Hong Kong Legislative Council member Wu Jiezhuang has proposed leveraging the “one country, two systems” framework to incorporate Bitcoin into the region’s national reserves, aiming to enhance financial stability. Wu suggests that Hong Kong could study the market impact of U.S.-based spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and consider including Bitcoin in its financial reserves. He points to smaller nations like El Salvador and Bhutan, which have integrated Bitcoin into their strategic reserves, as well as certain U.S. states. Wu also notes that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to make Bitcoin a strategic reserve asset could significantly impact traditional markets. By…
Author: Ícaro Armond
Blockchain security firm SlowMist has issued a warning about a sophisticated phishing scam targeting cryptocurrency users through fake Zoom meeting links. These malicious links mimic legitimate Zoom interfaces, tricking individuals into downloading malware designed to steal sensitive information and digital assets. How the Scam Operates Scammers initiate contact by posing as potential business partners, investors, or employers, often approaching victims through platforms like Telegram or email. They propose a meeting and provide a link that closely resembles a legitimate Zoom URL. Upon clicking the link, users encounter a fake Zoom interface displaying an infinite loading screen, prompting them to download…
The Bank of Russia has implemented a new directive permitting banks to temporarily halt transactions involving the digital ruble, the nation’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), for up to two days if fraudulent activity is suspected. This measure, set to take effect on February 23, 2025, aims to enhance consumer protection within the digital financial ecosystem. Key Details: Context: The introduction of the digital ruble represents a significant advancement in Russia’s financial infrastructure, offering a state-controlled digital currency to complement existing cash and non-cash forms of the ruble. As the digital ruble becomes more integrated into the economy, the Bank…
In the rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrency, Singapore and Hong Kong have emerged as prominent global hubs, each contributing significantly to the industry’s growth through strategic initiatives and regulatory frameworks. Singapore’s Ascendancy in Blockchain Innovation Singapore has solidified its position as a leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, achieving a composite score of 85.4 in a recent study. This accomplishment is attributed to several key factors: Hong Kong’s Strategic Developments Hong Kong closely follows Singapore, achieving a composite score of 82.7 in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. The city’s financial infrastructure integrates blockchain seamlessly, supported by more than 1,100…
Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has made its largest Bitcoin purchase to date, acquiring approximately 619.7 BTC for $60 million. This acquisition brings the company’s total Bitcoin holdings to 1,762 BTC, valued at around $168 million. *Metaplanet purchases additional 619.70 BTC* pic.twitter.com/5npflMJ3kW— Metaplanet Inc. (@Metaplanet_JP) December 23, 2024 Details of the Acquisition: Metaplanet, often referred to as “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” has been steadily increasing its Bitcoin holdings since initiating its acquisition strategy in May 2023. The firm’s BTC Yield—a metric assessing the effectiveness of its Bitcoin acquisition strategy—surged to 310% in Q4 2024, up from 41.7% in Q3. To fund these purchases,…
Nokia Technologies has filed a patent application for a “device, method, and computer program” aimed at encrypting digital assets. The application, published by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on December 23, 2024, under publication number CN 119155674 A, indicates Nokia’s interest in enhancing security measures within the digital asset space. Patent Details: Nokia’s Foray into Digital Asset Security: This patent filing suggests that Nokia is exploring advancements in digital asset security, potentially developing devices or software solutions to enhance encryption methods. Such innovations could play a significant role in protecting digital assets from unauthorized access and cyber threats.…
Revolut, a global financial technology firm, has expanded its cryptocurrency offerings by listing Binance Coin (BNB) on its platform, making the token available to its 40 million users worldwide. Binance founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), expressed surprise upon learning about the listing, stating, “Just learned: Revolut listed $BNB. Again, I didn’t know about it until a few minutes ago. The community is growing.” Despite this significant development, BNB’s price has experienced a decline, dropping over 9% amid a broader cryptocurrency market selloff. Revolut’s integration of BNB reflects the growing acceptance and adoption of Binance Coin in the global financial…
Blockaid, a leading onchain security platform, has introduced a comprehensive dashboard designed to monitor Web3 activities and detect potential threats in real time. This initiative aims to enhance security across decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and user wallets, providing stakeholders with actionable insights to safeguard their digital assets. Key Features of the Blockaid Dashboard: Integration and Adoption: Blockaid’s security solutions have been integrated into widely used Web3 wallets and interfaces, including MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and OpenSea. These collaborations have significantly enhanced user protection against fraud, phishing, and hacks across multiple blockchain networks. Conclusion: The introduction of Blockaid’s dashboard marks a…
The India Blockchain Alliance (IBA), India’s premier blockchain advocacy organization, has entered into a strategic partnership with RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO), the world’s first Free Zone with Common Law features dedicated to digital assets companies. This collaboration aims to strengthen the blockchain ecosystems of both India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), fostering innovation and facilitating cross-border business opportunities. Key Objectives of the Partnership: Statements from Leadership: Implications for the Blockchain Ecosystem: The partnership between IBA and RAK DAO is poised to catalyze innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and elevate global awareness of blockchain’s potential to address complex challenges. By…
The United States has intensified its efforts to disrupt North Korea’s illicit financial activities by imposing sanctions on a cryptocurrency laundering network operating out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This network is accused of facilitating the laundering of millions of dollars to support Pyongyang’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. Sanctioned Entities and Individuals: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has frozen any U.S. assets belonging to these individuals and the entity, and prohibits Americans from engaging in transactions with them. This action aims to cut off financial support critical…
