Kraken CEO: Regulators Let Bad Guys Get Big and Blow Up to Serve Their Agenda

The CEO of crypto exchange Kraken, Jesse Powell, says U.S. regulators “let the bad guys get big and blow up because it serves their agenda.” The executive explained: “Bad guys operate with huge competitive advantages. They suck up users, revenue, and…

Kenyan AI and Blockchain Startup Receives Investment From Swiss VC Firm

Fastagger Inc, an artificial intelligence and blockchain startup from Kenya, recently revealed that it had received an investment from the Swizterland-based blockchain investor CVVC. Mutembei Kariuki, said the investment will be used to fund the further develop Fastagger’s “cutting-edge technology expertise”…

Egyptian Fintech MNT-Halan Secures $400 Million in Funding, Valuation Rises to Over $1 Billion

Egyptian fintech MNT-Halan announced on Feb. 1 that it had raised over $340 million via debt and equity and it expects to raise an additional $60 million from leading international investors. The latest funding round sees MNT-Halan’s valuation rise to over…

Nigeria Extends Deadline for Returning Soon-to-Be Demonetized Naira Banknotes

After initially ignoring pleas to extend the period for returning old naira banknotes, the Nigerian central bank recently said it has shifted the deadline for returning old banknotes to Feb. 10. The bank’s governor, Godwin Emefiele, said some 30,000 so-called super…

Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency: The Rise of AI-Focused Projects in 2023

Trends show that artificial intelligence (AI) will be a major topic in 2023, as data indicates a surge in interest. Since interest peaked and Microsoft invested billions into Chatgpt, demand for AI-focused cryptocurrency projects has risen dramatically. For example, the crypto…

Alameda-Funded Ren Tells Users to ‘Bridge Back to Native Chains’ as It Sunsets 1.0 Platform

According to the team behind the open protocol Ren, developers are winding down the Ren 1.0 network following the FTX and Alameda Research collapse. Last year, under previous Ren leadership, Alameda acquired Ren and was funding development every quarter. On Dec….

Report: Genesis Owes Gemini Customers $900 Million, Exchange Is Attempting to Recoup Assets

According to a recent report from the Financial Times (FT), Genesis Global Capital allegedly owes $900 million to Gemini customers. The exchange operated by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss is attempting to recover the funds from Genesis, according to FT’s sources. Report…

US Lawmakers Say Any Digital Dollar Must Be Open, Permissionless, and Private

Nine U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the U.S. central bank digital currency project led by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The lawmakers stressed: “Any U.S. CBDC must be open, permissionless, and private.” Congressmen Say Any US CBDC Must Be…

Report: Crypto Financial Services Firm Matrixport Seeks $100 Million in Funding

Crypto firm Matrixport Technologies is reportedly seeking $100 million in funding, according to people familiar with the matter. Sources detailed that the company already secured commitments from investors for roughly $50 million, which would give Matrixport a post-valuation of $1.5 billion….