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Standard Chartered’s crypto custodian Zodia to raise $50M

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Zodia, the cryptocurrency custodian backed by Standard Chartered, has raised $50 million in a new funding round aimed at expanding its institutional offerings. The round was led by Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings, with participation from other prominent institutional investors. The fresh capital will be used to enhance Zodia’s secure digital asset storage services, which cater to large-scale investors like banks, asset managers, and hedge funds.

Launched in 2020, Zodia offers fully regulated crypto custody services in the UK, positioning itself as a trusted player in the rapidly growing market for institutional-grade digital asset solutions. The company’s robust security measures and regulatory compliance have helped it attract institutional clients looking for a safe and secure way to manage their crypto holdings amid increasing market volatility.

Zodia’s latest funding round reflects the rising demand for professional-grade custodianship as cryptocurrencies gain mainstream adoption. As institutional interest in digital assets grows, companies like Zodia are well-positioned to offer the kind of secure, compliant infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native businesses.

With the additional funding, Zodia plans to accelerate its expansion, improve its product offerings, and increase its global presence. This move underscores the growing importance of regulated custodial services in the digital asset space as investors seek greater security and regulatory certainty in their crypto investments.

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Hamster Kombat loses 86% of users as Paws Mini App soars on Telegram

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Telegram-based gaming continues to evolve, with a new competition brewing between two popular games: Hamster Kombat and Rise of Paws. While Hamster Kombat initially garnered attention for its unique blend of strategy and casual play, it is now experiencing a decline in user engagement. Meanwhile, Rise of Paws, a new entry in the Telegram gaming space, has rapidly risen in popularity, attracting players with its engaging gameplay and vibrant community.

Hamster Kombat allowed users to battle virtual hamsters in various arenas, offering collectible assets and a competitive ranking system. However, despite its early success, the game has seen a downturn, with player activity and interest waning. Critics point to a lack of innovation and the challenge of maintaining long-term engagement as factors contributing to its decline.

In contrast, Rise of Paws has quickly gained traction, offering a more interactive experience with improved mechanics and a fresh storyline. Players control a variety of anthropomorphic animal characters, engaging in battles and completing quests. The game’s immersive world-building and active updates have helped it capture the attention of Telegram’s gaming community, positioning it as the new favorite.

The shift in popularity between the two games highlights the competitive nature of Telegram’s gaming ecosystem. As developers continue to innovate, the rise of new titles like Rise of Paws underscores the dynamic and fast-changing landscape of mobile and casual gaming on the platform. The success of these games will depend not only on their gameplay but also on their ability to foster loyal communities and evolve with player expectations.

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Meta opens Llama AI model up to US military

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Meta has granted the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) access to its cutting-edge AI model, LLaMA, for national security purposes. The move, which expands the military’s access to advanced machine learning tools, is part of Meta’s broader effort to support governmental use of AI technology in strategic areas. LLaMA, short for Large Language Model Meta AI, is designed to facilitate natural language processing and could potentially enhance a range of defense-related tasks, including intelligence analysis and cybersecurity.

The decision comes as governments and military organizations worldwide increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to strengthen national security and gain a competitive edge in global geopolitical dynamics. LLaMA, a series of open-weight language models developed by Meta, is seen as a powerful tool for advancing machine learning capabilities in defense, providing the military with tools to analyze vast amounts of unstructured data more efficiently.

Meta’s move to allow the military access to its model has sparked debates over the ethical implications of AI’s role in defense applications. While proponents argue that AI can significantly enhance national security by improving decision-making and operational efficiency, critics raise concerns about the potential misuse of the technology in military operations and surveillance. Meta has emphasized that it will continue to adhere to ethical guidelines and ensure that its technology is used responsibly.

This partnership highlights the growing intersection of AI and defense technology, with tech companies and governments seeking to collaborate on cutting-edge innovations for strategic advantages. The U.S. military’s adoption of LLaMA could mark a significant step forward in the integration of AI into national security operations, though the long-term effects on privacy, governance, and global stability remain to be seen.

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Binance, CZ file motion to dismiss SEC’s amended complaint

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Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has filed a motion to dismiss the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) amended complaint against him and the exchange. The SEC had filed the revised complaint in June, accusing Zhao and Binance of illegally operating unregistered securities exchanges and misleading investors. In response, Zhao’s legal team argues that the SEC’s claims are unfounded and that the regulator has failed to establish a sufficient legal basis for the case.

The motion, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, contends that the SEC’s amended complaint includes vague and overreaching allegations that do not hold up under scrutiny. Binance asserts that it has fully cooperated with regulatory authorities and operates in compliance with relevant laws. The exchange further maintains that its activities do not fall under the SEC’s jurisdiction and that the complaint lacks the necessary specificity to proceed.

The SEC’s ongoing lawsuit against Binance has sparked significant debate over the regulatory status of cryptocurrency exchanges and digital assets. The commission’s aggressive stance on enforcement has intensified scrutiny of major crypto firms, including Binance, as regulators seek to bring more clarity to the industry. However, Binance remains committed to defending its operations and challenging the SEC’s approach to crypto regulation.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have broader implications for the regulatory landscape of digital assets in the U.S. If the court grants Binance’s motion to dismiss, it could set a precedent for how cryptocurrency companies handle SEC enforcement actions in the future. The case is still in its early stages, with both sides preparing for further proceedings.

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