Cryptocurrencies

Bitkub is joining a flurry of tech companies in the region downsizing in recent months. (Source photos by Reuters and screenshot from Bitkub's website) 
DealStreetAsia

Thailand crypto exchange Bitkub's parent cuts 5.5% of staff

'Small' adjustment comes as net profit fell last year and expenses ballooned

13 July 2023
Advertisements for nonfungible tokens at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival in April.
Opinion

Hong Kong is serious about becoming a 'Web3' hub

Involvement of Chinese state-owned institutions underscores city's role as test bed

13 July 2023
Cryptocurrency companies are coming under tighter scrutiny in Singapore.
Cryptocurrencies

Singapore tells crypto companies to put assets in trust

City-state moves ahead with plans to protect consumers despite appeal by Binance

3 July 2023
Bitcoin topped $31,000 at one point in late June, its highest level in a year.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin's lead in crypto market solidified by institutional interest

Big-name traditional finance firms launch digital exchange and eye ETFs

1 July 2023
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has been dabbling with blockchain technology on several fronts, including with JPMorgan, DBS and Marketnode. (Source photos by AP) 
Finance

JPMorgan, DBS, Temasek bet big on Asia's blockchain race

Investors and Singapore regulator join efforts despite crypto headwinds

21 June 2023
Bhutan's hydroelectric power resources hold the key to its plan to become a Bitcoin mining center.
Economy

Bhutan puts Bitcoin mining plan in motion to power up economy

Fundraising starts as Himalayan kingdom aims to leverage hydro resources

11 June 2023
Japan's new rules aim to put checkpoints at the on and offramps of exchanges for virtual currencies like Bitcoin.
Cryptocurrencies

Japan crypto exchanges hit with tougher money laundering curbs

New rules require identification for transfers, but loopholes remain

6 June 2023
Hong Kong had restricted cryptocurrency trading to institutional investors and other professionals since 2018, but retail trading is poised to begin in the second half of 2023.
Cryptocurrencies

Hong Kong opens crypto exchange licensing ahead of retail trading

City cautiously pivots toward virtual currencies, which are banned on mainland

2 June 2023
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies backed by such assets as the yen.
Cryptocurrencies

Japanese banks prepare to launch stablecoins

New law expected to spur innovation in payments

1 June 2023
No details of the amounts of the pay cuts were given by Temasek Holdings.
Cryptocurrencies

Singapore's Temasek cuts staff compensation over failed FTX bet

State investor takes 'collective accountability' on $275m write down

29 May 2023
The arrival of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, will likely shake up Thailand's digital asset market. (Source photos by Reuters and screenshot from Gulf's website) 
Cryptocurrencies

Binance gains first Southeast Asian license from Thailand

Joint venture with Gulf Energy to begin operations in Q4

26 May 2023
A bitcoin ad on a Hong Kong tram in 2021. Hong Kong aims to become a hub of the crypto industry.
Cryptocurrencies

Hong Kong greenlights retail trading of cryptocurrency

Exchanges can apply for licenses from June 1, approvals expected in second half

23 May 2023
Akalarp Yimwilai, pictured, has resigned from his post as a director of troubled crypto exchange Zipmex Asia. (Source photo from  ZIPMEX's website and Akalarp Yimwilai's Facebook page)
DealStreetAsia

Akalarp Yimwilai quits as director of crypto exchange Zipmex Asia

Company says talks with potential investors not making progress

18 May 2023
According to the Japan External Trade Organization, the $721 million stolen from Japan by North Korean hackers is 8.8 times greater than the value of North Korea's exports in 2021.
Cryptocurrencies

North Korean crypto thefts target Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong

Study finds Japan's $721m loss accounts for 30% of global total since 2017

15 May 2023
Cryptocurrency sent from illicit wallets jumped 68% last year to $23.8 billion, according to Chainalysis.
Cryptocurrencies

G-7 seeks anti-money laundering rules for peer-to-peer crypto deals

Finance ministers want loopholes closed as suspicious payments rise

11 May 2023
Hong Kong authorities are attempting to create a welcoming environment for crypto-related businesses even as other cities and countries cool on the industry. 
Cryptocurrencies

Hong Kong presses banks to provide services for crypto companies

Virtual asset firms struggle to open accounts despite city's push to become hub

2 May 2023
The report to the U.N. Security Council found that North Korea's nuclear and missile programs accelerated last year under leader Kim Jong Un. (KCNA via Reuters)
Cryptocurrencies

North Korea stole as much as $1bn in crypto assets: U.N. report

Panel investigating suspected exports of ammo and equipment to Russia

7 April 2023
Ledger was founded in 2014 with the goal of becoming a global force in so-called critical digital asset security. (Source photos from Ledger website and Reuters)
DealStreetAsia

Singapore's True Global Ventures invests $24m in crypto company

French startup Ledger offers USB-type wallets for holders of digital assets

1 April 2023
The Bank of Japan has been conducting technical tests on the digital yen since 2021.
Bank of Japan

Japan weighs forming digital yen feasibility panel in April

Committee will examine benefits of currency based on BOJ pilot program

30 March 2023
Justin Sun, 32, and three of his companies face U.S. civil fraud charges accusing them of selling two unregistered crypto tokens and manipulating trade in one of them.
Cryptocurrencies

Justin Sun's Hong Kong expansion plans threatened by U.S. SEC action

Fraud charges could hamper effort by Huobi Global to obtain license, lawyers say

27 March 2023
Justin Sun and three of his companies are accused of selling two unregistered crypto tokens and artificially inflating trading volume through "wash trading." (File photo by Reuters)
Cryptocurrencies

Crypto mogul Justin Sun hits back at SEC fraud charges

U.S. regulator accuses him of artificially inflating market of his digital tokens

23 March 2023
Lawyers and consultants say Chinese securities companies and banks are attracted by the possibility that Hong Kong will allow retail trading in bitcoins and Ethereum coins.
Cryptocurrencies

Chinese companies seek crypto opportunities in Hong Kong

City is a test bed for Beijing's acceptance of crypto-related business

20 March 2023
Binance is moving to hire key officials that it will need in order to apply for an operating license in Hong Kong. The Chinese territory is trying to become Asia's digital asset hub.
10 March 2023
Binance is hoping that Singapore will give a license for its custody arm to offer services to corporate clients in the Asian finance hub.
Cryptocurrencies

Binance revives Singapore crypto permit bid despite U.S. pressure

World's biggest exchange hires experts to help it navigate global regulators

2 March 2023
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is known for its hard-line stance on cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.
Cryptocurrencies

India presses for crypto rules at G-20 but faces hurdles toward ban

Central bank chief Das notes 'wide recognition' of risks to financial stability

26 February 2023