Cryptocurrencies

Speculation over China's e-yuan project has grown since Facebook announced plans to introduce its own cryptocurrency. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Economy

'No timetable' on digital yuan: China central bank governor

Yi Gang cites need to manage risk to quell market speculation over launch

25 September 2019
China is worried that Facebook's proposed virtual currency, Libra, could upset its own plans for a digital yuan. 
Cryptocurrencies

Libra, the yuan and the dollar: A complex digital currency war

As China ponders 'financial belt and road,' US stays cool to Facebook e-money

7 September 2019
 Bitcoin has gone from moving in tandem with tech stocks to moving more in line with assets such as gold.
Business Insight

Central banks drive demand for bitcoin by devaluing their currencies

Cryptocurrency, wildly popular in China, is now safe-haven asset

21 August 2019
Governments around the world are looking for ways to prevent cryptocurrencies from being used for money laundering.
Cryptocurrencies

New global cryptocurrency system set to fight money laundering

Framework would require exchanges to confirm users' personal data

9 August 2019
Facebook looks to launch the Libra digital currency next year.
Cryptocurrencies

First Japanese company reveals bid to join Facebook's Libra

Online broker Monex sees 'huge possibilities' for the cryptocurrency

27 July 2019
Losses this year already total 70% of the 2018 figure as cryptocurrency exchanges and regulators fight an uphill battle against hackers.
Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrency thefts and fraud reach $1.2bn in Q1

Survival of exchanges threatened as hacks continue to rise

23 July 2019
G-7 finance ministers and central bankers convene Wednesday in Chantilly, north of Paris.
Cryptocurrencies

Doubts over Facebook's Libra swirl at G-7 and US Congress

Cryptocurrencies must not challenge national sovereignty, France's Le Maire says

18 July 2019
Illustration by Michael Tsang
Companies

Chinese juice maker's 'fintech' pivot gives US investors heartburn

Future Fintech's blockchain move prompts calls for clarity on strategy

12 July 2019
Once again, a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange has been breached by hackers. 
Cryptocurrencies

Hackers snatch $32m from Japan cryptocurrency exchange Bitpoint

Operator promises compensation in case echoing Coincheck theft

12 July 2019
Facebook's blockchain head defends Libra after U.S. lawmakers ask the company to pause the cryptocurrency project.
Cryptocurrencies

Facebook defends Libra after US lawmakers call for pause

Democrats want strict oversight of cryptocurrency, warn of global finance risk

4 July 2019
Facebook plans to launch its Libra digital currency next year, but central bankers have some concern.
Cryptocurrencies

BOJ insiders among those taking aim at Facebook's digital coin

Regulators fear Libra will harm financial systems while piggybacking on them

3 July 2019
Libra might promise nirvana for financial markets. 
Opinion

Facebook's Libra is a risk to developing Asia's currencies

Central banks should beware as planned cryptocurrency could trigger financial turmoil

3 July 2019
Japan sees the blockchain boom as a chance to increase its share of startups.
Opinion

Bitcoin's virtual recovery heralds real risks to come

Cryptocurrency's resurgence reflects market unease over trade war, especially in Asia

1 July 2019
Japanese tax investigators will gain easier access to data from exchanges handling cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin under a new law.
Politics

Japan targets online tax evasion with specialized agents

Tougher law to help track cryptocurrency and e-commerce transactions

6 June 2019
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are pushing countries to adjust money laundering regulations.
Cryptocurrencies

G-20 eyes registry for cryptocurrency exchanges

International community aims to prevent virtual money laundering

31 May 2019
Japan wants to make sure that cryptocurrency exchange operators are safeguarding against illicit transactions.
Cryptocurrencies

Japan eyes cryptocurrencies as it toughens money laundering laws

G-20 expected to discuss international regulations for digital currencies

22 May 2019
No.1 Youtuber PewDiePie now uses blockchain-based DLive as his exclusive streaming platform
Startups

YouTube king PewDiePie gives streaming startup DLive major boost

Chinese-led company sees user numbers jump 67% in bid to dethrone Amazon unit

20 May 2019
Keeping China in the game is crucial.
Opinion

Burned by bitcoin -- Son's misadventure tells wider story

Japanese billionaire's loss shows urgent need for regulation in nascent market

29 April 2019
Japan has one of the world's most advanced legal frameworks on cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrencies

Japan clamps down on margin cryptocurrency trading

Exchanges that fail to register under incoming rules will be shuttered

19 March 2019
Mark Karpeles, the former CEO of Tokyo-based bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox, bows to reporters in a press room at a Tokyo court in 2014. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Companies

Mt. Gox bitcoin exchange ex-CEO given suspended jail term

Mark Karpeles found guilty of manipulating data but acquitted of embezzlement

15 March 2019
A U.N. panel of experts called on member states to share more information on cyberattacks originating in North Korea. (Nikkei montage/Reuters)
N Korea at crossroads

North Korea stole cryptocurrency via hacking: UN panel

Online theft and blockchain help regime to evade sanctions

8 March 2019
Mizuho's J-Coin Pay payment platform will let users put money in their bank accounts without paying a fee.
Economy

Mizuho's digital currency to take on payment rivals next month

Financial company brings power of 56m accounts across 60 banks to crowded field

21 February 2019
Hara incentivizes farmers to provide certain data by making it redeemable for digital tokens that can later be exchanged for fertilizer and other necessities. (Courtesy of Hara Token)
Technology

Blockchain helps businesses to profit from social progress

Asian farmers and voters ready to reap benefits of new technology

19 February 2019
Coincheck suffered the worst hacking incident in the history of the industry.
Cryptocurrencies

Japan's crypto exchanges seek redemption after hacking scandals

Financial and internet companies revamp management of troubled startups

6 February 2019
Lu's crypto mining center had 7,000 mining computers in June last year. (Photo by Yusho Cho)
Cryptocurrencies

Chinese crypto miners taken down by bitcoin crash

Mining computer prices plunge as investors flee

21 January 2019