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Hong Kong virtual bank to offer crypto conversions and accounts

Hong Kong’s biggest virtual bank by assets, ZA Bank is reportedly set to provide crypto account services and facilitate crypto-to-fiat exchanges.

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Hong Kong’s biggest virtual bank by assets, ZA Bank is reportedly set to provide crypto account services and facilitate crypto-to-fiat exchanges.

According to  reports, the bank will act as a settlement bank to allow token deposits at licensed exchanges to be withdrawn in Hong Kong dollars, Chinese yuan and United States dollars, and is also offering account services to crypto firms.

The accounts for local crypto firms follow a trial in a regulatory sandbox that saw approximately 100 firms participate, but ZA Bank CEO Ronald Iu noted that clients from mainland China would not be offered the service due to the country’s restrictions.

He said ZA Bank will provide the same service at other exchanges after they become licensed.

As crypto firms in the U.S. struggle to find banking partners following the downfall of crypto-friendly banks Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank, the Hong Kong-based ZA Bank appears to be offering the firms a potential solution.

The announcement from ZA Bank follows a concerted effort by Hong Kong regulators to turn the region into a crypto hub, and many from the crypto community believe Hong Kong’s approach compared to hostility from U.S. regulators will help it succeed in its efforts.

Chinese state-owned banks have also reportedly seen an interest in the crypto firms moving to the city and are either offering banking services to crypto firms or making inquiries with them.

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BlackRock drives $412M Bitcoin ETF inflows amid Israel-Iran conflict

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Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded $412 million in net inflows amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, reflecting growing investor interest in crypto as a geopolitical hedge. The influx marks one of the highest daily totals in recent months for U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led the surge with $290 million in inflows, followed by Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, which brought in $99 million. The spike in demand underscores Bitcoin’s emerging role as a safe-haven asset during times of global uncertainty.

The renewed interest comes as Bitcoin prices hover around the $64,000 mark, showing resilience despite market volatility. Analysts suggest investors may be turning to digital assets for portfolio protection amid rising concerns over conflict and macroeconomic instability.

While Bitcoin has traditionally been viewed as a high-risk asset, its performance during recent global tensions suggests a shift in perception. As institutional interest grows, ETFs continue to play a pivotal role in making the asset more accessible to traditional investors.

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Coinbase slammed for backing US Army parade

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Coinbase is under fire after sponsoring a political event where former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally coinciding with a military parade. Critics argue the crypto exchange’s involvement appears to align it with a partisan agenda, raising concerns over political neutrality.

The event, held near West Palm Beach, Florida, featured Trump addressing supporters, with military vehicles and aircraft on display. Coinbase’s sponsorship was highlighted in promotional materials, drawing immediate backlash from various industry and political observers who questioned the appropriateness of the partnership.

Some in the crypto community expressed discomfort with the optics of the exchange participating in a campaign-style event, especially one showcasing military elements. Others defended the move, suggesting it was part of Coinbase’s broader push to support pro-crypto policymakers regardless of party affiliation.

The controversy highlights the growing intersection between digital asset firms and U.S. politics as regulatory scrutiny intensifies. While Coinbase has not officially commented on the sponsorship’s political implications, the backlash underscores the fine line companies walk when engaging with political events.

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Pump.fun and its founder hit in X account suspension blitz

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The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Pump.fun, a platform tied to the Solana meme coin frenzy, has been suspended as part of a larger sweep targeting crypto-related accounts. The suspension occurred without public explanation, leaving users and observers questioning the reasoning behind the move.

Pump.fun, which gained traction by enabling quick launches of Solana-based meme tokens, had amassed a significant following on X before its sudden disappearance. Its takedown appears to be part of a broader crackdown by the social media platform, which has also affected other accounts in the crypto ecosystem in recent days.

This isn’t the first time crypto platforms have faced unexpected action on major tech platforms. The latest wave of suspensions has prompted fresh debates around censorship, decentralization, and the vulnerability of Web3 projects relying on centralized social networks to communicate with their communities.

While Pump.fun has yet to issue a formal statement, its absence from X has disrupted communications with its user base. The incident highlights the continued tension between centralized tech platforms and the decentralized ethos that drives much of the crypto industry.

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