The Bank of Korea has again poured cold water on the idea of adopting a central bank digital currency, according to remarks made by an official of the central bank.
Japanese Merchant Bank Signs Deal to Tokenize Estonian Properties
MBK, a Tokyo-based and Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed merchant bank, has signed a deal for the tokenization of property in Estonia.
Korean Government to Back Blockchain Startups With $9 Million Fund in 2020
The Korea Internet Security Agency will be supporting blockchain-related projects in 2020 with about $9.0 million in funding.
Huobi Japan Raises $4.6 million From Tokyo-Listed Financial Services Firm
Huobi Japan has received $4.6 million in investment from a Tokyo-listed company involved in real estate and financial services.
Major Korean Banks Back Bitcoin Startup Coinplug’s $6.4 Million Round
South Korean bitcoin exchange and wallet startup Coinplug has raised $6.4 million from venture arms of major local financial institutions.
SoftBank to Develop Cross-Carrier Blockchain Payments With IBM Tech
SoftBank is working with IBM to develop cross-carrier blockchain tech to enable smartphone users to make local payments when traveling abroad.
Binance Joins Governance Council of Kakao’s Klaytn Blockchain
Binance has joined the governance council of Kakao’s Klaytn blockchain network as the project scrambles for partners and use cases.
Japan’s Third Largest Bank Completes Blockchain Trade Finance Test
The third largest bank by assets in Japan, is set to begin utilizing R3’s Marco Polo trade finance blockchain on a commercial basis by the end of 2019.
Major Korean Banks Join Government-Backed Blockchain ID Initiative
Institutions including the Shinhan and NH Nonghyup banks have joined a blockchain identity initiative aimed to securely share personal data.
Tourists in Popular Japanese Region Could Soon Use a Local Cryptocurrency
Mitsubishi Research Institute and an Osaka-based railway company are issuing a local cryptocurrency for use in a popular tourist area in Japan.
Crypto Exchange Upbit’s Operator Eyes Blockchain in OTC Securities Trading
Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, is releasing a new app this month for trading unlisted securities with a plan to add in blockchain next year.
Samsung SDS Pilots Blockchain-Based Medical Insurance Network
Samsung SDS is expecting to roll out a blockchain-based medical claims processing system this month.
South Korea Aims to Put Trade Finance on the Blockchain by 2021
The government-backed program will bring trade and contract data into distributed ledgers.
Samsung Working With Ripple Partner, Finablr, on International Payments
Samsung is dipping a toe into blockchain-based remittances thanks to a partnership with Finablr.
Hong Kong Securities Watchdog Issues Rules on Funds Investing in Crypto
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has issued regulations for fund managers investing in “virtual assets.”
Japan’s Nomura Invests in Line’s LVC to Develop Blockchain Financial Services
Nomura hopes to leverage Line’s vast user base and high-quality user experience to deliver financial services.
300cubits, a Blockchain Shipping Pioneer, Gives up on Its TEU Token
The Hong Kong-based company calls it quits as clients raise concerns about the value of the coin.
Japan’s Financial Regulator Issues Draft Guidelines For Funds Investing in Crypto
The instructions from the FSA are vague and obvious, but they indicate some movement on the regulatory front.
Six Major Japanese Brokerages Form Security Token Offering Association
A self-regulatory organization has been formed in Japan to guide security token offerings.
South Korean Court Issues Landmark Decision on Crypto Exchange Hacking
The Seoul court ruled that a hacking is not the responsibility of an exchange but a transfer of funds is.