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Hong Kong Opens Doors to Retail Trading of Cryptocurrencies from June 1

sying.tien

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In a significant development for Hong Kong’s ambitions to become a leading virtual-assets hub, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has announced the finalization of rules that will enable retail trading of cryptocurrencies starting from June 1. This eagerly anticipated move allows licensed exchanges to offer cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether to retail investors, as specified in the rules outlined in the consultation launched earlier this year in February.

According to NIKKEI Asia, the new licensed cryptocurrencies platforms will have the opportunity to apply for a license beginning June 1. The SFC has advised that businesses not intending to pursue licensing should initiate an orderly closure of their operations in Hong Kong. While the SFC confirmed that no cryptocurrency trading platforms for retail investors have been approved yet, it expects licensed firms to start onboarding retail traders in the latter half of this year.

The regulatory framework also includes provisions to tackle fraudulent practices and protect investors. Starting next month, it will be deemed a criminal offense to advertise unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges, encompassing influential individuals endorsing such platforms. Moreover, individuals employing fraudulent or reckless methods to induce others into acquiring virtual assets will also be held accountable under the law.

Hong Kong’s move towards becoming a global Web3 hub aligns with its objective of facilitating retail access to digital assets. However, authorities have emphasized the importance of implementing robust safeguards to prevent industry meltdowns witnessed in the past, such as the bankruptcy of FTX, formerly the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange.

Eddie Yue Wai-man, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), emphasized the stringent nature of the regulations during his speech at the Bloomberg Wealth Asia Summit earlier this month. As part of the regulatory requirements, licensed platforms must establish a “token admission and review committee” responsible for overseeing the cryptocurrency tokens they offer. These tokens should be included in at least two credible and investible indices from independent providers, including one with expertise in traditional finance, according to the SFC.

Professional Trader, Social media scholar and a Crypto expert. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions feel free to contact me at sying.tien@thecoinspost.com and i will get back to you shortly.

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Telecom Giant Vodafone Bringing Crypto to the Masses Via SIM Cards

June G. Bauer

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The major telecom company Vodafone has unveiled an ambitious plan to integrate cryptocurrency wallets directly into the SIM cards used by mobile phones on its network. This cutting-edge move aims to make blockchain technology and crypto easily accessible to millions of smartphone users worldwide.

What’s Happening?

Vodafone, one of the largest mobile operators based in the UK, intends to combine crypto wallets with the subscriber identity module (SIM) cards inside phones. SIM cards are little chips that allow mobile devices to connect to a carrier’s network.

By embedding a crypto wallet into these ubiquitous SIM cards, Vodafone wants to introduce blockchain and virtual currency technology to the masses through the smartphones we all use daily.

The Bigger Blockchain Picture

This crypto SIM integration is part of Vodafone’s bigger blockchain strategy. The company has developed its own “PairPoint Digital Asset Broker” platform to enable secure digital identities and transactions across different blockchains.

Vodafone’s blockchain lead David Palmer emphasized in an interview that mobile phones are the main way billions access digital services and commerce. So partnering blockchain with SIM card tech is crucial for widespread adoption.

By 2023, there will be over 8 billion mobile phones in use globally. And estimates suggest crypto wallets on smartphones could reach 5.6 billion by 2030 as digital money goes mainstream.

Financial Restructuring

The crypto wallet announcement comes as Vodafone seeks to restructure its finances and raise billions in new funds through debt offerings and loans over the next couple years.

The company plans to take on $2.9 billion in total debt, including $1.8 billion in direct loans. Some of this financial overhaul relates to issues at Vodafone’s Indian subsidiary Vodafone Idea Ltd.

While navigating these monetary hurdles, Vodafone still sees major opportunities in emerging technologies like blockchain and aims to be an innovator helping drive mainstream crypto adoption through the SIM card strategy.

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No Evidence of Hack, Says Bitfinex CTO Amid Ransomware Gang’s Allegations

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In the world of cybersecurity, claims of data breaches can cause significant concern and speculation. Recently, a ransomware group named FSOCIETY claimed to have successfully hacked several organizations, including the cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex. However, Bitfinex’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Paolo Ardoino, has dismissed these rumors, stating that a thorough analysis of their systems revealed no evidence of a breach.

According to Ardoino, who is also the CEO of Tether, less than 25% of the email addresses allegedly stolen from Bitfinex’s servers match legitimate users. This casts doubt on the validity of FSOCIETY’s claims regarding the supposed hack.

The ransomware group, styled after the fictional hacking group from the TV show “Mr. Robot,” claimed to have breached several victims, including Rutgers University, consulting firm SBC Global, and a cryptocurrency exchange they referred to as “Coinmoma,” which is likely a misspelling of Coinmama.

Ardoino expressed skepticism about the group’s claims, stating that if they had indeed hacked Bitfinex, they would have demanded a ransom through the exchange’s bug bounty program, customer support channels, emails, or social media accounts. However, Bitfinex received no such requests from FSOCIETY.

Furthermore, Ardoino shared a message from a security researcher suggesting that the real motivation behind the alleged hacks might be to promote FSOCIETY’s ransomware tools, which they reportedly sell access to in exchange for a subscription fee and a commission on stolen profits. Ardoino questioned the group’s need to sell their tools for $299 if they had truly hacked a major exchange like Bitfinex.

It’s worth noting that Bitfinex has previously fallen victim to a significant hack in 2016, resulting in the theft of a substantial amount of Bitcoin. Two individuals, including crypto rapper ‘Razzlekhan,’ pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in connection with that incident.

Hacking group FSOCIETY published claims

While the claims made by FSOCIETY have yet to be verified by the alleged victims, Bitfinex’s CTO remains firm in his stance that no breach has occurred. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, it is crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their systems and users’ data.

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Indian Police Seize 268 Bitcoins Worth $17 Million in Crypto Bust

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Indian authorities have seized a large sum of bitcoins from a resident of Haldwani, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The seized cryptocurrency stash of 268 bitcoins is worth around $17 million at current prices.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes, carried out the bitcoin seizure. They arrested Parvinder Singh from his home in Haldwani after a raid prompted by information from US authorities.

Singh is allegedly part of an international drug trafficking syndicate called “The Singh Organization.” The criminal group used dark web marketplaces like Silk Road to sell drugs in the US, UK and other European countries.

To hide their illegal activities, the syndicate laundered the drùg money by converting it into bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. ED officials said Singh and his associates received around 8,488 bitcoins over the years from their drùg sales on the dark web.

The bitcoin seizure was a rare collaboration between Indian and US law enforcement agencies. American officials have been investigating Singh and his accomplice Banmeet Singh for their roles in the international drùg cartel.

Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are popular among criminals due to the anonymity they provide. However, this case shows authorities are getting better at tracing illegal crypto transactions and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The investigation is still ongoing, and more arrests and seizures are expected as officials unravel the entire money laundering operation of The Singh Organization.

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