ZEN INVESTING
Zen Investing is a unique approach to mastering the art of the stock market by combining timeless Zen philosophy with practical investment strategies. This series introduces readers to profound insights, actionable techniques, and a structured framework for navigating financial markets with clarity and discipline. Whether you're a beginner seeking guidance or an experienced trader exploring new perspectives, Zen Investing offers a fresh path to achieving financial success through mindfulness, wisdom, and strategy.
SpankChain Shuts Down SpankPay Crypto Payment Processor
Ethereum-based adult entertainment platform SpankChain has closed down its crypto payment processor, SpankPay, after losing its payment service provider Wyre in February and failing to find a new one.
Australian Banks Ordered to Report Crypto Transactions
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has ordered local banks to report on cryptocurrency transactions amid concerns over the contagion of recent banking collapses, including that of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The regulator is seeking more information and insight into banking exposures to crypto assets and associated risks.
Australian Bankers Association cost of living probe shows bank pressure
The Australian Bankers Association (ABA) has launched a cost of living review to determine how the COVID-19 epidemic, global supply chain restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and other factors have raised Australia's already high cost of living. The research will examine Australia's economic policies and ways to cut living costs.
Court Approves Voyager Digital's Acquisition by Binance.US
The US District Court rejected the government's appeal to halt Binance.US's acquisition of bankrupt brokerage company Voyager Digital. The court confirmed its prior approval of Voyager Digital's Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan, which involves selling assets to Binance.US to repay customers. The court also allowed Binance.US to issue repayment tokens to impacted Voyager customers, despite objections by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Signature Bank Under Investigation by US Government Bodies
Signature Bank is reportedly under investigation by both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice over concerns that the bank did not take adequate measures to detect potential money laundering by its clients. The bank was closed on March 12 as part of a series of bank closures that also included Silvergate Capital and Silicon Valley Bank.
SEC Rejects VanEck Spot Bitcoin Trust Proposal
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has denied the proposal for a spot Bitcoin trust by investment manager VanEck. This decision follows a trend of the SEC denying every application for a spot Bitcoin trust over the last six years. Two SEC commissioners have released a statement criticizing the decision and alleging a double standard in the Commission’s approach to commodity-based exchange-traded products (ETPs).
FTX Founder's Lawyers Consider Delaying Criminal Trial
Lawyers representing FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried have hinted that they may need to delay his criminal trial due to a lack of evidence from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, will focus on fraud charges against Bankman-Fried. His lawyers have stated that they are still waiting for a "substantial portion" of evidence to be handed over to them, including evidence from devices belonging to former FTX employees who have pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
Silvergate Bank Voluntary Liquidation Sparks Controversy in Crypto Industry
The recent announcement of Silvergate Bank’s voluntary liquidation has led to a heated debate in the crypto industry, with some lawmakers labeling the sector as “risky” and “volatile.” Crypto executives and commentators have criticized these remarks and suggested that government investigations and legal attacks hastened the bank’s collapse. As Silvergate winds down, some crypto firms are seeking alternative banking partners amid concerns of regulatory crackdowns and proposed tax law changes.
US Crypto Holders Trust Banks and Exchanges for Custody
A recent survey by Paxos revealed that a majority of US crypto holders still trust banks, exchanges, and mobile payment apps for custody of their assets. Despite high-profile collapses and poor risk management practices, crypto owners continue to trust intermediaries for holding crypto assets. The survey also found an increasing desire among consumers to purchase Bitcoin and other digital assets from traditional banks, presenting a significant untapped opportunity for banks to expand their offerings.
Thailand Waives Taxes on Investment Tokens
Thailand's cabinet has agreed to waive corporate income tax and VAT for companies issuing investment tokens, encouraging alternative capital raising in addition to conventional methods. The government hopes to generate 128 billion Thai baht from investment token offerings over the next two years.