The Shiba Inu community has been buzzing with excitement over the launch of Shibarium, a promising blockchain platform that aims to bring about positive changes in the crypto space. However, the official marketing expert of the Shiba Inu team and renowned SHIB influencer, @LucieSHIB, has raised a cautionary flag, shedding light on the potential dark side of this innovative venture. Drawing parallels with established blockchains like Ethereum and Polygon, @LucieSHIB highlighted Shibarium’s open nature, which allows anyone to build their projects on the platform. The allure of such decentralization, according to a recent message from lead developer Shytoshi Kusama, holds the potential to reshape the world of cryptocurrencies. Yet, within this potential lies a looming concern – the risk of attracting malicious actors seeking to exploit the ecosystem. In a recent tweet, @LucieSHIB underscored the fact that while Shibarium aims to transform the landscape, it is not immune to the challenges that other blockchains have faced. She emphasized the possibility of Shibarium becoming a breeding ground for scam decentralized applications (dapps) and rug-pull tokens, among other unscrupulous activities. It’s clear that simply incorporating the terms “Shibarium” or “Shib” into a project’s name is insufficient to guarantee its authenticity. @LucieSHIB’s concerns serve as a call to action for users and the community to exercise caution and due diligence. To help distinguish genuine projects from potential scams, @LucieSHIB offered a recipe for evaluation. She advised prospective investors to delve into Shibarium’s Telegram and Discord channels, assess the community’s overall atmosphere, scrutinize the platform’s social media presence, and thoroughly check Etherscan data. Amidst this insightful warning, one key message emerges: the safety of user funds remains paramount, and it’s the responsibility of individual users to ensure their protection. As Shibarium embarks on its journey to reshape the crypto landscape, @LucieSHIB’s perspective provides a valuable reminder of the potential risks that must be navigated, while also empowering the community to make informed decisions.

MoonPay, Wyre, and Coinify were some of the earlier gateway services available. Users who have already purchased crypto using PayPal do not need extra KYC. Ledger, a crypto wallet provider, has announced a new on-ramp solution in partnership with PayPal. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin may now be purchased using a PayPal account by Ledger Wallet owners. These purchases will be credited immediately to their Ledger wallets, skipping any intermediate accounts. Users who have already purchased cryptocurrencies using PayPal do not need to provide any extra identification information while making a transaction in Ledger Live. It’s made for both crypto newbies and seasoned pros. New Era of Asset Advancement MoonPay, Wyre, and Coinify were some of the gateway services available to ledger users in the past. Incorporating a major business like PayPal, however, is a major achievement for the French company. Pascal Gauthier, Chairman & CEO of Ledger, released a statement emphasizing the company’s commitment to removing the mystery surrounding cryptocurrencies. Ledger CEO Pascal Gauthier stated: Ledger has hinted that further capabilities resulting from this partnership with PayPal may be unveiled in the near future. Despite new financial initiatives by Apple and Google, as well as rising powerhouses like Block, founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, PayPal looks to be picking up the pace in the crypto sector. PayPal USD (PYUSD), a stablecoin built on Ethereum, was recently introduced by the online payments giant. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Coinbase Secures Approval To Offer Crypto Futures Trading in U.S

The BitPay Wallet and merchant settings will be instantly updated, simplifying the connection. The effectiveness of XRP in international transfers is constantly improving. BitPay, a global leader in cryptocurrency payments, has announced its support for XRP. As of right now, BitPay customers can buy XRP, keep it safely in self-custody inside the BitPay Wallet, buy gift cards with it, trade it for other cryptocurrencies, and shop at BitPay merchants. For consumers and business owners alike, this is exciting news. A network of more than a hundred wallets means that businesses of various types may now accept XRP payments with ease. Moreover, the BitPay Wallet and merchant settings will be instantly updated, simplifying the connection procedure. There is no additional work required on the part of customers or businesses to begin accepting XRP. Significant Progress Moreover, this news comes on the heels of Ripple’s recent court victory, which is fascinating. In its continuing legal struggle with the U.S. SEC, the corporation has achieved partial success. Also, on grounds of the recent ruling, XRP is making progress with new partnerships and multiple relisting. The adoption of XRP by BitPay demonstrates the revolutionary potential of cryptocurrencies to alter the global financial system. Also, the convergence of digital assets and payments technology is poised to revolutionize the global transmission of value, with cross-border payments emerging as a significant use case. Furthermore, the effectiveness of XRP in international transfers is constantly improving. 44% of respondents in Ripple’s 2023 New Value Report believe that use in payments will be the key driver of cryptocurrency adoption. In addition, international transactions are seen by almost half of respondents as one of cryptocurrency’s most promising applications. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Shiba Inu Influencer Uncovers Potential Dark Side of Shibarium, Caution Advised

Geneva, Switzerland, August 16th, 2023, Chainwire TRON DAO (“TRON”) is pleased to announce that it has joined the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association (“JCBA”) as an associate member starting from August 1st, 2023. As a leading global blockchain, TRON is committed to building cooperation and collaboration with other JCBA members to promote the growth of the crypto industry in Japan and all across Asia. Established in 2016, JCBA is a Japanese based association for stakeholders within the Web3 ecosystem. It aims to foster a promising environment for the development of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and stablecoins. Currently, JCBA has 134 members from both Web3 and traditional industries based in Japan and internationally. By joining as an associate member of JCBA, TRON strives to closely collaborate with the Japanese market and contribute to JCBA’s vision by leveraging TRON’s efficient network and robust userbase. -END- About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of August 2023, it has over 179.07 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 6.26 billion total transactions, and over $13.01 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN. In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure. On top of the government’s endorsement to issue Dominica Coin (“DMC”), a blockchain-based fan token to help promote Dominica’s global fanfare, seven existing TRON-based tokens – TRX, BTT, NFT, JST, USDD, USDT, TUSD, have been granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the country. TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | Twitter | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum About JCBA The Japan Cryptoasset Business Association (JCBA) was established in 2016 as a membership organization for stakeholders in the public blockchain and Web3.0 ecosystems who conduct business related to crypto assets, NFTs, stablecoins, and other digital assets in Japan, with the goal of improving the environment. Website of JCBA: https://cryptocurrency-association.org/ Contact Hayward Wong [email protected]

Shiba Inu, an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency, is bolstering its commitment to driving its ambitious goals in the crypto industry by appointing a new tech advisor. The move will see Alpha Transform Holdings (ATH) providing expertise and advice to the Shiba Inu DAO Foundation. Strategic Partnership with Alpha Transform Holdings In a Twitter post released by Lucie, a Content Marketer for the Shiba ecosystem, it was revealed that Alpha Transform Holdings, a leading cryptocurrency advisory venture capital firm would be entering a counseling role for the foundation behind Shiba Inu DAO. The update was disclosed on Monday, August 14 in a press release where ATH underlined all the benefits Shiba Inu could potentially gain from decades of experience providing expertise advice to major crypto projects in the industry. The partnership between Shiba Inu DAO and ATH was enthusiastically welcomed by Alpha Transform Holdings’s Partner, Media, and Entertainment lead, Seth Shapiro. He emphasized Shiba Inu’s pivotal role in transforming the future of the Web3 space and showed full support for the new alliance. “In the past 15 years, web2 technologies, mobile, streaming, and social, have rewritten the economics of media. We believe that web3 will have a significant impact in the coming years. The Shiba Inu ecosystem is one of the first to offer a 360 strategy for M&E integration at scale. We look forward to working with their team as this next era begins,” Shapiro stated. ATH Contribution To Shiba Inu DAO Growth Alpha Transform Holdings is a new holding company with a team of advisors and strategic partners. According to reports, ATH’s team will provide Shiba Inu DAO with collective experience and knowledge of investments, industry technology, and operations. The digital asset organization includes a team of professionals in multiple fields including banking, design, and technology, who are said to have deep experience in providing support on topics such as mergers, IPOs, strategic developments, token economics, and more. ATH has also made partnerships with several high-value organizations, which SHIB potentially stands to benefit from. Some of these organizations include Nasdaq, Disney, and News Corp, veteran companies that have counseled leading blockchain projects like Ethereum and Tether. Shiba Inu Lead Developer, Shytoshi Kusama has shown ardent support for the new alliance with ATH. He stated his anticipation towards Shiba Inu’s future with ATH guidance especially with Shibarium, Shiba Inu’s upcoming layer 2 Shibarium project almost finalized. “Now that Shibarium is nearly complete, and our full structure placed at the feet of the world, we couldn’t ask for a better partner to help shepherd this next phase of the Shiba global phenomenon,” Kusama stated. “We look forward to Alpha Transform helping our Foundation swiftly and effectively chart the best course possible for the future of the Shiba Inu Ecosystem.”

In a recent turn of events, multiple executives of the embattled California-based cryptocurrency bank Silvergate Capital have announced that they will be stepping away from their roles at the bank. The announcement comes as the bank remains deep in the throes of liquidation while battling multiple lawsuits linked to its demise. Top Executives Set to Step Down Silvergate Capital Corp announced on Tuesday, August 16, the departure of some of its primary employees working in executive leadership positions in its company. The executives leaving include Chief Financial Officer, Antonia Martino, Chief Legal Officer, John Bonino, and CEO, Alan Lane. Lane and the company’s Chief Legal Officer will be departing on Tuesday, August 16, and according to a financial filing delivered to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Silvergate’s Chief Legal Officer is set to step down on September 30. The executives’ decision to depart from Silvergate follows the bank’s announcement in March to shut down operations and liquidate its assets. Lane has served as the CEO of Silver Capital Corp and Silvergate Bank since 2008 and played a pivotal role in Silvergate’s development and growth. In the absence of a CEO, Silvergate has replaced Lane with Silvergate’s Chief Transition Officer, Kathleen M. Fraher. It has also made Andrew Surry, Silvergate’s Accounting Officer, the principal financial offer in the absence of Martino. Silvergate stated in the filing to the SEC that it will provide each executive severance benefits previously offered to employees laid off through the bank’s liquidation process. Earlier this year in January, Silvergate laid off over 180 employees, cutting its workforce by 40%. Again, in May, the bank laid off over 250 workers, leaving a group of about 80 to oversee its liquidation and termination process. The San-Diego-based bank said in a report that it plans to significantly reduce the number of employees in its company and manage its operations using a skeleton crew. Silvergate Enveloped in Lawsuits and Liquidations In November 2022, Silvergate collapsed following the FTX failure and embroilment in fraud. Silvergate, which served as one of the two major banks for cryptocurrency companies in the industry, decided to officially shut down all operations and start a liquidation process. As a result, stocks plunged by 36% and the bank suffered massive customer withdrawals. Toward the end of Q3, Silvergate’s total deposits from crypto customers plummeted by 68%, declining to $3.8 billion from an astonishing $11.9 billion. According to reports, FTX was one of Silvergate’s major customers and it was revealed that Silvergate held about $1 billion in deposits from FTX at the time of its failure. Silvergate’s affiliation with FTX has caused severe financial damage to the bank’s reputation and put it on the radar of the regulatory authorities in the United States. Silvergate was also mentioned in multiple lawsuits due to its association with the bankrupt FTX and allegations of participation in FTX’s fraudulent activities.

This is a huge win for Coinbase and the cryptocurrency ecosystem as a whole. Coinbase Financial Markets is now a licensed Futures Commission Merchant (FCM). The National Futures Association of the US CFTC has granted Coinbase Financial Markets, a futures commission merchant registered with the CFTC, approval to provide crypto futures trading to qualified consumers in the US. Despite a lawsuit by the US SEC, this is a huge win for Coinbase and the cryptocurrency ecosystem as a whole. Coinbase Financial Markets is now a licensed Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) according to the National Futures Association. According to an official post published on August 16, this would enable Coinbase to provide cryptocurrency futures trading directly to its clients in the United States. Pushing Crypto Adoption In September of 2021, Coinbase applied to the NFA to get registered as an FCM. With the help of the CFTC, the cryptocurrency exchange has implemented all of the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its users. The firm intends to promote economic liberty by working with authorities to get product approvals. It also helps in making the safest and most reliable goods and services possible. Coinbase Financial Markets now provides access to regulated derivatives products for clients in the United States. Now, Coinbase is the first cryptocurrency exchange to provide both spot trading and regulated leveraged crypto futures. It will make the crypto market more accessible in the United States without putting users at risk. As of last week, Coinbase customers in Canada may make use of the Interac e-Transfers thanks to the company’s cooperation with Peoples Trust Company. Since it is Coinbase’s second-most crypto-aware foreign market, the exchange has big hopes to grow there as well. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Dogecoin (DOGE) Witnesses Metrics Reflecting Low Engagement

PayPal will temporarily ban crypto sales on October 1 and aims to restart it in early 2024. The company made the move because of new regulations passed by the U.K. FCA. Online payment giant PayPal is making changes to its platform in the UK so that it is in line with local financial legislation. In order to comply with new rules, PayPal notified on August 16 that it is temporarily halting the capacity for its U.K. clients to acquire cryptocurrencies. A spokesperson for PayPal UK stated: PayPal said in an email to certain of its U.K. clients that it will temporarily ban crypto sales on October 1, 2023, and aims to restart it in early 2024. Stringent Compliance According to PayPal’s announcement, the company made the move because of new regulations passed by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that mandate further measures be taken by crypto businesses before customers may acquire crypto. In recent years, PayPal has become one of the most prominent venues for transacting in cryptocurrencies. In early August, it launched a stablecoin called PayPal USD (PYUSD) in an attempt to compete with other cryptocurrencies. After then, the company added a crypto hub feature to its user dashboard. In 2020, PayPal first introduced its cryptocurrency service to the American market. The FCA has stated that just 13% out of 291 applications for crypto licenses have actually been registered with the regulator since 2020. As of October 2023, the FCA has mandated that all companies dealing in crypto assets verify that their advertising practices are in line with the financial promotional framework in the United Kingdom. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Coinbase Secures Approval To Offer Crypto Futures Trading in U.S

Granite city, U.S. Outlying Islands, August 14th, 2023, Chainwire BTCX Token, a revolutionary platform inspired by the rebranding of Twitter and the visionary influence of Elon Musk, has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed and seed funding to address inefficiencies in the cryptocurrency market. With the aim of upgrading Bitcoin by introducing hyper-deflationary features, BTCX Token seeks to redefine the future of cryptocurrency, tackling key challenges such as volatility, inefficiency, scalability, and sustainability. The recently concluded funding, with a valuation of $10 million, is backed by prominent names in the industry by following the steps of the early-staged Bitcoin, enabling BTCX Token to fully enhance its technological foundation and expand both within and outside the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The involvement of experienced Advisory Board members ensures that BTCX Token will solidify its innovative presence in the market. BTCX Token’s unique approach in the form of the combustion model represents a systematic means of controlling supply. By permanently reducing the circulating supply through burning, it creates a scarcity that drives value, echoing transformative moves by tech giants and industry leaders. Unlike arbitrary burning mechanisms, BTCX Token’s strategy is thoughtfully aligned with its core ideology, crafting a stable and thriving cryptocurrency ecosystem that promises future appreciation. The BTCX Token also introduces a novel concept in staking, offering investors a chance to earn BTCX tokens passively by holding them using BTCX’s disrupting algorithm. This simplification and democratization of staking marks a significant milestone, setting it apart from more traditional and volatile avenues. By rewarding stakers, BTCX Token aligns user interests with network growth, creating a mutually beneficial environment. This alignment of incentives fosters community participation and engagement, a crucial factor for enduring success in the rapidly changing crypto world. The Tokenomics of BTCX Token are intricately woven into the fabric of its design, ensuring long-term viability and a deep commitment to growth. With a total supply of 21,000,000 BTCX Token, the structure includes 5,250,000 BTCX Token for presale, 8,610,000 BTCX Token for burning, 5,040,000 BTCX Token as a reward for staking, and 2,100,000 BTCX Token for liquidity. The presale of BTCX Token Token allowed investors to buy at attractive prices, reflecting the community’s confidence in this groundbreaking project. By staying attuned to market needs and trends, BTCX Token demonstrates adaptability, a vital factor in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. The platform’s ideology is firmly rooted in inspiration and innovation, and it’s poised to pave the way for the next Bitcoin era, offering solutions, opportunities, and a vision for the future. By focusing on adaptability, security, and performance, BTCX Token connects diverse liquidity hubs without fragmentation, ensuring relevance and resilience. The revolution has begun, and BTCX Token is leading the charge. After months of development and testing, BTCX Token is ready to embark on a new chapter in crypto history, signifying a leap in thinking and evolution in the cryptocurrency space. As the project’s public mainnet is set to open, the world watches with anticipation, recognizing BTCX Token as more than just a new Token; it’s the beginning of a new era. Contact Details – Name : Antony Jackson Email : [email protected] Phone Number : 7397349813 Company Name : Thenewscrypto City : Bangalore Country : India

On-chain data shows Bitcoin and the other top assets are observing a high amount of loss-taking currently. Here’s what this could mean. Investors Of Bitcoin & Other Top Coins Are Capitulating Currently According to data from the on-chain analytics firm Santiment, the current trader capitulation that the largest assets in the market are seeing may be a bottom signal. The indicator of interest here is the “ratio of daily on-chain transaction volume in profit to loss,” which, as its name already implies, tells us how the profit-taking volume for any given coin compares with its loss-taking volume right now. When this metric has a positive value, it means that the profit-taking volume is higher than the loss-taking volume currently. Thus, such a trend implies that the market as a whole is harvesting profits at the moment. On the other hand, the indicator having negative values suggests loss taking is the dominant behavior among the traders of the cryptocurrency in question right now. In the context of the current discussion, the assets of relevance are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), and Cardano (ADA). Here is a chart that shows the trend in the ratio of transaction volume in profit to loss for these assets over the last few months: As displayed in the above graph, the indicator’s value for all these top assets has dipped inside the negative territory recently. This high loss realization from the investors has come as the market as a whole has been unable to amass together any significant rally. From the chart, it’s visible that these assets have seen the investors capitulate at different points throughout the year, but the current capitulation event has an interesting feature that was missing from these previous instances: the loss-taking is currently happening for all these large cryptocurrencies. It would appear that traders as a whole have finally started to give up on the market after experiencing endless consolidation, as they are ready to take losses in order to make their exit. The scale of the loss-taking itself is also extraordinary, as the only other time this year that the loss volume overtook the profit volume to this degree was way back in March. Historically, capitulation from investors has made bottoms more probable to form. And from the above chart, it’s visible that the March capitulation also leads to Bitcoin hitting a bottom. The likely reason behind this pattern is that the investors who exit in losses are generally the weak hands, who had a low conviction in the asset, to begin with. In capitulation events, the coins that they sell at losses are picked up by the more resolute investors, and hence, the market gains a stronger foundation for building up rallies. It’s possible that the high loss taking that Bitcoin and the others are experiencing currently may also lead to a bottom, if the historical precedence is anything to consider. BTC Price At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $29,100, down 2% in the last week.

The Bitcoin market continues to reveal trends and patterns, vital for both long-term holders and short-term speculators. Notably, since Bitcoin reached its all-time high of $69,000, speculators, who play a pivotal role in the market, now hold less of the cryptocurrency. This insight comes from prominent analytics firm Glassnode in its “The Week On-Chain” newsletter, which delves into the market’s dynamics and potential implications. Bitcoin Stagnation And Role Of Short-Term Holders The Bitcoin market has witnessed a prolonged period marked by relatively steady BTC price action. This phase has sown seeds of discontent among market participants, prompting speculation about potential downside risks. Related Reading: Bernstein Predicts Spot ETFs Could Claim 10% Of Bitcoin’s Market If Greenlit So far, the asset only hovers between $29,000 and $25,000 price points creating a tug-of-war between the bulls and bears in that price zones. A noteworthy shift in the Bitcoin market is the dwindling enthusiasm of its short-term traders, commonly referred to as speculators. This group, typically driven by the prospects of swift gains, seems to be re-evaluating its stance, perhaps deterred by the recent lack of significant price movement. Glassnode points out that the market share of these short-term holders has ebbed to a mere 2.56 million BTC. This stands in stark contrast to their presence in October 2021, right before Bitcoin soared to its record high. Yet, while these speculators recede, long-term holders, often viewed as the bedrock of the Bitcoin community, are seemingly undeterred. Their stronghold over the currency is tightening, with a current hold of 14.6M BTC, the highest ever recorded. The report noted: A Market Teetering On Decisions The distinction in purchase prices between the two investor classes has been highlighted as a potential concern. According to the newsletter, Short-term speculators, having bought at a higher average price of $28,600, might be more susceptible to incurring losses with even a modest dip in Bitcoin’s price. On the other hand, long-term investors, with an aggregate purchase price substantially lower at around $20,300, seem more cushioned against market volatility. This variance in purchasing prices, combined with the contrasting reactions of the two investor groups, paints a picture of a market in flux, divided between those who believe in Bitcoin’s long-term value and those swayed by its immediate price trajectories. Glassnode believes that “The separation between these two cost basis is an indicator that many recent buyers have a relatively elevated acquisition price.” Despite the current market uncertainty, an underlying sentiment that remains clear is the confidence of Bitcoin’s stalwarts. Their increasing hold suggests a steadfast belief in Bitcoin’s potential, even as speculators seem to waver amid its current price downturn. Featured image from Unsplash, Chart from TradingView

Ripple has continued to revel in the glow of Judge Analisa Torres’ ruling in favor of the crypto company, with many use cases being touted for its native token XRP. The most recent use case to surface is a Spot XRP ETF, and Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart has quickly weighed in on the possibility of this happening. How Possible Is A Spot XRP ETF? Seyffart, during an appearance on Tony Edward’s Thinking Crypto Podcast, explained that XRP would need to be listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) before the SEC can approve a Spot XRP ETF. This argument stems from the SEC’s requirement for a regulated market of significant size in the underlying asset. Relatively, exchanges looking to list a Spot Bitcoin ETF are, in hopes of gaining approval, relying on the fact that the CME Bitcoin futures, which happen to be a regulated market, provide significant size to provide necessary data and insights for any spot market. So Seyffart also believes that any Spot XRP ETF application will also need to fulfill the requirement of the token having a significant market size that can be used to provide any data and insights needed to prevent fraud and market manipulation. To achieve this and easily get the SEC’s approval, listing XRP futures on a prominent derivative exchange like CME would be the way to go, in his opinion. Despite his remarks, Seyffart isn’t so optimistic about a Spot XRP ETF launching anytime as, according to him, this isn’t something he sees “materializing in the foreseeable future.” Little Or No Demand Is A Hindrance Another notable highlight from Seyffart’s remarks was when he suggested that there was little or no demand for an XRP ETF, something which he believes is integral if we are to see any ETF application. However, there is reason to believe this assumption may not be outrightly correct, as certain figures suggest an increasing demand for XRP, notably among institutional investors. Last month, a report stated how XRP’s sales had jumped significantly this year, with over 2.22 billion XRP sold since the beginning of the year. Furthermore, according to a more recent report, the token recorded an institutional inflow of $0.5 million two weeks ago. Ripple’s XRP Ledger is also going head to head with the foremost Bitcoin and Ethereum networks, as it has recorded an increase in daily transactions since the beginning of August. This record has seen it surpass market leader Ethereum in terms of daily transactions conducted on both networks.

The milestone follows the successful onboarding of over 150 partners, attracting over $26m Ether in TVL in its first month—making Linea the fastest-growing zkEVM on Ethereum. FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, the leading web3 software technology company, Consensys, announces the completion of the public launch of its Layer 2 blockchain solution Linea. This milestone follows the Linea mainnet going live at EthCC in Paris. In the first month of Linea’s mainnet going live, the L2 blockchain saw a record level of on-chain activity with over 2.7 million transactions and $26M of tokens bridged, making it the fastest-growing zkEVM. As part of the completion of the public launch, Linea has deployed its ERC20 token bridge with a canonical token list that will allow all Third Party Bridge Partners integrated on Linea to empower users across the globe to bridge ERC20 tokens to the Linea Network, unlocking a wave of DeFi applications. To mark this significant event, Linea has collaborated with MetaMask, Banxa, Circle, and Transak to create an offer for early users. For two weeks from August 17th to 31st, Linea users can benefit from a zero network fees and gateway fees rate to on-ramp to the network by using MetaMask’s Buy crypto aggregator to purchase USDC.e. USDC.e is USDC on Linea that has been bridged from Ethereum by Linea’s ERC20 token bridge. For more details, please refer to the terms and conditions. One month in and Linea Mainnet has seen over 150 partners deploy dapps, more than 100k weekly active users, and more than 2.7M transactions. Linea is currently processing an average of 1.5 transactions per second, at 1/15th the cost of fees on Ethereum mainnet — A price that will continue to shrink as we reduce the rollup costs paid to Ethereum and pass on these cost savings to Linea users. A public release unleashing new use cases This release makes available on Linea the bluechip ERC20 tokens like stablecoins, liquid staking ETH and memecoins, and unlocks a constellation of new scalable dapps across Decentralized Finance (DeFi), gaming, and identity to decentralized social networks and NFTs. DeFi applications are choosing Linea for its fast finality, capital-efficient bridge, and inherited Ethereum security. NFTs, gaming, and social apps benefit from the zkEVMs EVM Equivalence, low gas fees, high throughput, and low latency. With Linea now available on MetaMask and other wallets, everyone anywhere can now swap their favorite tokens (including stablecoins), lend and borrow assets, engage with more complex DeFi use cases, and also buy and sell NFTs, including in-game items. They can also leverage the power of Account Abstraction to pay fees with dollar-backed tokens. To further stimulate innovations on Linea, Consensys launched the Ecosystem Investment Alliance (EIA), an investment syndicate of over 30+ leading venture capital firms to support builders through validated interest, dedicated capital, and a clear pipeline to the network. Builders are encouraged to apply to the EIA here! Finally, as part of the launch the linea team unveiled their first major NFT collection with an open mint for all Voyage participants. To date 27k participants have minted the Omega NFTs, and a total of 350k NFTs have been airdropped to participants who helped to shape and strengthen the network ahead of its mainnet launch—cementing its place as one of the largest collections in Ethereum history. Declan Fox, Product Lead for Linea, expresses excitement about the alpha mainnet launch stating that: “The public release of Linea is a major milestone, but only the beginning of our continued commitment to collaborate with the broader Linea ecosystem and community, to build a mature rollup secured by Ethereum. The positive response from our launch partners highlights Linea’s benefits: ultimate security, unparalleled efficiency, and seamless integration with popular Consensys products like MetaMask and Infura. This reinforces Linea as the top choice for users seeking a cutting-edge zk solution, delivering a frictionless and secure experience for all.” Linea’s Commitment to Security and Progressive Decentralization Ensuring the security of mainnet alpha is a top concern and an ongoing endeavor. The team behind Linea has established an initial security council to respond to urgent issues, while the team actively pursues a progressive enhancement of the system’s decentralization and trust minimization over time. The roadmap can be broken down into five phases, which the team intends to deliver sequentially in collaboration with the broader Linea ecosystem and community. Each phase moves the Linea network closer to its target state of being a mature rollup secured by Ethereum. By embracing the challenges of the blockchain trilemma and harnessing the power of zk technology, Linea pioneers a groundbreaking era of progressive decentralization. Through its phased approach, Linea paves the way for an inclusive, secure, and resilient blockchain ecosystem, empowering users and fostering trust in a decentralized future. Contacts [email protected]

SEOUL & HONG KONG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Qraft Technologies, a leading invest-tech company specializing in artificial intelligence investing solutions, has formally entered into a strategic partnership with Hex Trust, the leading institutional-grade digital asset custodian licensed across global financial hubs. With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”), Qraft will develop digital asset products based on its AI-driven asset allocation models for Hex Trust’s clients. “We are thrilled to team with Hex Trust and combine our respective strengths to generate a groundbreaking investment solution,” said Francis Oh, APAC CEO at Qraft Technologies. “This strategic collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower investors with AI-driven tools, helping them navigate the complex financial markets more efficiently and effectively.” Since 2016, Qraft has built a multi-year track record including the development and management of several ETFs. The enhanced risk management solutions specifically designed for Hex Trust are built upon Qraft’s successful cash allocation AI-powered risk model. Qraft’s AI technology will serve as a bridge between traditional asset management and digital asset management that will enable cryptocurrency investors to make data-driven and intelligent choices, optimizing their portfolios in an ever-changing financial landscape. “We are excited about this joint-effort with Qraft,” stated Alessio Quaglini, CEO & Co-founder of Hex Trust. “Their AI-powered risk models complement our vision of providing efficient access to decentralized markets unlocking ownership in decentralized markets. By combining forces, we aim to offer a new paradigm of investment opportunities to our clients’ institutional investors, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem.” About Qraft Qraft is a fintech company aiming to drive growth in the asset management industry through its innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and investing. Qraft offers a variety of AI-powered investment solutions, including a security selection engine, asset allocation engine, robo-advisory solution and an AI order-execution system. From data processing to alpha research and portfolio execution, Qraft has an established track record in developing cutting-edge AI solutions that have been adopted by over 20 financial institutions worldwide. In 2022, Qraft received a US$146 million investment from SoftBank Group, entering into a strategic partnership to accelerate AI in the asset management industry. About Hex Trust Hex Trust is a fully-licensed and insured digital asset custodian. Led by veteran banking technologists and award-winning financial services experts, Hex Trust has built Hex Safe, a proprietary institutional-grade platform that delivers solutions for digital asset protocols, foundations, financial institutions, and the Web3 ecosystem. Hex Trust has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Dubai, Italy, and The Bahamas. For more information: visit hextrust.com or follow Hex Trust on LinkedIn, Twitter and Telegram. Contacts Klaudia Wierzbowska Gregory FCA for Qraft Email: [email protected] Phone: 570-856-1360

Dogecoin (DOGE), has recently captured attention due to a notable lack of enthusiasm among buyers. The prominent meme coin currently sits at a trading price of $0.07004, experiencing a retracement of 5.86% in the past 24 hours. The metrics surrounding Dogecoin tell a story of market indifference, especially when compared to the fervor surrounding its rival, Shiba Inu. While tokens within the Shiba Inu ecosystem, such as Bone ShibaSwap (BONE), surge with bullish momentum, Dogecoin’s trading volume fails to provide support for an imminent upward trajectory. Can Dogecoin resurrect? Amidst this competition, several factors contribute to Dogecoin’s apparent apathy, including the absence of a clear vision or goal from the core development team. This lack of direction has dampened optimism and inhibited accumulation of the protocol’s tokens. With a significant decline of over 7% in the past week, Dogecoin now stands as one of the notable underperforming meme coins in the current market. A potential catalyst for Dogecoin’s resurgence hinges heavily on its association with Elon Musk, its prominent supporter and influencer. As a strong advocate of digital currencies, Musk’s tweets have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to trigger substantial rallies across the cryptocurrency market. Amidst the current stagnation, the prospect of a future tweet from Musk holds the potential to shatter the inertia that has characterized Dogecoin’s recent performance. While facing a bearish sentiment presently, it’s important to note that Dogecoin remains a celebrated altcoin within the top 10 by market capitalization. The coin’s fate, often encapsulated by the hashtag #Dogecoin, rests on the unpredictable impact of Musk’s social media presence.

Linda P. Jones has identified a life-changing buying opportunity for XRP, urging investors to capitalize on this moment. Jones, known for her works, “3 Steps to Quantum Wealth: The Wealth Heiress’ Guide to Financial Freedom by Investing in Cryptocurrencies” and “You’re Already a Wealth Heiress, Now Think and Act Like One: 6 Practical Steps to Make It a Reality Now!” took to Twitter today, sharing her bullish perspective on several cryptocurrency assets. She fervently states, “Gave a wake up call to VIP Experience members today: If you’re not investing in XRP at $0.60, XDC at $0.06, ALGO at $0.10, XLM at $0.10…don’t come crying to me when they are higher!” Drawing attention to the present market valuations, she highlighted that many of these assets are currently “selling at a deep discount”. She further advised her followers and readers to take a decisive stance on their investments. “You need to be scooping them up, without a perfectionist mindset of being too afraid to buy if it isn’t the absolute bottom.” While Jones accentuates the potential gains of these assets, she equally emphasizes the investor mindset. Suggesting that the pursuit of the perfect buying point might be a fallacy, she stated, “You need to be scooping them up, without a perfectionist mindset of being too afraid to buy if it isn’t the absolute bottom.” Emphasizing the timely nature of the present market conditions, Jones opines, “These are life changing prices, but you must take action. The least amount of risk is when prices are low, which is NOW. Could they go lower? Yes. So what, they will likely be a LOT higher in 2 years or sooner, so what are you waiting for?” XRP Price Analysis A price analysis of the 1-day chart suggests that the XRP price is at a crucial point following the summary judgement in the Ripple vs. SEC case. At press time, XRP was trading at $0.59, down more than 35% from its yearly high at $0.93 following the summary judgment in the Ripple against the US Securities And Exchange Commission (SEC) case. Before the verdict was announced, XRP was trading at $0.47, meaning that the XRP price has already lost most of its gains following the euphoria over Ripple’s victory. A look at the 1-day chart shows that XRP found support at the 100-day EMA at $0.5782 yesterday. Subsequently, XRP bulls managed to stage a small recovery. However, XRP is not out of the woods yet as the correction could continue unless the price shows a signal of trend reversal on the shorter timeframes. A first step would be to break above the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level at $0.6340. A strong confirmation would be a spike above $0.69 where the 50% Fibonacci retracement level is located. In a bearish scenario, XRP also loses the 100-day EMA and falls towards the 200-day EMA at $0.5256. The level can be interpreted as the most crucial support at the moment. If the “bull line” fails to hold, the XRP price could face a crash to pre-Ripple ruling levels.

To Prevent Information Leakage from Cache Attacks TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#TechforGood—NTT Corporation (NTT) in collaboration with the Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University and CASA (Cyber Security in the Age of Large-Scale Adversaries) at Ruhr University Bochum has developed a dedicated cache random function to eliminate the vulnerability caused by delay differences with the cache which is generated in the event of acquiring and updating data between CPU memories. This research contributes to the realization of a highly secure CPU that prevents information leakage due to cache attacks. NTT designed and proposed a Secure Cache Randomization Function (SCARF) for randomization of cache index and formulated what type of function is suitable for randomizing of cache index[1] by providing design guidelines for randomization of cache function which formulated appropriate random function. This paper will be accepted and presented at USENIX Security ’23※ in Anaheim which will be held from August 9th to August 11th, 2023. Key Points: Modeling attackers to perform cache attacks Design of a concrete function SCARF dedicated to cache index randomization An efficient and secure design theory against modeled attackers is realized using a tweakable block cipher2 Background of Research: Current CPU introduces cache memory to reduce impact of delay required to transfer data between CPU memories by accelerating on subsequence references by placing used data near the CPU. Although data referred once can be referred at high speed from the next time which also makes it available to attackers. These attacks that exploit information are called a cache attack which causes a real vulnerability and countermeasures are needed. Among other things, contention-typed cache attacks resulting from a cache scramble between the target program and the attack program are recognized as a real threat with fewer prerequisites for attackers. Randomization of cache index is a promising way for countermeasure of contention-based cache attacks. The randomization is thought to be impossible for an attacker to exploit the cache by not being able to determine the target’s cache index used by an address, but it has not been known what level of implementation is necessary and sufficient to achieve randomization. For example, encryption with block ciphers[4], a type of symmetric-key ciphers[3], is considered as a candidate for a random function. However, block ciphers are originally a technique to ensure confidentiality. To be specific, block ciphers strive to be secure in an environment where an attacker can observe and manipulate all of the input and output and are overqualified for use in cache random function where the output cannot be observed. Research Results: In this research, NTT first investigated what the attacker can actually do with a cache random function, and then worked on a design attack model for specified cache randomization function that reflected the attacker’s capabilities appropriately. Specifically, NTT introduced a model of Enc-then-Dec that encrypts with the adjustment value t1 and then decrypts with the adjustment value t2, using a collision model that makes the corresponding input pair observable when part of the output collides, and tweakable block cipher instead of block cipher. Among other things, the latter model has a high affinity with existing symmetric-key ciphers design theories, and with proper design, it is possible to reduce the delay by half compared to conventional methods. (Figure 1) In this research, NTT proposed a specific cache random function SCARF, designed using the Enc-then-Dec model. The design of SCARF takes advantage of NTT’s long-standing expertise in symmetric-key encryption design. While existing low-latency block ciphers require a latency of 560 ~ 630 ps in 15 nm technology, SCARF achieves about half the latency of 305.76 ps in the same environment. This halving is achieved by using design technology that makes the most of the Enc-then-Dec model. Future Development: The cache random function SCARF is designed to fit many current cache architectures. On the other hand, some architectures are not compatible with SCAR. Generalization of the SCARF structure is expected to accommodate a wider range of architectures. NTT will continue to tailor its purpose-built encryption technology that significantly outperforms general-purpose encryption methods in a limited-use environment such as this research. Paper Information: Federico Canale, Tim Güneysu, Gregor Leander, Jan Philipp Thoma, Yosuke Todo, Rei Ueno, “SCARF – A Low-Latency Block Cipher for Secure Cache-Randomization,” Usenix Security 2023. Reference: Contention-based cache attack mechanism Assuming the attacker’s goal is to know if the attack target used address A or not. The attacker selects an address from their physical address space[5] that conflicts with the cache index used by address A, replaces the cache which has the index with one from their address space and waits for the target to execute access. After the attack target executes, the address selected above is accessed again by the attacker to measure the delay to respond. If the attack target used address A, delay becomes significant because the cache of the target index has been replaced by that of address A. On the other hand, if the attack target does not use address A, the attacker can get results with low delay. In this way, the attacker could snatch information if the target used address A or not. (Figure 2) ※Usenix Security 2023: One of the world’s most notable international conferences on practical computer security and network security technologies. URL: https://www.usenix.org/conference/usenixsecurity23 Glossary: Cache index: This value corresponds to the address in the cache used to allocate data from the main storage to the cache. Typically, a portion of the physical address is used for cache index. Tweakable block cipher: One extension of block ciphers. In addition to inputs and outputs of block ciphers, an additional value (which an attacker can also observe and select) is input, and an independent block cipher is generated every change of adjustment value. “Skinny” is one of the tweakable block ciphers proposed and standardized by NTT. Common-key encryption: An encryption method that uses a common key for encryption and decryption. It is now widely used in everything from data communication to storage. Block cipher: A type of symmetric-key encryption that inputs a private key and a fixed-length message and outputs a fixed-length ciphertext. The security of block ciphers is discussed on the assumption that attackers can observe and select messages and ciphertexts. “Camellia” is one of the block ciphers proposed and standardized by NTT. Physical address space: In computer memory management, it is called a physical address that directly represents the physical location where data is stored. Physical address space refers to the entire area of memory recognized by physical addresses. About NTT NTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and business as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $100B in revenue and 330,000 employees, with $3.6B in annual R&D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers. Contacts Media Contacts NTT Service Innovation Laboratory Group Public Relations, Planning Department [email protected] Nick Gibiser Account Director Wireside Communications For NTT [email protected]

Managed dAPIs improve oracle security for billions in DeFi value with bridgeless first-party oracles powered by transparent data sources that can be verified on-chain. GRAND CAYMAN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–API3, a leader in delivering real-world data to the blockchain, announced the launch of managed dAPIs on the API3 Market today. Managed dAPIs are multi-source decentralized data feeds that provide DeFi protocols with superior oracle security and transparency compared to other competing solutions. Due to their native-chain aggregated, bridgeless design and transparent, on-chain verifiable first-party data sources, managed dAPIs deliver a security-first alternative to DeFi protocols looking for “push” type oracle data feeds that update on-chain reference values automatically based on pre-set parameters. First-party oracle data, verifiable on-chain Since its inception three years ago, API3 has been on a mission to develop oracles that provide DeFi protocols with better transparency, accuracy and, most importantly, security. To realize this vision, API3 set out to redesign push oracles around their own architecture, powered by the Airnode first-party oracle node. An oracle node is a piece of middleware that is necessary to deliver data from its off-chain source onto the blockchain. First-party oracles stand for oracle nodes operated by the data providers themselves, instead of third-party node operators as middlemen. By drawing cryptographically signed data directly from the source-level provider, first-party oracles inherit the security characteristics of these underlying data sources without further trust assumptions being placed on any third parties. This “straight from the source” design not only makes first-party oracles significantly more secure than their third-party counterparts, but also gives the user complete and on-chain verifiable transparency towards the origin of the data used to secure their protocol TVL (Total Value Locked). Native-chain aggregation eliminates reliance on risky bridges Drawing data directly, without any middlemen, from multiple high-quality sources is far from being the only improvement that API3’s managed dAPIs make to the current push oracle paradigm. Instead of bridging the medianized value from a proprietary aggregation chain or doing this data aggregation off-chain, API3’s managed dAPIs aggregate the first-party-originated data directly on the same chain it is being consumed on. This native-chain aggregation means that the process of combining the oracle data from its multiple sources is secured by the cryptography and decentralization of the same chain the consumer dApp relies on, instead of a separate consensus algorithm. Furthermore, the native-chain aggregation process eliminates the need for bridges, which in the past two years have been exploited for over $2.5B USD. This means that API3’s managed dAPI oracle updates are never susceptible to bridge hacks or bridge-related downtime. To provide even further security through decentralization, the dAPI aggregation contract itself is immutable and the only editable parameter; name-to-source mapping, is governed by the API3 DAO. This is in stark contrast to the designs maintained by API3’s largest oracle competitors, which feature entirely upgradeable oracle contracts controlled by opaque centralized companies. Managed dAPI benefits in a nutshell: Data source transparency: With cryptographically signed data verifiable on-chain, dAPIs provide end-to-end transparency, with data served by highly reputable API providers. Native-chain aggregation: Bridges are only needed when smart contracts cannot connect directly to the source of the data. dAPIs eliminate the need for bridges along with their associated risks, further enhancing the security of the data being served on-chain. Multi-source aggregation: Aggregated, multi-source data feeds are more reliable sources of data by mitigating downtime and improving the integrity of data by eliminating outliers. DAO governed: Decentralized governance removes centralized control over the Web3 data economy and introduces on-chain transparency into how the DeFi oracles are managed. A paradigm shift for push oracles “Despite a lot of talk recently around pull oracles which rely on users fetching their own oracle updates for DeFi transactions, the vast majority of DeFi dApps – worth tens of billions in TVL – continue to secure that TVL with automatically updated, push-type oracles. However, perhaps due to their incumbent design, we see innovation within push oracles as having been quite sluggish. Protocols and chains often pay exorbitant fees for solutions that provide limited source transparency or force the protocols to resort to things like creating makeshift conversions of pull oracles into push oracles if the dApp simply wants to read price updates. Considering the aggregate TVL held in these dApps, these issues pose significant risks for DeFi users and quite frankly the entire DeFi ecosystem. It’s this stagnant push oracle paradigm that we aim to disrupt by giving the DeFi dApps an oracle solution in managed dAPIs that provides verifiable transparency, superior decentralization and gas-efficiency without making any security compromises or charging extortive fees. It is for these reasons we strongly believe that managed dAPIs will become a major enabler for the next generation of safer, more transparent DeFi.” – Heikki Vanttinen, API3 Co-founder About API3 API3 is a blockchain oracle provider leading the transition from traditional third-party oracle networks to first-party oracle solutions. Their mission is to build a more interconnected DeFi ecosystem with secure, decentralized, and transparent oracle solutions. API3 currently delivers a suite of products to developers building next-generation applications, including the first-party Airnode to connect API providers directly to the blockchain, decentralized data feeds (dAPIs) on the API3 Market, QRNG services for generating truly random numbers on-chain, and OEV-Share to allow dApps to capture Oracle Extractable Value and improve protocol performance. For more information about API3 and managed dAPIs, visit the website, follow us on Twitter, or explore the technical documentation. Contacts Addison Huegel [email protected]

SEI, the native token of the Sei blockchain, appears to be gaining massive traction a day after its debut on multiple major exchanges. On Tuesday, August 15, Binance, Bybit, Bitget, Kucoin, and Kucoin jointly listed the token on their trading platforms. On the same day, Sei Labs, the company behind the network, announced the launch of the beta mainnet phase after a successful alpha phase. According to the developers, more than 7.5 million unique wallets and 400 million transactions were registered during the testnet phase. Sei network is a layer 1 blockchain built on the Cosmos software development kit. It claims to offer a scaling solution for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) with its matching engine and order front-run prevention tools. SEI Breaks Into Top 100 Crypto Ranking – Price Overview SEI experienced a surge in price upon its listing on various exchanges, notching more than a 650% gain within an hour. On Binance, the token opened trading at around $0.0639 before ballooning to a high of $0.4812. However, SEI has since experienced a slight price correction, trading about 44% beneath the recent high. As of this writing, the token changes hands at $0.2669, with a substantial 16% price jump in the past hour. Related Reading: Shiba Inu Bulls On The Horizon? Substantial Selling Pressure Seen Dropping CoinGecko data shows that SEI has been experiencing a massive surge in market activity, with its trading volume standing at $1,074,696,599. This represents a significant 5,156.5% increase in the last 24 hours. Likewise, the market cap of SEI has been on a steady rise in the past day. With a market cap of roughly $445.4 million, the cryptocurrency sits at the 92nd position on CoinGecko’s crypto ranking. Interestingly, traders seem to have anticipated the current performance of SEI prior to its multiple exchange listings. Data from DEX Aevo’s pre-listing futures revealed that the token could reach nearly half a billion market cap upon debut on centralized exchanges. The initial circulating supply of SEI is 1.8 billion – 18% of the total supply of 10 billion tokens. The “Cross-Chain” Airdrop On Tuesday, August 15, the Sei Foundation unveiled the details of its upcoming “cross-chain” airdrop for whitelisted users who bridge qualifying assets into the network. Some of the eligible tokens include USDC, ETH, WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin), etc. The foundation revealed that active users on just select blockchains, including Solana, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, and Osmosis, can participate in the airdrop. According to the announcement, the cross-chain airdrop will be open for claiming at the public mainnet launch.

Mastercard-powered crypto cards will be issued by the participating banks. There are now three companies registered to engage in the national digital sandbox. The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) in Uzbekistan has granted permission to two private banks, Kapital Bank and Ravnaq Bank, to test crypto regulations in a “digital sandbox.” Moreover, Mastercard-powered crypto cards will be issued by the banks. The NAPP announced on August 14 that Ravnaq Bank has been given permission to take part in the pilot program. In May of 2023, the Agency announced that Kapital Bank will be issuing its own cryptocurrency card. Major Crypto Push The Uzbeki crypto card, which the announcement calls UzNEX, would apparently combine a bank account with access to a cryptocurrency exchange and an automatic exchange mechanism. Mastercard, a global leader in electronic payment processing, will back the card. Both banks have set the end of this year as the target date for completing client rollouts of crypto cards. There are now three companies registered to engage in the national digital sandbox. With two of them being Kapital Bank and Ravnaq. Beginning in 2023, only crypto businesses that have obtained official approval may provide their services in Uzbekistan. In November of 2022, the first licenses were issued to crypto companies in the region. Prior to that, Uzbekistan blocked access to many major international cryptocurrency exchanges on suspicion that they were engaging in illegal activities. These exchanges included Binance, FTX, and Huobi. The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) was established in 2022 by presidential order to regulate the country’s cryptocurrency sector. The directive also laid out the legal framework in its entirety as it pertains to the mining of cryptocurrencies in Uzbekistan. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Prospects Brighten for First US Ether ETF as Approval Date Nears