MAS
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is Singapore's central bank. The mission of the MAS is to promote sustained non-inflationary economic growth, and a sound and progressive financial center. The MAS has leveraged blockchain technology for its Project Ubin central bank digital currency (CBDC) project.
FinCEN Issues Alert to Counter Financing to Hamas and its Terrorist Activities
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued an alert to financial institutions, urging vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious activities related to the financing of the terrorist organization Hamas. The alert comes in the wake of a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which was funded through various means, including virtual currency.
US Treasury Targets Hamas Financial Networks Post-Israel Attack
In a strategic move following the recent terrorist attack on Israel, the US Treasury designated ten key individuals and entities affiliated with Hamas, targeting their financial networks across several countries. This action accentuates the broader US initiative to choke off Hamas’s financial resources, while spotlighting the emerging challenges posed by virtual currencies in terror financing.
Mastercard Unveils Interoperable CBDC in Australia
Mastercard, in association with the RBA and DFCRC, has demonstrated a groundbreaking interoperable CBDC solution to enhance Web3 commerce in Australia and beyond. The live demonstration showcased a pilot CBDC holder purchasing an NFT on Ethereum, utilizing Mastercard’s Multi Token Network, emphasizing the potential of blockchain interoperability in fostering secure and efficient digital commerce.
Coinbase Legal Chief Urges Swift US Crypto Legislation Amid Israel-Hamas Tensions
Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, emphasized the importance of preventing cryptocurrency misuse and advocated for sensible crypto legislation in the US amidst geopolitical unrest involving Israel and Hamas. Grewal highlighted Coinbase's proactive measures like KYC checks and law enforcement partnerships to curb illicit activities on its platform. The discourse also spurred reactions from the crypto community regarding asset seizures and the role of other crypto exchanges like Binance.
Blockchain Technology Powers Brazil's National Identity Card Issuance
Brazil has commenced the use of blockchain technology for issuing the National Identity Card (CIN) to enhance security and data integrity in the new identity issuance process. The initial phase begins in three states with a nationwide deadline set for November 6, 2023. This move is part of Brazil's broader initiative towards leveraging blockchain for public service improvement, aligning with global trends of digital identity verification.
Sui Foundation Allocates Over $1M to 17 Emerging Projects
The Sui Foundation has earmarked over $1.05 million for 17 new projects aimed at bolstering the development and adoption of Sui. This initiative encompasses a wide range of sectors within the Sui ecosystem, including DeFi, gaming, and on-chain solutions, showcasing the foundation's dedication to fostering innovation and expanding the decentralized platform.
BNB Chain and MetaMask Resolve Glitch Affecting opBNB Gas Fees
BNB Chain and MetaMask have successfully addressed a glitch that led to the display of inflated gas fees for opBNB transactions. The issue was rooted in MetaMask's default algorithm, which set a minimum recommended gas price based on averages across various Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks. This has been corrected, and users can now benefit from opBNB's lower gas fees for faster and more cost-effective transactions.
MetaMask Developer ConsenSys Responds to European Banking Authority's Consultation on Anti-Money Laundering Measures
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has closed its public consultation on revising guidelines for money laundering and terrorist financing risk factors, extending the scope to include crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). ConsenSys, MetaMask's development lead, defended the EBA's approach, stating self-hosted wallets should not be considered a risk factor and praised the EBA's recognition of blockchain analytics' role in risk mitigation.
Elon Musk Endorses Pro-Crypto Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy
Elon Musk endorses pro-crypto candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Amidst tense crypto regulations, the 2024 U.S. elections may shape the future of digital currencies.
Mastercard's CBDC Initiative: Ripple Joins as Key Partner in Digital Currency Evolution
Mastercard launches a CBDC program with Ripple as a key partner, aiming to enhance digital currency interoperability and adoption globally.