August 6, 2024 @ 10:50 am By JD Alois  |  

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued an update on the development of digital banking or “virtual banks” (VB) in Hong Kong. The HKMA states that the establishment of regulated digital banking has achieved its three stated goals: promoting Fintech and innovation, creating a… Read More

August 6, 2024 @ 7:46 am By JD Alois  |  

Online investment platform Mintos has closed its funding round on Crowdcube at €3.1 million. Mintos notes that this is the second-largest crowdfunding round in Europe for 2024. In two weeks, Mintos said it secured the backing of 3,300 investors, including both existing and new investors…. Read More

August 6, 2024 @ 7:00 am By JD Alois  |  

Blockchain ecosystem IOTA has been recognized as being Shari’a-compliant. According to a note from IOTA, the Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance’s certification states that the IOTA token fulfills all accepted Shari’a principles and standards, including those practiced by the Islamic financial services industry. IOTA reports… Read More

August 5, 2024 @ 4:52 pm By JD Alois  |  

SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda recently spoke at an event sponsored by Schwab. Commissioner  Uyeda spoke during a session to address the “regulatory onslaught” that has taken place during Chairman Gary Gensler’s tenure at the agency. In notes provided to CI, Uyeda commented on the impact… Read More

August 5, 2024 @ 12:32 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced a consultation on transfers to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including the current suspension of “non-specified channels.” The suspension, pertaining mostly to PRC nationals working in Singapore, is in regard to accounts and funds that were… Read More

August 5, 2024 @ 10:45 am By JD Alois  |  

The American Fintech Council (AFC) has issued a statement on the bipartisan letter sent by a group of House Representatives asking the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to adjust requirements pertaining to control of consumer data along the lines of Open Banking. The AFC says they… Read More

August 5, 2024 @ 9:49 am By JD Alois  |  

The sky is about to fall today as markets are tanking following the US Federal Reserve’s decision not to cut rates, a moribund jobs report in the US, and Warren Buffet dumping half of his position in Apple (the largest holding in his portfolio), driving… Read More

August 5, 2024 @ 9:25 am By JD Alois  |  

A group of US House Representatives have sent a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) requesting the agency revise use of personal data. Led by Representatives Mike Flood, Brittany Pettersen, Erin Houchin, and ten other Representatives, the letter notes that the Personal Financial… Read More

August 4, 2024 @ 4:41 pm By JD Alois  |  

Disinformation detector Cyabra will list on the NASDAQ in a SPAC [special purpose acquisition company] deal that will value the company at $70 million. Cyabra is an OurCrowd portfolio company, having raised almost $5 million on the online investment platform. The funding rounds on OurCrowd… Read More

August 4, 2024 @ 6:03 am By JD Alois  |  

Pagaya Technologies (NASDAQ: PGY) says it has inked a deal to acquire Theorem Technology. Pagaya is a credit qualification platform that uses alternative methods and artificial intelligence to provide its service. Its methodologies are said to convert around 30% more customers than traditional methods. Theorem… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 12:46 pm By JD Alois  |  

The House Financial Services Committee Republicans have posted a report on ESG entitled, “The Failure of ESG: An Examination of Environmental, Social and Governance Factors in the American Boardroom and Needed Reforms.” In recent years, ESG has infiltrated corporate America as well as the political… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 12:20 pm By JD Alois  |  

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) says National Competent Authorities (NCAs) – or member state regulators – must remain vigilant in regard to crypto markets as MiCA goes into force. The “Opinion” posted by ESMA states that “in order for MiCA to deliver on… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 10:45 am By JD Alois  |  

Yesterday, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN)announced Q2 earnings results which were delivered during a challenging time for markets as economic concerns rise. Coinbase reported a rise in second-quarter revenue as trading volumes at the crypto exchange recovered due to improved market sentiment. While top-line revenues beat estimates, shares… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 6:21 am By JD Alois  |  

Abu Dhabi has officially launched the Blockchain Center as it seeks to boost innovation and foster growth in the digital asset sector. The Blockchain Center aims to create a thriving ecosystem that “supports startups, enterprises, and academic institutions through a range of comprehensive services and… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 11:35 am By JD Alois  |  

The European Artificial Intelligence Act  (EU AI Act) goes into force today. The EU legislation aims to regulate services that leverage AI. The goal is to enable the development of the technology while protecting consumers and businesses. The legal framework applies to both public and… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 10:30 am By JD Alois  |  

Blockchain.com has partnered with Bakkt (NYSE: BKKT) to enable crypt trading in all 50 US states. Bakkt is a regulated digital asset exchange providing services like custody and other infrastructure. Previously, Blockchain.com did not offer services in eight states due to regulatory hurdles. Lane Kassleman,… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 10:19 am By JD Alois  |  

EquityZen, a trading platform for private securities, has added new features: Market Map and Market Score. The company said the new features would provide users with “a holistic view of potential investment opportunities for private companies on the secondary market.” Atish Davda, CEO and co-founder… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 9:57 am By JD Alois  |  

The Bank of England, Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), has voted 5 to 4 to cut the benchmark Bank Rate by 0.25% to 5%. The disennters preferred to hold rates steady for now. The decision to cut rates follows the decision by the US Federal Reserve… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 9:20 am By JD Alois  |  

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged the founder and former CEO of Get Together, an erstwhile social media firm, with fraud in regard to a securities offering. The startup, known as IRL, was founded by Abraham Shafi who apparently raised over $170 million… Read More

July 31, 2024 @ 2:43 pm By JD Alois  |  

The US Federal Reserve has held rates steady, holding off on rate cuts that many anticipate this coming fall. While Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said they had made much progress on their goal of inflation of 2% and full employment, the Federal Open Market Committee… Read More