Zep joins hands with NEAR Protocol to elevate Web3 experience for users

Nasdaq-listed Bitcoin Depot, an American cryptocurrency ATM specialist, is expanding into Hong Kong, citing the city’s burgeoning status as a crypto hub and rapid digital asset adoption across Asia. The Atlanta-based company, which provides kiosks for converting cash into cryptocurrency, went public in July 2023. Its move into Asia follows a recent acquisition of assets from National Bitcoin ATM that boosted its domestic market share to a reported 30% as well as the strengthening of its compliance program. "Hong Kong is quickly becoming a global center for crypto, with the right mix of regulation, demand, and momentum," company president Scott Buchanan said in a Nov. 12 statement.Photo by Keller Chewning on UnsplashHong Kong's digital asset pushBitcoin Depot’s expansion aligns with a concerted push by the special administrative region to position itself as a global hub for digital assets. Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), recently highlighted this ambition, which was underscored by a Nov. 11 announcement of an additional HK$10 billion ($1.3 billion) issuance of digital green bonds. The tokenized bond issuance, the third under the government's program, was denominated in Hong Kong dollars, Chinese yuan, U.S. dollars, and euros, and involved major banks like HSBC, BNP Paribas, and J.P. Morgan. The move also reflects a broader regional trend. In September, Tokyo-based Coinhub launched Japan's first officially registered crypto ATM network, installing 25 machines with plans to expand to 3,000 nationwide. Industry faces regulatory headwindsDespite the growth, the industry faces scrutiny from law enforcement over the use of crypto ATMs in criminal activity. In 2024, the FBI logged nearly 11,000 fraud complaints tied to the kiosks, with reported losses topping $246 million. According to Cointelegraph, increased regulatory attention has prompted several U.S. cities to ban crypto ATMs outright, while some states are introducing new restrictions. Concerns are growing over scams targeting vulnerable groups, especially seniors. Regulatory pressure is also mounting elsewhere. Australia's financial crimes watchdog, AUSTRAC, issued a $56,340 infringement notice last month to local operator Cryptolink, which the company paid. Cryptolink must now appoint third-party reviewers to ensure its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) controls are adequate. The action followed findings from AUSTRAC’s Crypto Taskforce that 85% of transactions by the 90 most frequent crypto ATM users were linked to scam proceeds or money mule operations. AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas urged the public "to be cautious of making transactions to any wallet they don’t control and thinking twice in circumstances where someone asks you to deposit money into a crypto ATM.” 

LINE Xenesis Introduces AVA, an Entertainment NFT PlatformLINE Xenesis, a blockchain affiliate of Tokyo-based messaging app provider LINE Corp, announced on Wednesday the launch of AVA, an entertainment non-fungible token (NFT) platform aimed at both Japanese and international users.Photo by Choong Deng Xiang on UnsplashDOSI servicesFollowing the integration of LINE BITMAX Wallet into DOSI Wallet in March, LINE Xenesis has been striving to provide DOSI services for its users in Japan. DOSI Wallet enables users to manage a range of digital assets, including NFTs. As of April, the company has rolled out two new services: DOSI Citizen, a membership program, and AlphaCrewz, an app allowing users to create 3D avatars utilizing NFTs.NFTs known as CrystalsLaunched on May 9, AVA is the third service designed to engage LINE Xenesis users in Japan. The platform employs NFTs, known as Crystals, to connect artists and fans, which are divided into three categories: normal, rare, and unique, each offering different benefits.TREASUREBefore AVA’s debut, a March 27 airdrop event featuring the world-renowned South Korean boy band TREASURE attracted over 7,000 participants. With the launch of AVA, 7,000 TREASURE Crystals have been made available for purchase.TREASURE Crystal holders can enjoy four perks: storing exclusive videos in Crystals, receiving autographed trading cards and polaroid pictures, earning a portion of Crystal revenues for promoting TREASURE locally and on buses, and having the opportunity to submit inquiries and requests directly to the group. For the last benefit, TREASURE will respond to the most popular questions, as decided by user votes, with voting influence determined by the type of Crystal held.ATEEZThe second NFT collection on AVA will highlight another K-pop boy group ATEEZ, with ATEEZ Crystals available for purchase from May 16 to 31. An airdrop event with registration open until May 15 will precede the sales, giving users who complete missions a chance to win one of 600 normal ATEEZ Crystals. AVA will also host an event where ATEEZ members will answer eight selected questions submitted by fans.This fall, AVA will introduce a virtual space called Playground, enabling users to trade Crystals with each other and interact with artists through various activities.Additionally, participants in the ATEEZ airdrop event who fulfill tasks on social media will have a chance to enter a lucky draw for one of 30 exclusive ATEEZ photo card sets.

Spotlight on Daegu as Blockchain Strategy Forum ApproachesThe 2023 Blockchain Strategy Forum is set to take place in the South Korean city of Daegu on May 26, according to an announcement from crypto exchange operator Flata EX.Photo by Shubham Dhage on UnsplashDiscussing strategic initiativesThe conference, jointly hosted by the city’s industry promotion institute Daegu Technopark, local newspaper Daegu Shinmun, and Flata EX, will invite leading experts from the blockchain industry to discuss strategic approaches and initiatives related to blockchain technology.Incorporating blockchainThe primary focus of the conference will be to deliberate upon development and promotion strategies that can contribute to the growth of the Daegu economy. Special emphasis will be placed on discovering strategies for integrating blockchain technology into areas such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management, and administrative processes, thereby fostering a culture of innovation.Diverse panel of expertsA diverse mix of participants from academia, legal, and government sectors are expected to attend the event, engendering a comprehensive dialogue on the subject. Key attendees will include Hwang Suk-jin, Chairman of the Korean Association for NFT; Jeong Jae-wook, a digital assets attorney at Joowon Law; and Ryu Dong-hyun, the head of Daegu City’s AI and Blockchain Department Division.Beyond virtual assetsAn official from Flata EX told Korea Economy TV that the upcoming forum will offer valuable insights into how blockchain technology can foster innovative work environments. The official added that the discussion will extend beyond the blockchain’s usage in virtual assets and delve into its potential to transform administrative systems and procedures.