Blockchain & Digital Assets

January 11, 2026 @ 5:14 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong is now said to be pushing ahead with enhanced oversight in the web3 and cryptocurrency sector by rolling out mandatory licensing for virtual asset dealers and custodians. This step reportedly aims to broaden the city’s regulatory net, moving past its earlier focus solely… Read More

January 11, 2026 @ 3:16 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a recent demonstration of international collaboration, Operation Sentinel has delivered a major blow to cybercrime networks across Africa. Coordinated by INTERPOL under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), this month-long initiative from October 27 to November 27, 2025, resulted in the arrest of… Read More

January 10, 2026 @ 10:32 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a rather concerning case that highlights vulnerabilities within France’s public institutions, a 32-year-old ex-tax agent named Ghalia C. remains behind bars following her involvement in a scheme that allegedly facilitated attacks and data breaches. Employed previously at the Bobigny tax office in Seine-Saint-Denis, Ghalia… Read More

January 10, 2026 @ 5:20 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Chainlink solidified its position as a key part of onchain finance, as detailed in their recent blog post recapping 2025’s achievements. The latest update from Chainlink paints a picture of steady blockchain / crypto and web3 adoption across governments, financial institutions, and decentralized ecosystems. From… Read More

January 10, 2026 @ 5:19 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In the ecosystem of blockchain, web3, and decentralized cryptocurrency platforms, security remains a paramount objective but still not enough is being done to ensure adequate consumer protection and safeguard user assets. CertiK, a blockchain security firm, has recently shared several key updates that underscore its… Read More

January 10, 2026 @ 5:19 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Anchorage Digital has commemorated five years since becoming the first crypto firm to secure a federal bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in January 2021. This achievement not only challenged preconceptions about the compatibility of digital assets and stringent… Read More

January 10, 2026 @ 10:27 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In 2025, the cryptocurrency and web3 landscape experienced unprecedented growth, driven by regulatory clarity, technological advancements, meaningful product development, and surging user adoption. As expected, crypto exchanges Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) and Binance played instrumental roles in this evolution, each carving out distinct niches while propelling digital… Read More

January 10, 2026 @ 10:26 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Kraken continues to solidify its position as a leader in institutional services and global expansion. Recent announcements from the exchange highlight its commitment to security, innovation, and regulatory compliance. First, Kraken Custody has been selected as the custody partner for Ethena’s USDe protocol, enhancing asset… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:09 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong’s financial sector is currently undergoing a significant digital transformation, positioning itself as a hub in global finance. In a recent update shared by Oliver Wyman featuring Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), it was noted that… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:07 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

BitMEX noted in a report that the perpetual futures decentralized exchange (perp DEX) market is undergoing transformation in 2026, with trading volumes surging and competition intensifying. Amid rivals like Hyperliquid and Aster focusing on high-performance execution for crypto natives, Lighter ($LIT) is seemingly carving a… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 4:44 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

As we enter 2026, Pakistan is making strides in its digital finance sector, aiming to attract global capital through targeted reforms and innovative policies. In late 2025, government officials engaged with international fintech leaders from the Middle East to showcase advancements in digital banking and… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 3:10 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Digital assets firm Circle noted that the rise of quantum computing poses a significant challenge to blockchain technology. According to a recent blog post from stablecoin issuer Circle, experts predict that quantum computers could become powerful enough to compromise blockchain security as early as 2030…. Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 12:20 pm By JD Alois  |  

The world is watching events in Iran as the populace is pushing back against the repressive regime led by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Recent reports indicate that Khamenei has vowed not to back down as anti-government protesters take to the streets and communications are… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:57 am By Omar Faridi  |  

PwC Hong Kong released an update titled “Our Point of View on Stablecoins Distribution,” underscoring the pivotal role stablecoins now play in the digital asset landscape. As cryptocurrencies mature, stablecoins—digital tokens pegged to stable assets like the US dollar—have become indispensable for facilitating seamless, efficient… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:56 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Illicit cryptocurrency activities surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, with criminal addresses receiving at least $154 billion—a staggering 162% increase from the previous year. This record-breaking figure, driven largely by a 694% spike in funds flowing to sanctioned entities, underscores the growing intersection of digital… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 6:11 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Decentralized prediction markets platform Polymarket has reportedly entered into an agreement with Dow Jones. The deal will integrate Polymarket’s real-time probability data into various Dow Jones outlets, such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, MarketWatch, and Investor’s Business Daily. This latest collaboration allows readers to… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 1:53 pm By JD Alois  |  

A relatively new law allows the state of California to claim crypto holdings from accounts deemed inactive. SB 822, The Unclaimed Property Law (UPL), was signed into law by Governor Newsom last October. While the state must make efforts to discover legal holders, after three… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 10:03 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), the parent company of Google, has eclipsed Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in market value for the first time since 2020. As of the close of trading on Wednesday, Alphabet’s valuation reached an impressive $3.88 trillion, narrowly edging out Apple’s $3.84 trillion. This reversal comes… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 9:14 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Stablecoin issuer and digital assets firm Tether has kicked off 2026 with several key announcements that now aim to underscore its expanding role beyond stablecoins into payments, real-world assets, and artificial intelligence. On January 7, Tether partnered with video platform Rumble to launch Rumble Wallet,… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:10 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As 2026 unfolds, the Fintech sector is seemingly on the cusp of major shifts, driven by stablecoins, artificial intelligence agents, and deeper integrations between traditional banking and digital innovations. Industry professionals anticipate a year where experimental projects evolve into widespread applications, particularly in payments, commerce,… Read More