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Hong Kong central bank studies AI’s impact on banking jobs 

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a warning about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs in the banking sector. The central bank highlighted that while AI technologies offer significant benefits for financial institutions, they also pose challenges for the workforce.

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a warning about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs in the banking sector. The central bank highlighted that while AI technologies offer significant benefits for financial institutions, they also pose challenges for the workforce.

In a recent report, the HKMA outlined how AI is transforming various aspects of banking, from customer service and risk management to fraud detection and investment strategies. The integration of AI has led to increased efficiency and enhanced services but has also raised concerns about job displacement and the need for workforce reskilling.

“AI is a double-edged sword for the banking sector,” stated Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA. “On one hand, it offers tremendous opportunities for innovation and improved customer experiences. On the other, it necessitates a transformation in the workforce, with some roles becoming obsolete and new skills being required.”

The report urges banks to adopt a proactive approach in managing this transition. It recommends that financial institutions invest in training programs to equip employees with the skills needed to work alongside AI technologies. Additionally, the HKMA calls for the development of ethical guidelines to ensure the responsible use of AI, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.

“Financial institutions must not only embrace AI but also take responsibility for supporting their employees through this technological shift,” Yue added. “This includes providing reskilling opportunities and fostering a culture of continuous learning.”

The HKMA’s warning comes as banks worldwide are increasingly leveraging AI to stay competitive. In Hong Kong, several major banks have already implemented AI-driven solutions, ranging from chatbots to sophisticated data analytics tools. While these innovations are driving growth, they also highlight the urgent need for the banking sector to address the potential human impact.

The report concludes by urging policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions to collaborate on strategies that balance technological advancement with workforce sustainability. The HKMA is committed to facilitating this dialogue and supporting the banking sector through the AI-driven transformation.

As AI continues to reshape the banking industry, the HKMA’s insights underscore the critical importance of preparing for a future where technology and human skills must coalesce harmoniously.

Business

Binance tightens South African compliance rules for crypto transfers

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Binance is tightening compliance measures for crypto transactions in South Africa, announcing it will fully implement the country’s Travel Rule requirements beginning January 2025. The move aligns with regulations set by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and reflects the exchange’s broader efforts to meet global anti-money laundering standards.

Under the new rules, Binance will require South African users to include verified personal information—such as names, addresses, and account details—when sending or receiving crypto between platforms. These changes are designed to increase transparency and traceability of digital asset transfers, making it harder for illicit actors to exploit decentralized networks.

Binance emphasized that users must complete know-your-customer (KYC) verification before transferring crypto to or from external wallets. Transfers to non-compliant platforms may be restricted or flagged, while internal transfers within Binance or to Travel Rule-compliant entities will remain unaffected.

The announcement follows South Africa’s decision in 2023 to designate crypto as a financial product, placing digital asset providers under the supervision of the FIC. The country has since taken steps to integrate crypto into its formal regulatory structure, including licensing requirements and mandatory reporting obligations.

With enforcement beginning in 2025, Binance urged users to familiarize themselves with the new procedures to avoid disruptions. The exchange also plans to provide additional guidance and tools to help users remain compliant as the deadline approaches.

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Ethereum bounces back as market dominance recovers from all-time low

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Ethereum has staged a notable recovery after recently experiencing its lowest market dominance since its early days. The turnaround comes as ETH surged nearly 4% in the past 24 hours, climbing back above the $3,100 mark and narrowing its underperformance gap relative to Bitcoin.

For much of 2024, Ethereum has trailed behind Bitcoin and a growing wave of altcoins, with its market share dropping below 15% — levels not seen since 2015. The slump was driven by investor focus on Bitcoin ETF momentum, lackluster institutional interest in ETH, and rising competition from layer-1 and layer-2 networks offering faster and cheaper alternatives.

Despite these challenges, Ethereum’s fundamentals remain strong. Data shows a healthy uptick in active addresses, transaction volumes, and total value locked in DeFi protocols built on Ethereum. Additionally, hopes remain high for the approval of a spot Ethereum ETF in the U.S., with analysts suggesting a potential turnaround in institutional flows if approved.

Traders are now watching whether this rebound signals a sustained trend reversal or just a temporary relief rally. With key upgrades and ecosystem developments still in the pipeline, Ethereum’s ability to regain dominance may hinge on reigniting both investor confidence and broader developer activity.

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SEC says it won’t re-file fraud case against Hex’s Richard Heart

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has confirmed it will not pursue a retrial in its fraud case against HEX founder Richard Heart, effectively bringing an end to one of the agency’s high-profile crypto enforcement actions.

The decision follows a recent court ruling that dismissed several key allegations against Heart, including claims that he misled investors and violated securities laws through the promotion and sale of HEX, PulseChain, and PulseX tokens. While the SEC initially signaled it would consider further legal options, it has now opted to forgo additional litigation.

Heart, a controversial figure in the crypto world, had long denied the SEC’s accusations, framing the lawsuit as an overreach by regulators. The agency had alleged that Heart raised over $1 billion from investors while misrepresenting how funds would be used and failing to register the offerings.

With the SEC stepping back, the dismissal marks a rare instance in which the regulator has chosen not to continue a crypto-related fraud case, potentially signaling a reassessment of its approach amid growing legal pushback and mounting scrutiny over its enforcement tactics.

Although the case is now closed, legal analysts suggest the outcome could influence future regulatory efforts and may embolden other crypto founders facing similar challenges. Heart, meanwhile, has positioned the development as a vindication, reaffirming his stance that HEX and related projects were never in violation of U.S. securities laws.

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