Market
Dubai’s New Ads Rule and More
This week’s roundup highlights regulatory tightening and innovations in the crypto sector across Asia and MENA. Dubai’s regulator implements new crypto marketing rules, which will be effective as of October 1, 2024. Meanwhile, in South Korea, Worldcoin was fined $830,000 for breaching data privacy laws, particularly by collecting sensitive biometric data.
With regulatory authorities stepping up oversight across the region, the crypto industry is experiencing a period of transformation that is reshaping its future.
As of October 1, 2024, companies promoting virtual assets in Dubai must comply with new marketing regulations introduced by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). Under these guidelines, crypto advertisements must include a prominent disclaimer highlighting the risks of crypto investments. The disclaimer must clearly state that virtual assets can lose value in full or in part and are subject to significant volatility.
In addition to the new disclaimer requirements, VARA has introduced penalties for non-compliance. Firms violating these marketing guidelines could face fines of up to AED 10 million (approximately $2.7 million).
Read more: How Does Regulation Impact Crypto Marketing? A Complete Guide
The size of the fine will depend on the severity of the infraction. If the company repeatedly violates the regulations, it may also face increased fines.
Additionally, virtual asset service providers (VASPs) offering incentives related to virtual assets must now obtain compliance approval from VARA. This ensures that promotional materials do not obscure the risks investors may face when entering the highly volatile crypto market.
This regulatory update is part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to balance crypto innovation with consumer protection. With the region positioning itself as a global hub for blockchain and digital assets, the new rules aim to safeguard retail and institutional investors from misleading promotional content.
Worldcoin and TFH Hit with $800,000 Fine for Data Breaches in South Korea
South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has fined Worldcoin and its development company, Tools for Humanity (TFH), 1.14 billion Korean won ($830,000). This penalty was for violating the country’s data protection laws.
The fine stems from Worldcoin’s unauthorized collection of sensitive biometric information, including iris scans, from Korean users without proper consent. Moreover, the data was transferred abroad to Germany without notifying users. This action further breaches South Korean data privacy laws.
The PIPC ordered Worldcoin to implement corrective measures, including obtaining explicit user consent for sensitive data collection. The agency also demanded improvements in data storage and use transparency. Furthermore, the firm must introduce an effective data deletion mechanism for users who wish to opt out of the Worldcoin service.
Hong Kong’s Project e-HKD+ Explores Tokenized Assets and Digital Money
Hong Kong’s Monetary Authority (HKMA) recently launched the second phase of its digital currency project, now rebranded as Project e-HKD+. This phase aims to explore more advanced use cases for digital money, including tokenized deposits, as well as broader applications in both retail and corporate settings.
Project e-HKD+ brings together 11 firms that will conduct real-world trials on the settlement of tokenized assets, programmable payments, and offline transactions. These pilot programs are crucial for evaluating the feasibility and benefits of implementing digital currencies within the broader economy.
The outcome of Phase 2 will help shape the future design and regulatory framework for digital currencies in Hong Kong. Authorities will share key learnings with the public by the end of 2025.
Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA, emphasized that the initiative is essential for positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of financial technology.
“The e-HKD Pilot Programme has provided a valuable opportunity for the HKMA to explore with the industry how new forms of digital money can add unique value to the general public. The HKMA will continue to adopt a use-case-driven approach in its exploration of digital money. We look forward to working closely with industry participants in Phase 2 to co-create various innovative use cases,” Yue stated.
The authority also plans to establish the e-HKD Industry Forum. This forum will be a collaborative platform where industry leaders can discuss the broader adoption of digital currencies.
Indonesia’s Largest Bank Launches Blockchain-Based Pilot Project
Indonesia’s largest state-owned bank, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), is launching a blockchain-based pilot project to improve transparency and security in financial transactions. Announced during the Indonesia Blockchain Conference (IBC), the project is designed to streamline supply chains and secure business transactions for BRI’s extensive customer base of 82 million.
Nitia Rahmi, Head of BRI’s Digital Banking Development Department, highlighted that this initiative is part of the bank’s broader commitment to embracing Web3 technologies. Rahmi explained that the project would improve BRI’s digital infrastructure and position the bank as a leader in blockchain adoption within the Indonesian financial sector.
As blockchain technology gains momentum in Southeast Asia, BRI’s move aligns with a growing regional trend of integrating decentralized technologies into traditional banking systems. The bank’s adoption of blockchain is expected to set a precedent for other institutions looking to innovate and improve financial processes.
WazirX Secures Court Moratorium to Restructure After $230 Million Hack
On September 26, Singapore’s High Court granted a four-month moratorium to Zettai Pte Ltd, the parent company of the Indian crypto exchange WazirX. This decision follows the platform’s $230 million exploit in July.
This moratorium allows WazirX to restructure its liabilities and address users’ outstanding cryptocurrency balances. Initially, the exchange requested a six-month moratorium. However, the court decided on a four-month moratorium, factoring in the automatic 30-day moratorium that started with the initial filing.
Nischal Shetty, Director of Zettai and Founder of WazirX, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision. He described it as a critical step toward recovery and resolution. Shetty also emphasized that this breathing space is necessary for developing a fair, creditor-approved restructuring plan that maximizes recovery potential for affected users.
As part of the court’s conditions, WazirX has committed to full transparency. The exchange will make its wallet addresses public, release financial data, and address user concerns raised during the legal proceedings. Additionally, future voting on restructuring plans will be supervised by independent parties to ensure impartiality.
Read more: Crypto Project Security: A Guide to Early Threat Detection
In parallel with these legal proceedings, blockchain data from Arkham Intelligence revealed that the hacker responsible for the exploit has almost entirely laundered the stolen assets. Of the $230 million, only $6 million of cryptocurrencies remains unlaundered. The hacker funneled the majority of the funds through the crypto mixer Tornado Cash.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Ethereum Price Can Reach $3,500 On The Back Of These Factors
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, recently failed to breach $3,524, triggering a sharp price drop. Since then, recovery efforts have remained weak as volatility persists.
However, the current conditions suggest Ethereum may be preparing for a comeback as the market stabilizes.
Ethereum Has Room For Recovery
Ethereum’s Network Value to Transaction (NVT) Ratio is experiencing a decline, recently hitting a monthly low. A low NVT indicates that transaction activity is balanced with network value, reflecting reduced volatility. This creates an environment conducive to price recovery, something Ethereum urgently needs to regain its footing.
With the NVT ratio signaling healthy network activity, Ethereum is positioned to stabilize in the short term. Declining volatility often fosters investor confidence, making it more likely for the cryptocurrency to see renewed buying interest. As speculative activity wanes, Ethereum has an opportunity to chart a path toward meaningful recovery.
Ethereum’s realized profits recently dropped to a six-week low, pointing to a significant reduction in selling pressure from investors. This trend highlights the market’s shifting sentiment, with fewer participants looking to offload their holdings. Such conditions could provide Ethereum with the breathing room required to capitalize on broader bullish cues.
The lack of an uptick in realized profits suggests that the selling lull may persist, allowing Ethereum to focus on building upward momentum. With investors holding onto their coins, market conditions are primed for a gradual recovery, provided external factors remain favorable.
ETH Price Prediction: Breaking The Barrier
Ethereum is currently trading near $3,300, just below the critical resistance level of $3,327. Flipping this into support is essential for ETH to initiate a rally toward $3,524, representing a 6% increase from current levels. This move would mark a partial recovery from recent losses.
Breaking through the $3,524 resistance is crucial for Ethereum’s recovery. Achieving this would erase the recent downturn and also position the altcoin for further gains, potentially targeting $3,711. Such a move would underscore Ethereum’s resilience and align with the broader market’s bullish sentiment.
However, failing to establish $3,327 as a support level could stall Ethereum’s recovery. This scenario would leave the cryptocurrency vulnerable to a retracement toward $3,200, undermining recent progress and potentially delaying its path to $3,500.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Justin Sun, Vitalik Buterin Speak Amid Ethereum Reform Debate
TRON founder Justin Sun has offered a hypothetical plan for Ethereum and the Ethereum Foundation (EF) under his leadership. His remarks come amid controversy over EF’s leadership transformation.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined the reforms’ goals and progress. He highlighted improvements in technical expertise, ecosystem engagement, and operational efficiency.
Justin Sun Outlines Blueprint for Ethereum Leadership
The TRON executive shared ambitious remarks on how he would lead the Ethereum Foundation if given the opportunity. Sun’s vision, shared on X, outlined a four-point plan to radically restructure EF operations, optimize Ethereum’s economic model, and drive the price of ETH to $10,000.
“If EF and Ethereum were under my leadership, ETH would hit $10,000,” Sun claimed.
Sun proposed an immediate halt to ETH sales for three years to stabilize supply and boost market confidence. He suggested covering EF’s operational costs through DeFi protocols like Aave, staking yields, and stablecoin borrowing, aligning with Ethereum’s deflationary goals.
A key component of his plan involves imposing significant taxes on Layer 2 (L2) solutions, aiming to generate $5 billion annually. The collected taxes would go toward exclusively repurchasing and burning ETH, further enhancing its scarcity and value.
Sun also called for a drastic downsizing of EF staff, retaining only top performers and offering them significant salary increases. This merit-based approach, he argued, would streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Finally, Sun emphasized adjusting node rewards and increasing fee burns to reinforce Ethereum’s deflationary narrative. He proposed redirecting all resources toward Ethereum’s core L1 development, focusing on scalability, security, and adoption. Justin Sun’s plan sparked a mixed response, with some applauding the bold vision.
“These are all very practical suggestions. Please pay attention to them and refer to them, Vitalik Buterin,” core developer 0xSea.eth posed.
Meanwhile, others challenged Sun to focus on TRON and explore bringing decentralized finance (DeFi) to its ecosystem.
“Maybe start with how to make DeFi great on TRON – you should ask your exec team (and yourself), “Why is DeFi nonexistent on TRON despite it being the chain with the most stable coins on it?” If you answer this, maybe TRON can beat eth one day,” ZIGChain co-founder Abdul Rafay Gadit remarked.
Vitalik Buterin Defends Leadership Amid Criticism
Sun’s proposed solution aligns with Vitalik Buterin’s recent post discussing ongoing changes over the past year, some of which have already been implemented. Buterin emphasized goals such as strengthening the EF’s technical leadership and improving collaboration with ecosystem participants. He also addressed concerns, rejecting the notion that the EF might adopt centralized or politically motivated roles.
“…these things aren’t what EF does and this isn’t going to change. People seeking a different vision are welcome to start their orgs,” Buterin articulated.
Aya Miyaguchi, an EF executive, confirmed the ongoing efforts, expressing excitement about forthcoming announcements. She noted that the reforms aim to solidify Ethereum’s position as a global neutral platform while embracing decentralized and privacy-preserving technologies.
The announcement has stirred controversy within the crypto community. Critics argue that the current leadership has failed to manage Ethereum effectively.
“Respectfully, just let new blood take over. You guys can’t even make a simple Twitter account work—how can you be trusted to lead the second biggest blockchain,” Wazz posed.
Another user, Coinmamba, suggested that pressuring Miyaguchi to resign could result in Ethereum reaching new all-time high. Buterin strongly condemned these comments, defending Miyaguchi and calling out the toxicity of such social media rhetoric.
“No. This is not how this game works,” Buterin retorted. “The person deciding the new EF leadership team is me. If you ‘keep the pressure on,’ then you are creating an environment that is actively toxic to top talent. YOU ARE MAKING MY JOB HARDER,” the Ethereum co-founder lamented.
Buterin also refuted specific claims against Miyaguchi, pointing out inaccuracies in translations and misinterpretations of her statements. He reiterated the need for a “proper board” within EF to enhance governance.
Ethereum’s ETH token was trading at $3,305 as of this writing, representing a modest 0.2% surge since Wednesday’s session opened.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Dogecoin Holding Time and Whale Activity Spikes
Dogecoin (DOGE), a leading meme coin, is signaling a potential breakout from its narrow trading range.
If this momentum continues, it could reclaim its multi-year high of $0.48, fueled by extended holding periods and increased accumulation by large holders.
Dogecoin Investors Reduce Distribution
The on-chain assessment of DOGE’s performance has revealed a significant spike in the holding time of all its coins transacted in the past seven days. According to IntoTheBlock, this has climbed by 302% during the review period.
The holding time of an asset’s transacted coins represents the average duration tokens are kept in wallets before being sold or transferred.
Longer holding periods like this reduce selling pressure in the DOGE market. This reflects stronger investor conviction, as investors choose to keep their coins rather than sell them.
In addition to reducing selling activity, DOGE whales have increased their holdings over the past week. This is reflected by the 112% uptick in its large holders’ netflow during that period.
An asset’s large holders’ netflow metric tracks the movement of coins into and out of wallets controlled by whales or institutional investors. When this metric spikes, it suggests that these large holders are accumulating more of the asset, signaling increased confidence in its future price movement.
DOGE Price Prediction: Bullish Run Could Continue
If this bullish momentum is maintained, DOGE will extend its weekly 3% spike. As buying pressure strengthens, the meme coin could revisit its four-year high of $0.48.
However, this bullish outlook will be invalidated if accumulation stalls and selling activity recommences. In that scenario, DOGE’s price could slip to $0.29.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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