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India to explore offline solutions to aid CBDC adoption

Shaktikanta Das the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India has stated that the central bank will explore offline solutions to boost the adoption of its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital rupee, in remote areas of the country with limited internet access.

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Shaktikanta Das the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India has stated that the central bank will explore offline solutions to boost the adoption of its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital rupee, in remote areas of the country with limited internet access.

Several offline solutions, including proximity and non-proximity-based solutions, will be evaluated in hilly, rural and urban environments to achieve this aim, according to the Press Trust of India.

On the programmability front, Das said the CBDC system currently enables person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions using digital rupee wallets provided by pilot banks.

The plans for launching offline capabilities were first proposed in March 2023 when Ajay Kumar Choudhary, the RBI’s executive director, said the central bank is looking to test CBDC’s potential for cross-border transactions and linkage with legacy systems in other countries.

While the digital rupee is being tested for offline capabilities, other existing payment platforms — especially the popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) — already offer offline possibilities. Siddharth Sogani, the CEO of the Indian blockchain analytic firm Crebaco, stated that the primary purpose of CBDCs is to increase money monitoring and eliminate cash from the system.

The RBI launched a pilot of its retail CBDC in December 2022 and achieved the target of having one million daily transactions in December 2023.

Both developing and advanced economies mostly share the motivation behind their CBDC projects: financial stability and cross-border payment efficiency. However, developing countries are also hoping to increase financial inclusion through CBDCs.

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BlockTower Capital Faces Major Hack

BlockTower Capital, a prominent cryptocurrency hedge fund, has reportedly fallen victim to a major hack, raising concerns about the security of digital asset management firms and the safety of investors’ funds.

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BlockTower Capital, a prominent cryptocurrency hedge fund, has reportedly fallen victim to a major hack, raising concerns about the security of digital asset management firms and the safety of investors’ funds.

According to reports, BlockTower Capital discovered unauthorized access to its systems, resulting in the theft of a substantial amount of cryptocurrency assets. The exact amount of funds stolen has not been disclosed, but the hack is believed to have had a significant impact on the firm’s operations and financial stability.

The incident underscores the persistent threat of cyberattacks targeting cryptocurrency companies, including hedge funds and investment firms, which often manage large sums of digital assets on behalf of investors. The theft of funds from BlockTower Capital highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and risk management practices in safeguarding against such threats.

BlockTower Capital, known for its expertise in cryptocurrency trading and investment strategies, is expected to work closely with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies to investigate the hack and recover the stolen funds. The firm is also likely to implement additional security measures to prevent future breaches and reassure investors about the safety of their assets.

The hack of BlockTower Capital comes at a time of heightened regulatory scrutiny and investor concern about the security and integrity of the cryptocurrency market. Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the risks associated with investing in digital assets and the importance of due diligence and vigilance when choosing investment partners.

As the cryptocurrency industry continues to mature, cybersecurity remains a top priority for companies operating in the space. The hack of BlockTower Capital underscores the need for increased awareness and investment in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against evolving threats and ensure the long-term viability of the digital asset ecosystem.

In response to the hack, BlockTower Capital is expected to provide updates and guidance to its investors as the investigation unfolds and measures are taken to mitigate the impact of the breach. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges and risks faced by participants in the cryptocurrency market and underscores the importance of proactive risk management and security practices.

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North Korea Accused of Laundering $147.5M in Crypto via Tornado Cash

North Korea has been accused of laundering a staggering $147.5 million in cryptocurrency through Tornado Cash, a popular Ethereum-based privacy protocol. The accusation sheds light on the potential misuse of privacy-enhancing technologies by rogue actors to evade sanctions and fund illicit activities.

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North Korea has been accused of laundering a staggering $147.5 million in cryptocurrency through Tornado Cash, a popular Ethereum-based privacy protocol. The accusation sheds light on the potential misuse of privacy-enhancing technologies by rogue actors to evade sanctions and fund illicit activities.

According to reports, a United Nations (UN) panel of experts has accused North Korea of utilizing Tornado Cash to obscure the origin and destination of illicitly obtained funds, making it challenging for authorities to trace and interdict the flow of funds. The $147.5 million allegedly laundered through Tornado Cash represents a significant sum and underscores the scale of illicit financial activities facilitated by cryptocurrencies.

Tornado Cash, known for its privacy-enhancing features that allow users to send and receive Ethereum transactions anonymously, has faced scrutiny from regulators and law enforcement agencies for its potential use in money laundering and other illicit activities. The accusation against North Korea highlights the challenges posed by privacy-focused cryptocurrency projects and their potential misuse by malicious actors.

The UN panel’s findings underscore the importance of robust regulatory oversight and international cooperation in combating illicit financial activities in the cryptocurrency space. Efforts to address the misuse of privacy-enhancing technologies like Tornado Cash require coordinated action from governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders to protect the integrity of the financial system and prevent the funding of illicit activities.

The accusation against North Korea also raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions enforcement in the digital age. With rogue states and illicit actors increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions and finance their activities, policymakers and regulators face the challenge of adapting to new technologies and closing regulatory loopholes to prevent abuse.

As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, efforts to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities remain a top priority for regulators and law enforcement agencies worldwide. While privacy-enhancing technologies like Tornado Cash offer legitimate benefits for users seeking financial privacy, their potential misuse underscores the need for responsible development and regulatory compliance to ensure the integrity and security of the financial system.

In summary, the accusation against North Korea of laundering $147.5 million in cryptocurrency through Tornado Cash highlights the challenges posed by privacy-focused cryptocurrency projects and their potential misuse by rogue actors. The revelation underscores the importance of robust regulatory oversight and international cooperation in combating illicit financial activities in the cryptocurrency space.

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Galaxy Digital Revenue Soars as Mining Fees Reach Record Levels

Galaxy Digital, a leading financial services firm focused on digital assets and blockchain technology, has reported a significant surge in revenue as mining fees reach record levels. The announcement underscores the growing profitability of cryptocurrency mining and the increasing demand for digital asset services amid a booming market.

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Galaxy Digital, a leading financial services firm focused on digital assets and blockchain technology, has reported a significant surge in revenue as mining fees reach record levels. The announcement underscores the growing profitability of cryptocurrency mining and the increasing demand for digital asset services amid a booming market.

According to Galaxy Digital’s latest financial report, the company’s revenue has experienced a substantial increase, driven primarily by soaring mining fees. As transaction volumes on blockchain networks continue to rise, miners are earning higher fees for processing transactions, leading to record revenues for companies like Galaxy Digital.

The surge in mining fees reflects the growing adoption and usage of cryptocurrencies, as well as the network congestion experienced by popular blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. With more users participating in blockchain transactions, miners are reaping the rewards in the form of increased fees, contributing to the overall profitability of the mining industry.

Galaxy Digital’s strong financial performance is a testament to the company’s strategic positioning within the digital asset ecosystem. As a diversified financial services provider, Galaxy Digital offers a range of services, including trading, asset management, investment banking, and mining, catering to the diverse needs of institutional and retail clients in the cryptocurrency market.

The record-level mining fees also highlight the importance of infrastructure and technical expertise in maximizing profitability in the mining sector. Companies like Galaxy Digital, with their robust mining operations and industry-leading technology, are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for blockchain services and reap the benefits of increased transaction volumes and fees.

In addition to mining revenue, Galaxy Digital’s financial report may also reflect gains from other areas of its business, such as trading and asset management. The company’s diversified revenue streams and strong market position position it well for continued growth and success in the dynamic and rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.

Overall, Galaxy Digital’s soaring revenue and record-level mining fees underscore the resilience and profitability of the cryptocurrency industry amid growing mainstream adoption and increasing institutional interest. As the market continues to mature, companies like Galaxy Digital are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of finance through digital assets and blockchain technology.

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