telegram over fears it could undermine attempts to resuscitate the country’s economy.
Business 28 December 2018
‘For the better survival of Bitmain’: Embattled Jihan Wu, co-CEO reportedly resigning
The crypto mining company's top man, Jihan Wu, is reportedly about to quit his chief executive position at Bitmain, along with his co-CEO Micree Zhan.
Business 28 December 2018
Just deserts: Morgan Stanley fined for money laundering failings
In an ironic turn of events, banking group Morgan Stanley has been handed a substantial fine for anti-money laundering failures, despite previously criticizing cryptocurrency exchanges for a lax approach to AML checks.
Business 28 December 2018
Disgraced Mt. Gox CEO affirms ‘not guilty’ plea in closing arguments
The former CEO of failed cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox has reiterated that he is entirely innocent in the events leading up to its demise, in closing arguments at his trial in Japan.
Tech 27 December 2018
Bank of America files patent for blockchain-powered cash handling
The patent describes a system for facilitating cash handling via the blockchain, leveraging the advantages of distributed ledger tech for improving efficiency and effectiveness.
Business 27 December 2018
Bithumb ‘not responsible’ for compensating $335K hack victim, says court
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has escaped without liability following legal action brought by a victim of a $335,000 hack on the platform, in a landmark ruling for the cryptocurrency sector.
Business 26 December 2018
Crypto miner maker Ebang reports profit drop in latest IPO attempt
Ebang has reported “significant decreases” in both revenues and gross profit over the third quarter of the year, in a refiling of its draft IPO prospectus with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Business 26 December 2018
US lawmakers take hard line on Iran’s crypto plans
Lawmakers in the United States have presented a bill designed to respond to Iran's efforts to develop a national cryptocurrency, the latest sanctioned state to turn its focus to crypto.
Business 21 December 2018
Is Bithumb faking 94% of trading activity?
An expose by crypto exchange rating service CER has found that as much as 94% of the trading volumes on Bithumb had been faked, with the practice first dating back to the summer of this year.
Business 21 December 2018
Belgium expands list of crypto fraud sites in latest warning to investors
The Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has added an additional 14 sites to its list, which now runs to a total of 113.
Tech 20 December 2018
Next self-proclaimed ‘Bitcoin Killer’? Chia crypto yet to win over critics
The creator of BitTorrent, Bram Cohen, thinks he’s got a solution to the negligible climate impact of mining cryptocurrencies, with his new Chia token.
Business 20 December 2018
UK tax agency rolls out guidelines for crypto tax treatment
The tax authority of the United Kingdom has published guidelines on the tax treatment of cryptocurrencies, in its most comprehensive advice to crypto investors to date.
Business 20 December 2018
US bankers up in arms over Robinhood’s checking, savings products
Representatives of two of America’s leading bodies for the banking industry have hit out at Robinhood Financial over their checking and savings accounts, which claim to offer an alternative to mainstream bank accounts.
Business 17 December 2018
You got served: Bitmain, ‘team of conspirators’ ordered to respond to BCH market manipulation lawsuit
Jihan Wu, his company Bitmain, and their alleged ‘team conspirators” have 21 days to respond to a lawsuit accusing them of intentional fraud and market manipulation during the recent Bitcoin Cash BCH network upgrade.
Editorial 14 December 2018
Is ABC’s end game plan to help China sideline Bitcoin?
Far from creating a state of anarchy, it appears that the ABC faction may have been working for the Chinese government after all.
Business 14 December 2018
Börse Stuttgart to launch crypto trading venue in 2019
Börse Stuttgart, the firm behind the Stuttgart Stock Exchange, is to launch a crypto trading market in 2019, in partnership with solarisBank.
Business 14 December 2018
Basis stablecoin folds, will return $133M in investments
Basis, the heavily funded stablecoin, has confirmed rumors that it is to close, returning all of the funds to investors.
Business 13 December 2018
UK crypto exchange CEX.IO makes KYC mandatory
UK-based cryptocurrency exchange CEX.IO is now requiring all new customers to undergo a mandatory verification process, as part of enhanced anti-money laundering processes.
Business 13 December 2018
What’s in a name? Blockchain Terminal ICO fraudster allegedly has ‘two identities’
The promoter behind the Blockchain Terminal (BCT) initial coin offering (ICO) has been unveiled as a disgraced Canadian fraudster who had adopted a fake persona, in an elaborate scheme that fooled employees as well as investors.
Tech 12 December 2018
PayPal rolls out blockchain rewards scheme for staff
Payments giant PayPal has become the latest company to deploy blockchain technology, in this case as a means of delivering a new incentive platform for the company’s employees.
Business 12 December 2018
Opposition lawmaker eyes tax policy overhaul for Japan’s crypto market
A Japanese lawmaker has proposed a set of changes to the taxation of virtual currency transactions designed to remove the current barriers to growing trading volumes in the country.
Business 7 December 2018
‘Unauthorized’ crypto service draws ire of Italian, Maltese regulators
The chief financial regulator in Italy, the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB), has issued a cease and desist order to SolutionsCM Ltd. over an alleged breach of Italian securities laws.
Business 7 December 2018
Reserve Bank of South Africa launches crypto law consultation
The National Treasury and The Reserve Bank of South Africa have published a consultation document on overhauling national payment systems, in a move that could pave the way for greater integration of cryptocurrencies in the national economy.
Business 6 December 2018
New York approves blockchain-based ‘real-time’ digital payment service
The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has authorized a new system from Signature Bank which will allow corporate customers to make bank payments in a form of virtual currency.
Tech 6 December 2018
Vertcoin loses over $100,000 in 51% attack: report
Vertcoin (VTC) has fallen prey to a 51% attack, with some estimates suggesting losses have already surpassed $100,000 as a result of double spend transactions on the chain.
Interviews 5 December 2018
Dr. Craig Wright engages in philosophical discussion about ‘hidden math’ of Bitcoin
The chief scientist at nChain, Dr. Wright expressed his theories on the philosophical and technical underpinnings of Bitcoin in conversation with Michael Hudson, founder and CEO at crypto advisory service Bitstocks, in the first episode of the Bitstocks podcast.
Tech 5 December 2018
Homeland Security wants a look at activities on private blockchains
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has become the latest arm of government to take an interest in blockchain, this time with a view to develop forensic analysis tools for analysing blockchain transactions.
Tech 30 November 2018
Botnets increasingly used for crypto mining malware, Kaspersky says
The findings from cybersecurity company Kaspersky Labs identifies a growing trend towards using botnets in conjunction with crypto mining attacks.
Business 30 November 2018
Steemit restructures with 70% job losses, citing crypto slowdown
Decentralised publishing and content distribution platform Steemit has become the latest blockchain company to feel the heat, as the slowdown in legacy cryptocurrency markets continues to bite.
Business 29 November 2018
Texas securities issues cease and desist as ICO crackdown continues
The Texas Securities Commissioner has issued an emergency cease and desist order against My Crypto Mine and Mark Royer, an individual involved with the company, in the latest wave of enforcement action against illegal initial coin offerings.
Tech 29 November 2018
‘No longer sound money’: Developer Unwriter slams ABC’s ‘self-inflicted scars’
The prolific developer, who was behind a number of the useful infrastructure projects in the Bitcoin Cash ecosystem, recently shared his thoughts on the so-called BCH hash war and the ABC group—and they're not pretty.
Business 28 November 2018
Trustee wants deadline extension for Mt. Gox civil claims
Nobuaki Kobayashi has disclosed efforts to convince the courts to grant an extension to the deadline for filing claims, in a move that would afford Mt. Gox claimants more time in lodging their applications for compensation.
Business 28 November 2018
Nasdaq defies plummeting prices to push ahead with crypto futures in 2019
Stock exchange firm Nasdaq will reportedly continue with plans that will see them launch BTC futures in 2019 despite the ongoing price slide, according to sources close to the company.
Tech 23 November 2018
Wormhole apparently launching on Bitcoin SV ‘soon’
Not much is known about this project supposedly based off Bitcoin SV. On GitHub, the team behind this project said they are “launching soon,” noting that “our fork of Wormhole is in active development.”
Tech 23 November 2018
Norway scraps power subsidies for crypto miners
Norway has scrapped a subsidy granted to cryptocurrency miners in the country, which could result in spiraling energy costs for operators in the sector.
Business 22 November 2018
Colorado securities comes after new batch of alleged fraud ICOs
Commissioner Gerald Rome of the state Division of Securities gave the go-ahead for action against 18 new ICOs in addition to two that are still outstanding, after the division’s ICO Task Force identified potential regulatory breaches.
Business 22 November 2018
Heavily indebted crypto mining firm Giga Watt declares bankruptcy
U.S.-based crypto mining company Giga Watt has declared bankruptcy, with debts amounting to millions still outstanding to their creditors, according to a filing before a district court in New York.
Business 21 November 2018
North Dakota securities chief clamps down on ‘fraudulent’ Union Bank Coin
The North Dakota Securities Commissioner has issued a cease and desist order against Union Bank Payment Coin, over suggestions it had been promoting fraudulent securities in the form of its recent initial coin offering.
Business 21 November 2018
To prevent tax fraud, Spain will keep an eye on 15,000 crypto investors
The Spanish Ministry of Finance is to inspect some 15,000 individuals who have engaged in cryptocurrency transactions over the last year.
Business 16 November 2018
Ohio lawmaker eyes bill allowing ICOs to ‘sidestep’ securities laws
Rep. Warren Davidson, of the 8th district of the state of Ohio, is reportedly weighing up a prospective bill which would treat ICOs as a type of product, rather than a form of security, thereby reducing the influence and oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Business 16 November 2018
Crypto miner Canaan’s $400M IPO application in Hong Kong expires
The application from cryptocurrency mining equipment manufacturer Canaan for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong has lapsed.
Business 15 November 2018
Avoid unlicensed crypto exchanges, Thai SEC tells public
The chief financial regulator of Thailand has warned investors to avoid the unregulated Q Exchange, following an order issued to the firm to stop advertising on account of a lack of a sufficient license.
Business 15 November 2018
Tokyo police arrest 8 linked to $68M crypto pyramid scheme
Police in Tokyo have arrested eight individuals in connection with a BTC pyramid scheme alleged to have swindled as much as $68.4 million from its victims.
Business 14 November 2018
Crypto fraud scheme lands US trader in jail, plus $1.1M in fines
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has weighed in with its latest penalty, following multi-agency efforts to bring a fraudulent crypto trader to justice.
Business 14 November 2018
Iran’s answer to SWIFT removal? A state-issued cryptocurrency
After the Central Bank of Iran was ejected from the global SWIFT network following the reintroduction of U.S.-led sanctions, sources close to the CBI have confirmed it is stepping up efforts to introduce state-backed digital currency.
Business 9 November 2018
‘Not recommended’: Bank of Israel publishes report on central bank crypto
After devoting a team of researchers to establishing whether the bank should move towards a digital currency of its own, the findings have come back negative.
Business 9 November 2018
EtherDelta founder faces raps over unregistered securities exchange
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged the founder of crypto trading platform EtherDelta with running an unregistered securities exchange, in the latest example of the regulator taking direct enforcement action against those who flout securities law.
Tech 8 November 2018
Salesforce new patent kills email spam with blockchain
San Francisco-based B2B software company Salesforce has been awarded a patent for a blockchain application aimed specifically at spam email.
Tech 8 November 2018
Hackers exploit StatCounter analytics, targeting crypto exchange Gate.io
Hackers strike again—this time with popular analytics script StatCounter, in an attack that researchers say was an attempt to target a specific cryptocurrency exchange.
Tech 7 November 2018
Thai revenue department turns to blockchain for tackling tax avoidance
The revenue department in Thailand has become the latest government body to turn to blockchain technology, after it announced plans for tackling tax avoidance and investigating fraud.
Business 7 November 2018
Crypto Bulls launches first UAE-registered crypto exchange
Crypto firm Crypto Bulls has teamed up with Al Zarooni Group and Gulf Coin Gold to launch the Crypto Bulls exchange, an exchange which will focus on the Dubai market.
Business 2 November 2018
Crypto ATM firm Coinsource secures New York’s BitLicense
The world’s largest crypto ATM company Coinsource has become the latest firm to secure a coveted virtual currency license in New York.
Business 2 November 2018
Hong Kong rolls out regulatory standards for crypto exchanges, funds
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) published a statement detailing the new regulatory standards set to come into effect for cryptocurrency investors and businesses.
Tech 1 November 2018
Bank of America secures yet another patent, this time for storing private keys
Bank of America has secured its latest cryptocurrency patent, in the form of a hardware device designed to securely store cryptographic keys offline.
Business 1 November 2018
‘No issue’: South Korean banks cleared to work with crypto companies
Choi Jong-Ku, commissioner of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), said there were no particular issues that should prevent banks from servicing crypto clients.
Business 31 October 2018
Stablecoins are not cryptocurrencies, Japan’s FSA confirms
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) has said that stablecoins are not virtual currencies under the definition provided in the Payment Services Act, in a statement that could have profound effects on how stablecoins are regulated in Japan.
Business 31 October 2018
Coinbase eyes adding ‘hundreds’ of cryptos after closing new $300M round
Crypto exchange and wallet service Coinbase has raised $300 million through its Series E funding round, designed to provide more capital to power its mission to “accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrencies.”
Business 26 October 2018
Spain passes new crypto asset declaration law for citizens
A new law approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers will oblige private citizens to declare their cryptocurrency holdings, in a landmark development for crypto regulation.
Business 26 October 2018
‘Dubious’ crypto platform claims to be holding Malta license
The platform, called Primetradingbot, claimed to offer high-yield BTC investments, and appeared to be targeting unsophisticated investors who still believe the BTC coin has a future, according to the Malta Financial Services Authority.
Business 25 October 2018
Draft bill seeks ‘tax holiday’ for crypto companies in Ukraine
A bill proposed by lawmakers in Ukraine could see the country’s fledgling cryptocurrency sector benefit from a “tax holiday,” as part of a package of measures designed to foster the development of the sector there.
Business 25 October 2018
Crypto exchange group in Japan gains legal powers to self-regulate
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) announced that the Japanese Virtual Currency Exchange Association (JVCEA) has been awarded the status of “certified fund settlement business association,” giving the body legal authority to shape regulation for cryptocurrency exchanges in the country.
Business 24 October 2018
Singapore gov’t-owned venture firm makes ‘strategic investment’ in Binance
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volumes, is the latest company to secure the backing of Vertex Ventures, a group of investment companies indirectly owned by the government of Singapore.
Business 19 October 2018
Deadline for Mt. Gox rehabilitation claims filing approaches
With the deadline set at October 22, the race is now on for affected Mt. Gox clients to file their rehabilitation claims, to avoid missing out on the funds they’ve been waiting for.
Business 19 October 2018
BitGo raises $59M in Goldman Sachs-led Series B funding
Investment giant Goldman Sachs has led a successful $59 million Series B funding round in crypto custodian service BitGo, in the latest example of a major Wall Street institutional investor backing the cryptocurrency sector.
Tech 18 October 2018
CFTC official issues warning over smart contracts, predictive code
A CFTC commissioner has warned smart contract developers that they could be held liable for blockchain functions deemed to be "predictive event contracts."
Business 18 October 2018
Forbes-backed ICO fails to reach $8M target, investors to be refunded
Civil raised less than $1.5 million for its blockchain journalism platform—despite partnerships with the Associated Press and Forbes, amongst other high profile names.
Tech 17 October 2018
Aussie state considers blockchain tech for land registry
New South Wales Land Registry Services has launched a new proof-of-concept trial for a blockchain-based system for recording property transactions.
Tech 16 October 2018
Bitcoin SV version 0.1 goes live
Leading blockchain technology research and development outfit nChain has rolled out the beta release of its Bitcoin SV client on October 15—one month ahead of the November Bitcoin Cash (BCH) network upgrade.
Tech 12 October 2018
Adult industry payment platform saves own ass after getting spanked
As a result of a broken smart contract, a hacker was able to break into the SpankChain platform and siphon funds from some of its users, through deploying a reentrancy bug—the same bug that has previously been used to attack the DAO.
Business 12 October 2018
Bitfinex pulls fiat deposits amid latest crypto price freefall
Cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex has suspended fiat deposits, apparently on a temporary basis, amid the latest significant sell-off in the BTC markets.
Business 11 October 2018
SEC wants subpoena enforced in $100M Cherubim ICO probe
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking steps to enforce a subpoena against an investment company and its sole trustee, over allegations of their fraudulent involvement in a $100-million ICO.
Business 11 October 2018
Indian authorities track down prolific ‘Kassh coin’ crypto scammer
In a major coup for law enforcement agencies, Asif Ashraf Malkani was finally arrested after several months on the run, following complaints to Indian police from aggrieved investors in his cryptocurrency scams.
Business 10 October 2018
QuadrigaCX sees over $20M frozen as Canada’s ‘banking cartel’ steps up crypto attacks
In the latest example of banks taking exception to promising crypto businesses, press reports have revealed that Vancouver-based QuadrigaCX has been facing a freeze on assets worth as much as CAD28 million.
Business 10 October 2018
FINMA issues landmark Swiss license for crypto asset management
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority granted licensing approval to Crypto Fund, an investment fund based in Zug.
Business 5 October 2018
South Korea’s Bithumb to launch decentralized exchange
Bithumb DEX will target global cryptocurrency markets, and is being developed in partnership with One Root Network, which has already pioneered its own DEX which launched earlier this year.
Editorial 4 October 2018
Bitmain resorts to threats over fragile IPO
Sources tell that Bitmain executives have promised to “disappear” anyone who crosses them inside China.
Tech 4 October 2018
IBM secures blockchain network security patent
The patent describes how blockchain technology can be used to monitor network security breaches within computer systems.
Business 3 October 2018
ShapeShift hits back at ‘deceptive’ Wall Street Journal report
Erik Voorhees, the founder of ShapeShift.io, has responded robustly to claims made in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that he says are “factually incorrect and deceptive.”
Business 3 October 2018
‘Railroaded’ debuts marking Ross Ulbricht’s 5 years behind bars
FreeRoss.org, a campaign group led by Ross Ulbricht’s family and supporters, have launched a new project to raise awareness of the case.
Business 28 September 2018
Mastercard looking into blockchain to improve payment efficiency
Payments giant Mastercard is reported to be exploring a number of new technologies, including blockchain, as the group looks to improve the general efficiency of its payments networks.
Business 28 September 2018
US court junks My Big Coin Pay’s attempt to dismiss CFTC lawsuit
A court in Massachusetts has backed the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in their interpretation of virtual currencies as commodities (and thus within the regulator’s jurisdiction), in the process dismissing a petition from the My Big Coin’s promoters to have the case set aside.
Business 27 September 2018
Circle announces new US dollar-pegged crypto, the USD Coin
Circle has created a new cryptocurrency—the USD Coin (USDC)—which is pegged to the US dollar and backed up by physical reserves of fiat held by company.
Business 26 September 2018
Trezor crypto wallet adds buy, trade capabilities in beta release
Hardware crypto wallet Trezor has rolled out new features that enable users to buy and exchange cryptocurrencies within their beta wallet—without the risks of leaving funds on an exchange.
Business 26 September 2018
Google lifts ban on crypto ads for US, Japan regulated firms
Google has unbanned on cryptocurrency ads on its platform, with a view to working more closely with regulated institutions in the United States and Japan.
Business 21 September 2018
Crypto theft cases in Japan ‘tripled’ in 2018 so far
The amount stolen this year was substantially larger than the equivalent figure recorded in 2017, with JPY60 billion stolen so far across 158 separate thefts in Japan alone.
Business 20 September 2018
Alleged AlphaBay leader’s crypto millions forfeited in California court
Millions of dollars in cryptocurrency and assets have been seized by U.S. authorities from the estate of Alexandre Cazes, a dark web entrepreneur believed to have been the brains behind the now-defunct AlphaBay marketplace.
Business 20 September 2018
Monetary Authority of Singapore warns investors of yet another crypto scam
Another day, yet another crypto scam—this time, in the form of a website, which, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), falsely represents comments from MAS chairman and the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Business 19 September 2018
Litecoin is a ‘significantly overvalued relic,’ report finds
Litecoin is struggling from a lack of adoption amongst merchants, the majority of which only support LTC as part of a basket of cryptocurrencies supported by their payment processor, according to a report published by crypto hedge fund Multicoin Capital.
Business 19 September 2018
$1 billion fund founders to launch Japanese yen-pegged stablecoin
The founders of a $1 billion blockchain fund backed by the government of Hangzhou in China have announced plans for a new project that will launch a stablecoin backed by Japanese yen.
Tech 13 September 2018
Japan’s Softbank trials blockchain-based mobile payments service
Developed in partnership with Synchronoss and TBCASoft, the platform allows for payments to be sent peer-to-peer across different mobile carriers, in a process similar to sending a standard text message.
Business 13 September 2018
After Pantronics, Huobi acquires licensed crypto exchange in Japan
Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Huobi is on the verge of acquiring a regulated Japanese cryptocurrency broker, in a deal that will confirm the group’s expansion into Japan’s cryptocurrency investment sector.
Business 12 September 2018
South Korean banks withdraws services to anonymous crypto accounts
Representatives from the South Korean banking industry have said they will limit services to cryptocurrency traders who haven’t converted to real-name accounts, in a move designed to shake up the 50 to 60% of accounts that still remain unverified.
Business 12 September 2018
HempCoin promoter charged with unlawful distribution of crypto securities
Timothy Tilton Ayre, promoter of a scheme called HempCoin, is charged with promoting the token as an unregulated security, which has been described as “the first minable coin backed by marketable securities.”
Business 11 September 2018
China’s WeChat shuts down Bitmain sales account
The WeChat crackdown on crypto "hype news" channels continues, and this time one of the targets has been identified as Chinese cryptocurrency mining manufacturer Bitmain.
Business 7 September 2018
Startup Coins wants to onboard 20 million users by 2020
Fintech startup Coins has more than tripled its user number to 5 million in under 12 months, after a whirlwind year for the company and its cryptocurrency payments app. And by 2020, CEO Ron Hose said Coins is aiming to reach 20 million users.
Business 7 September 2018
Kraken shoots down rumors it’s closing Canada offices
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has denied rumors that it is shutting down its operations in Halifax, Canada, in response to an alleged security breach.
Business 6 September 2018
Smart Valor wins Swiss approval to act as financial intermediary
Swiss tech startup Smart Valor has become one of the few blockchain companies based in the country to win approval from regulators, after the firm was approved to act as a financial intermediary.
Business 6 September 2018
Crypto firms in Samoa to get same treatment as financial institutions
The Central Bank of Samoa will treat cryptocurrency companies like financial institutions, meaning they will have to be abide by a number of existing regulations that apply to the likes of banks and insurers based on the island.
Editorial 5 September 2018
How ‘Black Mirror’ helps explain Bitcoin as a proof of work system
In a Medium post, Dr. Craig Wright explained the significance of CoinGeek as the first independent corporate miner of Bitcoin, and how this would offset what he describes as ‘proof of social media'—with consequences that can be lifted directly from an episode of the dystopian drama series.
Business 5 September 2018
Greek top court now wants to send Alexander Vinnik to Russia
The highest tribunal in Greece has ruled that Alexander Vinnik, the alleged owner of the disgraced crypto trading platform BTC-e, is to be extradited to Russia.
Business 31 August 2018
China’s crypto promotion ban expands beyond Beijing
Crypto events were banned in Beijing’s Chaoyang district earlier in the month. According to local press, this ban has now been extended to Guangzhou’s Development District, moving beyond Beijing for the first time.
Business 30 August 2018
South Korea’s Bithumb exchange to restart user registrations
Bithumb will reportedly resume offering services to new accounts from as early as this week, following confirmation of a partnership with NH Bank which will lift the restrictions on the firm.
Business 30 August 2018
Square secures patent for crypto payment network
Payments firm Square has been awarded a patent for a new payments system designed to allow merchants to collect payment in any currency, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin BCH.
Business 29 August 2018
Indian call center BTC fraud scheme preys on foreigners
Seven people were arrested in the Mumbai suburb of Mira Road, in connection with a call center scam that had been soliciting payments in BTC.
Business 24 August 2018
Ripple CTO claims XRP crypto coin ‘more decentralized’ than BTC
David Schwartz, chief technology officer at Ripple Labs, has published a paper claiming XRP cryptocurrency is actually more decentralized than Ethereum and BTC, in the latest attempt to persuade the skeptics.
Business 24 August 2018
Swedish tech firm partners with Germany’s Valens Bank for crypto fund trading
Blocktrade Technology had signed a software licensing agreement with Valens Bank, which will see Valens handling trading through its new crypto fund with the help of Blocktrade Technology’s Crypto Trading Toolbox.
Tech 23 August 2018
Lazarus Group-linked Ryuk ransomware targets businesses: report
Dubbed Ryuk, there are suggestions the ransomware attacks could be linked to a North Korean hacker group known to rely on BTC ransom payments.
Tech 22 August 2018
AntPool’s All Coins Carnival offers fee-free mining until September
Cryptocurrency mining platform AntPool is offering zero transaction fees from its full range of supported payment methods and currencies, as part of its All Coins’ Carnival promotion.
Business 17 August 2018
Crypto dealer SFOX secures $22.7M in Airbnb co-founder-led Series A funding
SFOX, a cryptocurrency broker-dealer providing services to institutional and high volume investors, has secured $22.7 million in funding, drawing the support of some notable backers including the co-founder of Airbnb, Nathan Blecharczyk.
Business 16 August 2018
Saudi Arabia bans crypto over ‘high risks,’ ‘negative consequences’
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made cryptocurrencies illegal by diktat, following a change in the law designed to protect residents from engaging in crypto transactions.
Tech 16 August 2018
1 in 3 UK organizations hit by cryptojacking malware: report
As many as a third of organizations in the UK have been hit by cryptojacking malware, according to a survey released by software analysts at Citrix.
Business 15 August 2018
John McAfee’s ‘unhackable’ Bitfi wallet gets hacked—again
Fresh from receiving the ‘Lamest Vendor Response Award’ at the Pwnies, cryptocurrency wallet Bitfi has been hacked for a second time, fundamentally undermining John McAfee’s claim that the product is ‘unhackable.’
Business 15 August 2018
Tokyo-based crypto Spindle moves to London amid police probe
Tokyo-based cryptocurrency Spindle has announced it is withdrawing from Japan and re-establishing in London, amidst rumours of a police investigation in Tokyo into its alleged unregulated token sales.
Business 10 August 2018
ICOs raised $8.3B in Q2 2018, but over half missed targets: report
Initial coin offerings (ICOs) have raised a landmark $8.3 billion in the second quarter of 2018, despite a majority of campaigns failing to reach their fundraising targets, according to ICORating data.
Business 10 August 2018
Court orders Chinese trader to return crypto obtained by accident
A court in Beijing has ruled in favour of a cryptocurrency exchange in an action over a payment received in error, despite the payment violating the Chinese central bank's ban on crypto transactions.
Tech 9 August 2018
Iranian hackers developing ransomware for BTC: report
Hackers in Iran are preparing new ransomware designed to extort BTC coins as the United States prepares to re-introduce sanctions against the country, according to cybersecurity experts.
Business 3 August 2018
Russia extradition ruling complicates Alexander Vinnik’s case
A new extradition ruling for alleged BTC-e operator Alexander Vinnik has introduced further complexity to the legal proceedings, casting doubt on where he will ultimately face justice for his actions.
Business 2 August 2018
Swissquote boosts profits by 44%, thanks to crypto market ventures
Swiss banking group Swissquote has announced a 44% increase in profits, following its decision to introduce cryptocurrency investing services.
Business 1 August 2018
Philippine economic zone sees strong demand for crypto licenses
CEZA, which operates the Philippine government-owned Cagayan Special Economic Zone (CSEZ), expects to receive as much as $68 million in licensing revenue, with 17 firms already having paid in full to be licensed to operate cryptocurrency businesses there.
Business 31 July 2018
Vietnam’s securities regulator announces industry ban on crypto
The State Securities Commission of Vietnam has announced a ban on ‘cryptocurrency activity’ for companies operating under its watch.
Business 26 July 2018
Latest BTC blackmail scam targets porn viewers
A new BTC blackmail scam is doing the rounds - this time, targeting porn viewers with demands for as much as $1900 in BTC.
Tech 20 July 2018
‘Makes very little profit’: Andreas Brekken takes on ‘stressful’ Lightning Network
Andreas Brekken routed 260 payments for an estimated $0.3, in what was billed as an experiment into the efficacy of running a Lightning Network payment hub.
Business 20 July 2018
JPMorgan seeks patent for blockchain-based virtual receipts management
Investment bank JPMorgan Chase has filed a patent for a new asset-backed virtual receipt system, powered by blockchain technology.
Business 18 July 2018
Coinbase inches closer to security tokens listing with regulatory green light
The wallet and exchange service was given the all clear by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority to purchase the companies, which will give Coinbase the scope to list securities under the direct oversight of the regulators.
Tech 13 July 2018
Fujitsu service will tell if your blockchain project will succeed—all in 5 days
Fujitsu has launched a new platform that allows companies to see whether their distributed ledger plans will have commercial benefits in just five days.
Tech 12 July 2018
Security analyst tries to sell stolen spyware for $50M in crypto: report
An Israeli man has been indicted for threatening national security after an attempted extortion against his employer, a firm working closely with the Israeli government to develop cyber security software.
Business 11 July 2018
Irish court hands over alleged Silk Road conspirator to US feds
Gary Davis, formerly of Bitcoin.com and a notable figure in the cryptocurrency community, agreed to be extradited to the United States from his native Ireland, over charges relating to the illicit dark web marketplace.
Business 11 July 2018
CBOE seeks securities regulator’s approval for BTC ETF
CBOE, considered to be the world’s largest futures exchange by volume, said the ETF would allow investors to speculate on BTC, without engaging directly in the market.
Business 6 July 2018
Buy a Mustang with Bitcoin: US custom car shop opens to crypto payments
Classic Recreations, which has secured a license from the Ford Motor Company and Shelby American to fabricate classic Mustang restorations and continuation cars, is now accepting payments in a range of different cryptocurrencies.
Tech 5 July 2018
File sharing site The Pirate Bay hit with new cryptojacking claims
The Pirate Bay, a peer-to-peer file sharing platform, has reportedly redeployed its cryptojacking script, which harnesses processing power from visitors to mine cryptocurrencies.
Editorial 5 July 2018
Over 800 crypto tokens ‘extinct’ as BTC’s struggle continues
Dead Coins listed over 800 crypto tokens that were either extinct or now worth less than a cent, which, when combined with the failures of BTC, painted a bleak picture for initial coin offerings and token sales.
Tech 4 July 2018
MacOS malware targets crypto-discussing Slack, Discord users
Security researchers have uncovered a new type of malware aimed at those using MacOS devices to discuss cryptocurrencies.
Business 29 June 2018
Binance enters Uganda market with plans for crypto-fiat exchange
Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao said the firm is setting up Binance Uganda, in what would be their first move into crypto-fiat exchange.
Business 29 June 2018
Mastercard secures anonymous blockchain transactions patent
Payments giant Mastercard has secured a handful of new blockchain patents, including protection for a system designed to process anonymous transactions on the blockchain.
Business 28 June 2018
Feds net over $20M in crypto in darknet sting
U.S. authorities seized stockpiles of illegal drugs, gold, firearms, vehicles, crypto mining devices and computer equipment, as well as nearly 2,000 BTC and other cryptocurrencies, with an approximate value of more than $20 million.
Business 27 June 2018
20% fixed tax bracket in the cards for Japan’s crypto investors
Finance Minister Taro Aso has discussed the idea of reducing the tax rate paid by cryptocurrency investors in Japan.
Tech 21 June 2018
Breach of ‘constitution’: Caretakers freeze 7 EOS accounts
The EOS network has come under renewed fire following a decision to freeze seven user accounts believed to be carrying stolen funds.
Business 20 June 2018
John McAfee will no longer promote ICOs due to SEC pressure
The cybersecurity entrepreneur announced he will no longer engage in promoting ICOs following what he described as “threats” from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Tech 15 June 2018
Misconfigured Ethereum apps, mining rigs lose $20M to hacks
A new report detailed how hackers managed to breach Ethereum clients, which have been configured to expose a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) interface.
Tech 14 June 2018
Crypto miner Argo poised for landmark London Stock Exchange listing
Cryptocurrency mining firm Argo Blockchain is set to become the first company of its kind to list on the London Stock Exchange.
Business 14 June 2018
Price manipulation campaign inflated BTC price in 2017, research finds
New research has confirmed the BTC market was manipulated in the run up to its all-time highs in 2017, accounting for as much as 50% of the price growth over the period.
Tech 8 June 2018
Crypto mining giant Bitmain gears up for ‘record breaking’ IPO
Bitmain is reportedly considering an initial public offering, in a move that could set new records for the cryptocurrency space.
Business 7 June 2018
Goldman Sachs-backed Circle sets sights on US banking license
Circle has announced it is seeking a U.S. banking license, at the same time as the firm is looking to register with the SEC.
Tech 7 June 2018
Vietnam calls for import ban on crypto mining rigs
The Ministry of Finance in Vietnam has called for an outright ban on the import of the cryptocurrency mining equipment to stop the alleged free flow of the rigs in the country.
Business 6 June 2018
Coinbase announces Japanese expansion
Cryptocurrency exchange and wallet service Coinbase is opening a division in Japan, as part of its ongoing efforts to “accelerate the global adoption of cryptocurrency.”
Business 1 June 2018
Ripple on a mission to distance company from ‘Ripple’ token
The company, which issues the Ripple (XRP) token, has announced plans to rebrand the XRP token in a bid to establish distance between its corporate identity and the name of the cryptocurrency it issues.
Tech 31 May 2018
51% attack on altcoins possible for as little as $500, report finds
Hashing power for rent has made it easier—and cheaper—than ever to attack altcoins, with 51% attacks now possible for as little as $500, according to data from Crypto51.app.
Business 30 May 2018
Lawmakers formally propose lifting South Korea’s ICO ban
Members of South Korea’s National Assembly have made the official recommendation that the laws banning initial coin offerings should be lifted.
Business 25 May 2018
Chinese authorities charge 4 more in $2.3B OneCoin scam
The two-year investigation has spanned over 20 provinces across China, with authorities recognising the $2.3 billion scheme as one of the biggest investigations to date.
Business 24 May 2018
South Korea’s Korbit axes Dash, Monero, 3 more altcoins
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Korbit has withdrawn support for five cryptocurrencies, following a similar decision in recent days from Japan’s Coincheck exchange.
Tech 23 May 2018
Japan’s Monacoin falls victim to malicious mining attack
Japanese-developed Monacoin cryptocurrency has become the latest to fall victim to a so-called selfish mining attack, resulting in an estimate $90,000 of damage across their network.
Tech 17 May 2018
GMO sets out launch plan for 7nm mining chips
There are two versions of the 7nm cryptocurrency mining chip being developed, according to the Japanese conglomerate.
Business 16 May 2018
South Korea police search for 3 crypto exchange employees
Three senior employees at cryptocurrency exchange HTS Coin are suspected of being involved in embezzlement and fraud, according to local media reports.
Tech 9 May 2018
Drupal sites targeted in latest wave of cryptojacking campaign
A new, major wave of cryptojacking attack is underway, specifically targeting websites using the Drupal content management system.
Business 3 May 2018
Regulation is coming: SEC commissioner slams ICO industry
SEC Commissioner Robert Jackson said the current situation with ICOs was the reason the SEC exists in the first place.
Business 2 May 2018
8 crypto exchanges leaving Japan, 100 more to come
The Financial Services Agency has confirmed reports that as many as eight cryptocurrency exchanges have expressed their intention to leave the Japanese market.
Tech 27 April 2018
Parity rejects Ethereum split proposal to recover lost $320M in ETH
A glitch in a multi-sig wallet smart contract library last year was responsible for the funds being locked, a factor which had led some to speculate on a potential fork in the Ethereum blockchain to recover the money.
Business 27 April 2018
Crypto exchange operations on the cards for Nasdaq
Nasdaq “would consider” launching or even becoming a cryptocurrency exchange in future, according to CEO Adena Friedman.
Business 25 April 2018
Ethereum, Ripple tokens could be securities, says former CFTC head
Citing the Howey Test, former Commodity Futures Trading Commission chief Gary Gensler said Ethereum and Ripple tokens could be “operating outside of U.S. laws.”
Tech 19 April 2018
South Korea toughens import requirements for crypto mining chips
Customs officials in South Korea have tightened the standards applied to cryptocurrency mining chip imports, adding them to a list of products that must meet certain basic specifications before they can be imported.
Business 18 April 2018
New York’s AG opens inquiry into cryptocurrency exchanges
Regulators in the state of New York have announced an inquiry into several leading cryptocurrency exchanges, with as many as 13 separate operations coming in for closer scrutiny.
Business 18 April 2018
Kraken announces withdrawal from Japan
Kraken is shutting down “all of its services” in Japan by June, leaving only a matter of weeks before the company ceases to operate within the Japanese market.
Business 13 April 2018
Police suspend blockchain conference in China
The Global Fintech and Blockchain China Summit 2018 was interrupted by police in Shanghai, bringing an immediate halt to proceedings and ejecting all delegates from the event.
Business 12 April 2018
Alibaba-owned Taobao outlaws ICOs, cryptocurrency
Online shopping platform Taobao has prohibited stores from promoting ICOs, cryptocurrencies, and other related goods and services.
Business 10 April 2018
Coinbase seeks SEC license for brokerage
The licensing would enable Coinbase to list a number of other tokens, including those previously ruled by the SEC to be securities.
Tech 5 April 2018
bitPico claims responsibility for DoS attack on Lightning Network
The DoS attack has been the subject of much speculation over the last two weeks, with developers worldwide taking an interest in the efforts of the previously unidentified attacker.
Business 3 April 2018
Tides turn for BTC-backed cryptocurrency hedge funds
Cryptocurrency hedge funds are now increasingly running into difficulties, with new capital drying up and significant losses reported in the early part of 2018, according to reports.
Business 28 March 2018
Yahoo Japan rolls out plans for new cryptocurrency exchange
The company is set to buy a 40% stake in BitARG Exchange Tokyo, in a move that would see Yahoo Japan embark on the initial development stages of a new exchange, to be developed on existing BitARG technology.
Business 28 March 2018
Charlie Lee, Litecoin Foundation apologize for LitePay collapse
The startup, which promised to offer an LTC-powered debit card, as well as payment processing services for merchants, abruptly closed this week, raising suspicions of a so-called ‘exit scam’.
Tech 23 March 2018
Teen exposes security vulnerability in Ledger hardware wallet
Hardware wallet Ledger has been found to contain a major security flaw, which could enable hackers to steal funds from users.
Business 20 March 2018
Strong demand drive cryptocurrency spread betting, CFDs in UK
Initially to be restricted to professional traders, CMC’s cryptocurrency contracts for difference and spread betting products provide an investment similar to derivatives, allowing for greater trading flexibility and leverage.
Tech 16 March 2018
Microsoft highlights growing cryptojacking, ransomware threats
A post drafted by Microsoft’s Windows Defender Research security unit highlighted a number of ways criminals are currently leveraging cryptocurrencies for nefarious ends.
Business 13 March 2018
South Korea’s ICO ban may soon be relaxed
The ban could be lifted in some as-yet undefined circumstances, allowing some token issues to go ahead where they meet new criteria, according to reports.
Business 9 March 2018
More ICO class action suits ‘highly likely,’ says leading law firm
Prepared by law firm Polsinelli, the report raised concerns over the potential for growth in litigation from ICO investors.
Tech 7 March 2018
PayPal files cryptocurrency transactions patent
The patent marks a new direction for how PayPal might integrate cryptocurrency's technology in future.
Business 2 March 2018
Marshall Islands plans ‘Sovereign’ cryptocurrency launch
The country, home to just 70,000 people, is poised to become the second country after Venezuela to launch a state-backed cryptocurrency.
Business 28 February 2018
Israeli crypto broker gets reprieve after high court halts account shutdown
A temporary injunction from the Supreme Court provided some relief for Bits of Gold, although it doesn't guarantee their banking position long-term.
Business 23 February 2018
Criticism mounts as Russia continues slow progress to regulation
After a year which has seen Russia considering as many as 50 ‘digital economy’ bills, local officials are flagging concerns over a number of issues.
Business 20 February 2018
Cryptocurrency is property for tax purposes in Israel
Israel's Tax Authority will consider cryptocurrencies as “a property, not a currency,” which has significant implications for its taxation treatment.
Business 15 February 2018
Hong Kong investors turn to regulated US exchanges for BTC futures
The increase in interest from Hong Kong investors was driven by recent volatility in the underlying cryptocurrency markets, according to experts.
Business 13 February 2018
Japan issues warning to unlicensed foreign ICO agency
Macau-based Blockchain Laboratory runs ICOs for other companies as a means of raising capital for businesses on the blockchain.
Business 9 February 2018
EU regulator puts cryptocurrencies ‘Top of Agenda’ for 2018
The financial regulatory institution shows a desire to look at whether further action is required on regulating cryptocurrency transactions.
Business 7 February 2018
US lawmakers slam Venezuelan cryptocurrency plans
Questions were raised about the actions of Venezuela in preparing to launch a cryptocurrency backed by the country’s oil resources.
Business 2 February 2018
Messaging giant Line announces crypto exchange plans
Line currently sees over 168 million users monthly and is expected to leverage its customer numbers in launching its proposed cryptocurrency exchange.
Business 30 January 2018
Financial regulator shuts down German crypto brokerage
BaFin has decreed that Crypto.exchange GmbH must immediately cease acting as a financial broker.
Business 26 January 2018
US wants closer scrutiny of crypto markets
The SEC chief and his CFTC counterpart have committed to doing more in regulating the cryptocurrency space.
Business 23 January 2018
South Korea puts an end to anonymous crypto trading
Investors in South Korea will be required to use real-name accounts for trading in cryptocurrencies by Jan. 30.
Business 19 January 2018
Treasury, IRS team up to regulate US crypto exchanges
Anti-money laundering regulations will be stepped up as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to clamp down on criminal uses of cryptocurrency.
Business 17 January 2018
French government announces new cryptocurrency regulation working group
According to expert, new guidelines are needed to limit the risks of cryptocurrencies, and to crack down on potential criminal misuses.
Tech 30 May 2017
Russian Quantum Center announces quantum-proof blockchain solution
The Russian Quantum Center has announced a new blockchain project, which enables companies to transfer sensitive data without facing the threat of hacking through a blockchain protocol.
Business 12 January 2018
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange laws ‘not finalized’
The office of the President of South Korea announced that plans to ban cryptocurrency exchanges in the country are ‘not finalized.
Business 10 January 2018
Lawyer fights for cryptocurrency regulation in India
A lawyer has petitioned courts in India demanding action on introducing regulation for cryptocurrencies in the country.
Business 3 January 2018
South Korea to ban anonymous crypto accounts from January 20
The South Korean government is all set to put its ban on anonymous cryptocurrency accounts into effect by as early as January 20.
Business 2 January 2018
Australian banks freezing transactions with crypto exchanges, investors say
Cryptocurrency investors in Australia are reporting their accounts with some of the country’s leading banks are being frozen due to cryptocurrency exchanges.
Business 26 December 2017
Belarus officially recognizes cryptocurrencies
Belarus has become one of the first countries in Europe to officially recognize cryptocurrencies into the mainstream.
Business 22 December 2017
Bank of England chief highlights ‘fundamental problems’ with bank-issued cryptocurrencies
Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, has highlighted the “fundamental problems” with the idea of centrally-issued cryptocurrencies.
Business 29 August 2017
Russian Deputy Finance Minister Suggests Bitcoin Restrictions
Russia’s Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev has suggested that bitcoin transactions should be restricted to qualified investors only.
Business 31 August 2017
Israeli Regulators Form Committee to Consider Greater ICO Oversight
A new committee is being formed to introduce measures that would target ICOs in Israel if compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Business 8 September 2017
Israeli Banking Giant Teams With Microsoft To Launch Blockchain Trial
Banking and finance has so far been the main beneficiary of blockchain technology deployments, with institutions across the world increasingly turning their focus to how the distributed ledger can help their business.
Business 15 September 2017
Dubai Financial Services Authority Fires Latest Warning Shot Over ICOs
Tech 22 September 2017
Swisscom launches new Blockchain entity
Swisscom, one of Switzerland’s biggest telecommunications firms, has announced the launch of a new entity to focus on blockchain technology.
Business 27 September 2017
Kik ICO concludes well short of expectations
The much-hyped Kik ICO has today come to a close, falling short of the expectations set out by the company ahead of its launch.
Business 28 September 2017
Australian Securities and Investments Commission releases ICO guidelines
Having raised over $2 billion so far in 2017, ICOs have been quick to attract attention from financial regulators worldwide.
Business 3 October 2017
Russia’s National Settlement Depository developing Hyperledger trading platform
The NSD, Russia’s centralised securities depository, is trialling a new blockchain platform for commercial bond trading.
Business 10 October 2017
Overstock’s regulated token exchange will launch with own ICO
Overstock.com is to launch its new regulated token exchange with its own initial coin offering (ICO), according to a news report.
Business 12 October 2017
Ukraine announces new plans to regulate exchanges
Cryptocurrency exchanges in the Ukraine could be brought under the regulation of the central bank.
Business 18 October 2017
Enterprise Ethereum Alliance signs up Russian banking giant
The Enterprise Ethereum Alliance has secured its first Russian member, in the form of the country’s biggest bank, Sberbank.
Business 25 October 2017
Malta mulls new rules for cryptocurrency funds
Legislators in Malta are embarking on a consultation phase, ahead of plans that would introduce new rules for cryptocurrency investment funds.
Tech 26 October 2017
Blockchain journalism marketplace civil lines up first publications
The model was seen as a revolutionary new mechanism for funding journalism in the digital age.
Tech 31 October 2017
EU earmarks €30 billion for Blockchain research projects
The EU has announced it has earmarked funds totalling €30 billion for investment in blockchain research and development.
Business 2 November 2017
Former Credit Suisse Executive announces luxury goods ownership ICO
Initial coin offerings have been coming thick and fast this year, with well in excess of $2 billion raised through token sales in 2017 to date.
Business 7 November 2017
Malaysian securities regulator reviewing fresh cryptocurrency laws
The Malaysian securities regulator has become the latest market regulator to move towards a new legal framework for cryptocurrencies.
Tech 9 November 2017
VR Company YDreams Global becomes latest Hyperledger member
Virtual reality development firm YDreams Global Interactive Technologies has become the latest company to join the Hyperledger blockchain consortium.
Business 15 November 2017
UK Financial Conduct Authority sounds caution over cryptocurrency derivatives
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, has today issued a warning to consumers over cryptocurrency derivative instruments.
Business 21 November 2017
State Bank of India announces Blockchain Beta test for smart contracts
The State Bank of India has unveiled fresh plans for a blockchain smart contracts beta test, with more plans for a rollout on the horizon.
Business 22 November 2017
SAFTs may increase risks associated with token sales
Simple Agreements for Future Tokens, or SAFTs, may actually have the opposite regulatory effect than desired, according to a report.
Business 23 November 2017
Banca IMI unveils Ethereum derivatives white paper
Italian bank Banca IMI has explored the possibility of derivatives traded on the distributed server processing system ethereum.
Tech 28 November 2017
UK House of Lords recommends further government blockchain research
The UK House of Lords has published a report recommending further research into implementations of the blockchain across government services.
Business 1 December 2017
Russian central bank issues fresh warning over cryptocurrency investments
The Russian central bank has issued new warnings over cryptocurrency investments, urging investors to be mindful of the risks.
Tech 5 December 2017
R3 Corda goes live on Amazon Web Services
R3 has announced the launch of its flagship Corda platform, which has gone live today on the Amazon Web Services marketplace.
Business 7 December 2017
Indonesia outlaws cryptocurrency for fintech payment companies
Indonesia’s central bank has become the latest monetary authority to clamp down on cryptocurrencies.
Business 12 December 2017
Hong Kong financial regulator issues fresh warning over SegWit1x futures
The financial regulator of Hong Kong issued on Tuesday fresh warnings over SegWit1x futures, citing concerns over unregulated providers.
Business 20 December 2017
UK financial regulator steps up scrutiny of ICOs
The chief financial regulator in the UK is stepping up its scrutiny of ICOs, as it consider whether more legislative measures may be required.
