Gold Production Struggles Despite 2024 Q1 Surge

The gold mining industry struggles to sustain production growth due to declining new deposits, reports the World Gold Council (WGC). Despite a 4% increase in first-quarter production in 2024, overall growth has plateaued since 2016. In 2023, mine production rose by only 0.5%, following 1.35% in 2022 and 2.7% in 2021, with a decline of … Read more

HSBC China Introduces Digital Yuan Services for Corporate Clients

HSBC Bank (China) Ltd. announced on Friday the launch of digital yuan (e-CNY) services for corporate clients, becoming one of the first international banks to provide these services to both corporate and retail customers. The e-CNY, or digital yuan, is China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC). Following … Read more

Bitfarms Adopts Defensive Measures Against Riot Platforms’ Takeover

Bitfarms Ltd. has adopted a shareholder rights plan to protect the integrity of its ongoing Strategic Alternatives Review Process. This plan was unanimously approved by the Board and involves issuing rights to shareholders to prevent unwanted takeovers. Riot Platforms Inc., which owns 11.62% of Bitfarms, made an unsolicited bid to acquire all shares and plans … Read more

30 Countries Seek to Join BRICS, Russian Ambassador to China Says

Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov disclosed that approximately 30 countries are interested in joining the BRICS economic bloc in an opinion piece published by the South China Morning Post last week. BRICS welcomed five new members in January: Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. Last week, Russian Presidential Spokesman … Read more

6 US Banks Face Moody’s Downgrade

Moody’s has initiated a review for potential downgrades of six U.S. regional banks due to their considerable exposure to commercial real estate (CRE) loans. Moody’s Corporation, established in 1909 and recognized as one of the “Big Three” credit rating agencies along with Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings, specializes in providing credit ratings, research, … Read more

FBI Warns of Rising Government Impersonation Scams Demanding Crypto

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Portland Division warned the public this week about a surge in scammers impersonating FBI agents and other government officials, demanding cash, gold, or cryptocurrency payments. The FBI stressed that federal agencies do not call or email individuals threatening arrest or requesting money. Scammers spoof caller ID information, making fraudulent … Read more

Ripple Teams Up With Clear Junction for GBP and EUR Payouts

Ripple has partnered with Clear Junction, a global leader in cross-border payment solutions for regulated institutions, to enhance cross-border payments, enabling instant and secure GBP and EUR payouts, with more currencies to follow. Ripple Payments provides faster, cheaper cross-border payment infrastructure, serving customers in over 55 countries. Clear Junction, established in 2016, offers multi-currency payment … Read more

Gold Rush Hits Seoul Streets: Gold Bars Now Sold in Vending Machines

Vending machines in Seoul, South Korea, are revolutionizing the traditional concept of buying gold by offering gold bars in various sizes. Situated within convenience stores throughout the affluent Gangnam district and other areas, these machines meet the growing demand for micro-investments among South Koreans. Available in sizes as small as 0.5 grams and priced at … Read more

Crypto Scam Promoter Pleads Guilty, Faces Up to 20 Years in US Prison

Juan Tacuri, a major promoter of the cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme Forcount, later renamed Weltsys, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the Southern District of New York. The scheme primarily targeted Spanish-speaking communities in the U.S., and Tacuri benefited significantly, amassing millions from his fraudulent activities. Scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 24, … Read more

Central Banks Boost Gold Reserves by 33 Tonnes in April

Global gold reserves rose by 33 tonnes in April, according to the World Gold Council. The Central Bank of Turkey was at the forefront, increasing its holdings by 8 tonnes. This addition marks 11 consecutive months of purchases, bringing the central bank’s year-to-date acquisitions to 38 tonnes and raising its overall official gold reserves to … Read more