Check Point Discovers Mobile Crypto Drainer App on Google Play Store: $70K Stolen From 10,000 Users

Check Point Research (CPR) has uncovered a new threat: a mobile crypto drainer app found on Google Play. This app, deceptively posing as the legitimate WalletConnect tool, exploited the growing popularity of digital assets and targeted users directly on their mobile devices. Over five months, it achieved more than 10,000 downloads and stole around $70,000 … Read more

Visa Introduces Tokenized Asset Platform for Blockchain-Based Financial Services

Visa has launched the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), a new product designed to help banks issue fiat-backed tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. This platform aims to digitize and automate the trading of real-world assets, such as commodities and bonds, using smart contracts. VTAP provides financial institutions with the tools and infrastructure needed to tokenize … Read more

BOS Open-Sources Zero-Knowledge Protocol, Paving the Way for Advanced Cryptography on Bitcoin

BitcoinOS (BOS) has open-sourced its BitSNARK verification protocol, marking a significant advancement in blockchain technology. This protocol, which successfully verified the first zk-SNARK proof on the Bitcoin blockchain, enables zero-knowledge cryptography without altering Bitcoin’s core protocol. By facilitating decentralized atomic swaps, cross-chain transfers, and 2-way pegging, BitSNARK opens up new possibilities for Bitcoin to interact … Read more

Bank of Canada Redirects Efforts Away From Retail CBDC

The Bank of Canada has announced a strategic shift away from developing a retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to focus on broader payments system research and policy development. This decision follows a public consultation in 2023, which revealed significant privacy concerns among Canadians. While the central bank remains open to revisiting the idea of … Read more

Australia Mandates Financial Services Licenses for Crypto Firms Under New ASIC Regulations

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced new legislation requiring cryptocurrency exchanges to obtain financial services licenses. This expansion of the Corporations Act aims to provide clearer oversight of the crypto sector, ensuring that widely traded crypto assets, such as bitcoin, are appropriately regulated. The new regulations are set to be implemented by … Read more

Texas Court Dismisses Consensys’ Lawsuit Against SEC Over Ethereum Investigation

In a recent decision, a Texas court dismissed Consensys’ lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which was filed in April 2024 to protect the Ethereum ecosystem from regulatory overreach. The court’s dismissal was based on procedural grounds, without addressing the merits of Consensys’ claims. Despite this setback, Consensys highlighted a significant win … Read more

Rapper Iggy Azalea to Launch Crypto-Powered Online Casino ‘Motherland’ in November

Iggy Azalea is set to shock the online gambling world with the launch of her new crypto-powered casino, Motherland, in November 2024. Powered by her Solana memecoin, MOTHER, the casino will offer a variety of games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and sports betting. The launch is part of Azalea’s broader strategy to build a … Read more

Blockchain Industry Players Launch MiCA Crypto Alliance in the EU

The DLT Science Foundation (DSF) has announced its support for the launch of the MiCA Crypto Alliance, with Hedera, Ripple, and Aptos Foundation as founding members. This industry association aims to streamline and enhance compliance with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, fostering a sustainable and compliant crypto ecosystem. The MiCA regulation, set … Read more

Crypto-Friendly Digital Bank Revolut Set to Launch Its Own Stablecoin

Crypto-friendly digital bank Revolut is set to launch its own stablecoin, marking a significant expansion of its crypto offerings. This move positions Revolut alongside major players like Paypal, Ripple, and Bitgo in the highly competitive stablecoin market. The London-based fintech company, which holds a UK banking license, aims to ensure compliance and safety with this … Read more

DBS Bank to Launch OTC Crypto Options Trading for Institutional Clients in Q4 2024

DBS Bank, Singapore’s largest bank, has announced plans to launch over-the-counter (OTC) crypto options trading and structured notes for institutional clients in Q4 2024. This new offering will allow institutional investors to gain exposure to bitcoin and ethereum, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The initiative aims to provide sophisticated tools for managing digital … Read more