Asia's weekly TOP10 crypto news (Apr 22 to Apr 28)
1. Hong Kong Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETF to Launch on April 30 link
On April 27, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange announced the inclusion of several ETF shares into the Central Clearing and Settlement System for multiple counter-party eligible securities. This includes HashKey Bitcoin ETF shares and HashKey Ethereum ETF shares from Bosera, as well as Bitcoin ETF shares and Ethereum ETF shares from ChinaAMC, and Bitcoin Spot ETF shares and Ethereum Spot ETF shares from Harvest.
The ChinaAMC Bitcoin ETF and Ethereum ETF are scheduled for issuance on April 29, 2024, and expected to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on April 30, 2024. Similarly, the Harvest Bitcoin Spot ETF and Ethereum Spot ETF are set to be listed on the exchange by the end of April. Additionally, the Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs from Bosera Fund (International) in collaboration with HashKey Capital were approved by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong on April 24.
2. Russian Duma Lawmakers Consider Banning Cryptocurrency Exchanges link
In late March, Russian authorities raided the offices of the cryptocurrency exchange Beribit, reportedly in connection with the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. Subsequently, Russian officials authorized Beribit to announce on Telegram that discrepancies were discovered in the company’s financial condition during a leadership change and that an audit must be conducted. Over 50 Beribit customers occupied the exchange’s offices, demanding the return of over $4 million in funds.
Furthermore, legislators in the Russian State Duma introduced a bill that would prohibit domestic cryptocurrency exchanges, though government-registered cryptocurrency trading and mining companies would still be allowed to operate. This bill also includes a ban on cryptocurrency advertisements.
3. China’s Securities Regulatory Commission Investigates Alleged Serious Violations by Yao Qian link
According to information from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission stationed at the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), as well as from the Guangdong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision, Yao Qian, the Director of the Science and Technology Regulatory Department and Director of the Information Center at the CSRC, is suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations. Currently, Yao Qian is undergoing disciplinary review by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission stationed at the CSRC, as well as investigation by the Supervisory Committee of Shanwei City, Guangdong Province.
Yao Qian was once one of the most prominent supporters of blockchain applications within the Chinese system, holding a doctoral degree and being a senior economist. He had worked for many years in departments such as the Information Department of the CSRC and China Securities Index Co., Ltd. Prior to April 8th, Yao Qian discussed the approval of the Bitcoin spot ETF in a publication in Caixin, mentioning market expectations of continued Bitcoin price increases, summarizing opinions from both supporters and opponents of Bitcoin, and outlining regulatory measures in the United States regarding cryptocurrencies.
4. Indonesian President: Strengthen Monitoring of Cryptocurrency and NFTs for Money Laundering link
During last Wednesday’s 22nd anniversary commemoration of the national anti-money laundering movement, Indonesian President Joko Widodo cautioned the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to monitor the use of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in money laundering. He noted that there were indications that in 2021, the amount laundered through crypto assets reached $8.6 billion (139 trillion Indonesian rupiahs). In addition to cryptocurrencies and NFTs, President Widodo emphasized the need to monitor other potential money laundering tools, including virtual assets, market activities, electronic currencies, and AI-driven transactions. Mahendra Siregar, Chairman of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), indicated that when cryptocurrency regulation is transferred to the OJK next year, these issues will be supervised.
5. Thailand SEC Decides to Block Unauthorized Cryptocurrency Platforms link
Thai authorities have decided to block “unauthorized” cryptocurrency platforms to enhance law enforcement efficiency in addressing cybercrime issues. The SEC has taken into account the impact on users and will provide time for users to manage their accounts before the service becomes inaccessible. Previously, Thailand has blocked exchanges like Binance and Bybit, requiring users to withdraw their assets from these platforms.
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6. Philippines SEC: Takes Action to Remove Binance App from Google and Apple App Stores link
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action to remove the Binance app from the Google and Apple app stores. Previously, SEC Chairman Emilio Aquino stated that Binance posed a threat to the safety of investment funds in the Philippines by offering cryptocurrency savings and leveraged trading products without the necessary license.
7. Worldcoin Advocates Sam Altman and Alex Blania Meet with Malaysian Government link
Sam Altman and Tools of Humanity CEO Alex Blania, key proponents of Worldcoin, recently engaged in discussions with Malaysian leaders in an effort to enhance government relations while emphasizing their commitment to protecting user data and privacy. According to a tweet from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Alex Blania held discussions with representatives from the Malaysian Digital Ministry on Tuesday. Last Friday, Sam Altman and Alex Blania participated in a video call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
8. Upbit Accounts for Over 80% of South Korean Trading Volume, Ranks Among Global Top Five Exchanges link
Upbit, the South Korean cryptocurrency exchange, commands over 80% of the trading volume in South Korea, positioning itself among the top five exchanges globally, rivaling Coinbase. Last year, Upbit’s customer deposits accounted for nearly one-fifth of the total deposits held by its main banking partners, drawing sharp criticism from a lawmaker in South Korea.
9. Founder of Taiwan Cryptocurrency Exchange ACE Exchange and Others Indicted for Alleged NT$800 Million Fraud link
According to the Taipei Times, Taiwanese authorities have brought new charges against ACEExchange founder David Pan and 31 other suspects accused of money laundering and fraud, recommending at least 20 years of imprisonment for four main suspects. David Pan, along with six other suspects, is implicated in money laundering and fraud. Prosecutors estimate that over 1,200 people were deceived, with losses totaling around NT$800 million (US$24.56 million).
10. Weibo User “时帝” Investigated by Police for Participating in Perpetual Contract Rebates, Currently on Bail link
According to Weibo user “时帝,” he was taken in for questioning by the Yueyang Pingjiang County Public Security Bureau in Hunan Province on April 9 in relation to the BKEX 12.15 online gambling case. The specific issue involved commission rebates from fees between July 2021 and July 2022. He was detained in Pingjiang Detention Center for over 20 days and returned 1.576 million yuan in recovered funds on April 26. He has been released on bail pending trial. He mentioned that perpetual contract high leverage trading is currently defined as online gambling, and commission rebate agents, including those developing downstream affiliates, may be implicated as accomplices in gambling activities.
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