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Coinbase-backed crypto trading firm hits $1 billion valuation after fresh funding round

Amber Group, a cryptocurrency financial services firm, has raised $100 million as investors rush to back companies in the industry.

The fresh funding round values the Hong Kong-based start-up at $1 billion.

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Amber Group, a cryptocurrency financial services firm, has raised $100 million as investors rush to back companies in the industry.

The fresh funding round values the Hong Kong-based start-up at $1 billion.

Investment bank China Renaissance led the round with participation from other high-profile investors including New York-based Tiger Global Management. Existing investors, which includes Coinbase’s venture arm, were involved.

The latest funding round continues a flurry of funding activity in the cryptocurrency industry.

In the second quarter of 2021, venture capital investment into cryptocurrency and blockchain start-ups totaled $14 billion, according to data from PitchBook provided to CNBC. That compares to just $600 million in the same period last year.

Interest in cryptocurrencies, particularly in bitcoin, rose this year as institutional investors and large corporations jumped in. Payments processor Square and electric vehicle maker Tesla are among the companies that have purchased bitcoin.

But after touching a record high of $64,829.14 in April, bitcoin has plunged by nearly half.

Business model
Amber Group has typically sold products to institutional investors and wealthy individuals including algorithmic trading and lending products.

Rather than being a cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to trade individual digital coins, Amber Group CEO Michael Wu said the company is bringing a “private banking experience to every day customer.”

Wu says the company offers investors a number of different cryptocurrency products to invest in.

Amber Group said it is on track to book revenue of $500 million by the end of this year and has been profitable “since inception.”

According to Wu, between 70% and 80% of the company’s revenue comes from so-called net interest margin — a measure of lending profitability. Amber Group takes on customers’ deposits and offers them an interest rate. They then lend out the money from a pool of deposits to other entities at higher interest rates and make money from that spread.

About 15% of revenue comes from trading fees.

While the majority of the company’s customers are institutional investors, Wu said Amber Group is making a push to gain individual investor customers.

“We don’t advocate heavy speculation or high use of leverage, rather we want our customers to be more long term, focus on risk management and get stable and attractive yield,” Wu said.

Strategic acquisitions
The CEO said the fresh capital raised will be used to “hire even more aggressively” and to make strategic acquisitions in areas such as cybersecurity.

But Wu said the company is also looking to acquire others that have regulatory licenses in certain jurisdictions, which could allow Amber Group to enter a new market.

Regulation around cryptocurrency investing differs around the world and is quite fragmented.

“I think regulation is always a challenge for this industry because it’s a very global industry,” Wu said. “It’s always about staying ahead, or at least staying aware of the different regulation. We always take a very conservative approach to that.”

Source Credits: CNBC

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South Korea’s crypto investor surge drives CEX profits by 106%

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South Korea’s cryptocurrency market is witnessing significant growth, with a notable 21% rise in the number of active investors this year. This surge in participation is accompanied by a remarkable 106% year-over-year increase in profits for centralized exchanges (CEXs) operating in the region.

Data reveals that the uptick in investor activity is driven by a growing interest in digital assets, alongside favorable market conditions. As more individuals engage with cryptocurrencies, CEXs are capitalizing on this momentum, leading to substantial revenue gains.

Industry experts attribute the profit increase to a combination of factors, including heightened trading volumes and the introduction of new trading products that appeal to both novice and experienced investors. Additionally, many exchanges have enhanced their services, providing better user experiences and security features, which have helped attract more participants.

Despite regulatory challenges in the broader cryptocurrency landscape, South Korean exchanges are adapting to changes while continuing to foster a robust trading environment. As interest in digital assets grows, market analysts predict further expansion and profitability for CEXs in the coming months.

The rise in both investor numbers and exchange profits highlights the resilience of South Korea’s cryptocurrency market, positioning it as a key player in the global digital asset arena.

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Tron replaces Oracle provider with Chainlink

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Tron has announced a strategic partnership with Chainlink aimed at enhancing its decentralized finance (DeFi) offerings. This collaboration seeks to integrate Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network into Tron’s ecosystem, enabling developers to access real-time data and improve the functionality of their DeFi applications.

The partnership will allow Tron-based projects to leverage Chainlink’s robust data feeds, which provide reliable external information essential for executing smart contracts. This integration is expected to enhance the security and efficiency of various financial products on the Tron blockchain.

In a statement, Tron officials emphasized the importance of data integrity and accessibility in driving DeFi innovation. By collaborating with Chainlink, Tron aims to attract more developers and users to its platform, fostering growth within its DeFi ecosystem.

Chainlink’s oracles have been widely adopted across various blockchain networks, and this partnership marks a significant step in expanding their reach into the Tron ecosystem. As DeFi continues to gain traction globally, both companies are optimistic that this collaboration will yield new opportunities for innovation and investment.

This partnership comes at a crucial time as the DeFi sector evolves, and Tron is positioning itself to play a significant role in shaping the future of decentralized finance. By leveraging Chainlink’s technology, Tron aims to enhance its competitiveness in the rapidly growing DeFi landscape.

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Singapore bolsters fintech hub with Global Finance Technology Network

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Singapore has officially launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing its position as a global hub for financial technology. The Global Finance Technology Network is designed to foster collaboration between fintech companies, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies, promoting innovation and the development of cutting-edge financial solutions.

The initiative was announced during a recent fintech conference, where government officials highlighted Singapore’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for fintech growth. The network aims to connect local startups with international players, facilitating knowledge exchange and access to resources that can accelerate their growth.

Key features of the Global Finance Technology Network include mentorship programs, access to funding, and opportunities for partnerships. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of regulatory support, ensuring that fintech companies can operate effectively within a clear and supportive framework.

Officials noted that this network is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to remain at the forefront of the global fintech landscape, especially as competition intensifies from other financial centers. By fostering innovation and collaboration, Singapore aims to attract talent and investment, ultimately driving economic growth in the region.

As the fintech sector continues to evolve, the Global Finance Technology Network is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of finance in Singapore and beyond, positioning the city-state as a leader in financial technology innovation.

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