Hong Kong Greenlights First Bitcoin and Ether ETFs
Hong Kong's securities regulator has approved the issuance of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin and Ether, with at least three local issuers receiving conditional approval. These ETFs will utilize the in-kind creation model, allowing new ETF shares to be issued using BTC and ETH. Offshore Chinese asset managers, including units of Harvest Fund Management, Bosera Asset Management, and China Asset Management, are set to launch these ETFs soon in collaboration with local entities like HashKey Capital and OSL Digital Securities. (Cointelegraph)
Bitcoin Halving 2024: A Festive Affair with Project Launches and IRL Celebrations
The upcoming Bitcoin halving differs vastly from its predecessor, with planned IRL celebrations in Denver and Costa Rica, alongside project launches and on-chain competitions. This year's halving, expected to occur on April 20, marks a departure from the subdued atmosphere of the last halving in 2020, coinciding with COVID lockdowns. The convergence of festivities and technical advancements promises a uniquely memorable halving experience. (CoinDesk)
YGG Pilipinas Roadtrip Unites Gaming and Web3 Communities in Batangas
The YGG Pilipinas Roadtrip in Batangas drew over 1,000 attendees, showcasing the growing interest in crypto and web3 among gamers and enthusiasts in the Philippines. The roadtrip aimed to connect gamers, developers, and industry leaders, emphasizing the grassroots community's importance in the web3 space. Educational sessions, gaming tournaments, and networking opportunities highlighted the event's focus on building communities and careers in the evolving landscape of web3 gaming. (BitPinas)
Worldcoin Introduces World Chain, A Layer 2 Blockchain
Worldcoin is set to unveil its own Layer 2 blockchain, World Chain, aiming to streamline processes for onboarding new users and enhancing efficiencies. Scheduled for release this summer, World Chain will be owned and governed by the Worldcoin project, with security provided by Ethereum.The launch signifies a significant step forward in Worldcoin's mission to assign World IDs through iris scans, rewarding participants with WLD tokens. (TheBlock)
Ragnarok Online Enters Blockchain with Ronin Partnership
Gravity, creator of Ragnarok Online, teams up with Ronin, an Ethereum sidechain gaming network, to launch Ragnarok: Monster World in Q3 2024. This strategy game, combining tower defense and monster collection elements, marks Ragnarok's debut in the blockchain realm. Developed by ZERO X AND, it aims to enthrall both nostalgic and new players, promising an immersive experience. The partnership reflects Ronin's dedication to redefining gaming culture in blockchain, leveraging iconic IPs and innovative technology. (Decrypt)
DeFi and Web3 Gaming Dominate Q1 Blockchain Trends
The "OnChain Report Q1 2024" reveals that decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 gaming were the leading forces in the blockchain industry. DeFi protocols doubled total value locked (TVL) across various categories, marking a 291% quarter-over-quarter increase in user activity. Web3 gaming surpassed stablecoins in transaction volume with a 155% quarter-over-quarter rise in active addresses. Stablecoins remained active, but Layer-2 blockchains and decentralized social platforms also saw significant growth. (Cryptobriefing)
EY Utilizes Polygon PoS for Enterprise Contract Management Service
Ernst & Young launches OpsChain Contract Manager, allowing clients to place contracts securely on a public blockchain using zero-knowledge circuits. Initially operating on Polygon PoS, EY plans to transition to Ethereum mainnet and layer-3. This move signals a shift towards institutional adoption of public blockchains, leveraging Polygon's low transaction costs. EY's focus on blockchain reflects a commitment to privacy and transparency in enterprise contract management.(Blockworks)
Bipartisan Effort Led by 'Bitcoin Senator' Lummis Proposes US Stablecoin Legislation
Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have introduced new stablecoin legislation aimed at providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for these crypto assets in the United States. The legislation requires firms to conduct stablecoin activities through subsidiaries and introduces different regulations based on the outstanding value of stablecoins issued, with a $10 billion cap on state regulators' oversight of non-depository trust companies involved in the space. This bipartisan effort reflects growing concerns and efforts to address regulatory gaps surrounding stablecoins in the US. (Decrypt)
