Japanese Crypto Exchange Zaif Adds KLAY/JPY and KLAY/BTC Trading Pairs

The 38th Young Architects Forum, which will explore the integration of metaverse technology into architecture, is set to take place next Thursday at the Weple NFT Gallery building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, according to an official announcement on Friday (KST). Co-hosted by STELSI, a Build-to-Earn (B2E) decentralized metaverse project, and the Young Architects Forum Korea, the event will revolve around the theme “Beyond Realms: Architectural Odyssey in the Metaverse Era,” hosting experts from the architecture industry and anyone interested in the topic. Photo by Redd F on UnsplashArchitectural imperatives in the era of Web3In particular, the forum will delve into the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and blockchain technology on AI architecture and the metaverse. A crucial consideration in this topic is the role that architects must play in an unprecedented era of Web3, namely promoting creativity while determining ethical boundaries through collaboration and sharing of ideas. Another point for discussion will be expanding diversity and the possibilities in architecture by tapping into advancements in digital technologies. STELSI is a decentralized metaverse island that provides a realistic and intuitive extended reality (XR) experience where users can design, construct and manage buildings. Built with the 3D creation tool Unreal Engine, it aims to support the seamless application of blockchain technology across different sectors of the construction industry, including architectural planning and design, construction and real estate. The platform also runs on a native token called STELSI, which users can earn by staking building NFTs. The event’s other organizer, the Young Architects Forum Korea, was established in 2011 with a mission to boost the presence of young architectural visionaries in South Korea. The forum provides opportunities for them to leverage their talents and expertise to contribute to societal advancement. In addition to the Young Architects Forum, it also hosts other events like exhibitions, cooperative projects and seminars. Professionals uniteSpeakers set to attend include STELSI CEO Ryan Shim, CSO and Co-Founder of IoTrust Yoo Min-ho, CCO of jpa. JUNGLIM Architecture Kim Kyung-hoon and more. Firms like blockchain news outlet Tokenpost, LandFi metaverse OrbCity and Wepin Wallet are also sponsoring the event. STELSI stated in its announcement that the forum aims to “provide a unique space for architects who perceive the world differently, transcending dimensions.”

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said digital assets should support the real economy, but only within a framework of strong safeguards to protect financial stability, market integrity, and investors.Photo by Ruslan Bardash on UnsplashAccording to the South China Morning Post, Chan addressed a closed-door workshop on Jan. 20, where he highlighted the advantages of digital assets, including greater transparency, improved risk management, and more efficient capital movement. Reviewing milestones in the city’s crypto sector, Chan said that since 2023, Hong Kong has issued three tranches of tokenized green bonds worth a combined $2.1 billion. He also pointed to a Hong Kong Monetary Authority pilot launched last November that enables real-value transactions using tokenized deposits and digital assets. Chan added that the city’s stablecoin licensing regime is progressing, with the first licenses expected in the first quarter. Same risks, same regulationsWhile emphasizing the necessity of financial innovation, Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s regulatory philosophy, which dictates that identical activities posing identical risks must be subject to identical regulations. He explained that this approach is designed to promote healthy, responsible, and sustainable sector development, reiterating that protective measures against financial instability remain mandatory. As Hong Kong officials continue to promote the city’s digital asset push on the international stage, a local industry body has cautioned that proposed licensing frameworks for crypto trading, advisory, and management services may have unintended consequences if rolled out without transitional measures. Industry group calls for grace periodAccording to Cointelegraph, the Hong Kong Securities & Futures Professionals Association (HKSFPA) said in a submission to regulators that existing market participants could be compelled to halt operations under the new rules unless a grace period is provided. The association called for a transitional deeming arrangement of six to 12 months for firms that file licence applications before the regulations formally take effect. No definitive start date has been set for the planned virtual asset regulatory regimes, which remain under consultation. Two days before issuing those comments, the HKSFPA had cautioned that the planned introduction of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and related Common Reporting Standard (CRS) amendments could create new operational and legal risks for local firms. The group said it supported the policy direction in principle but warned that uncapped per-account penalties and open-ended director liability could raise compliance risks, urging regulators to introduce clear caps and legal safeguards. The association also called for lighter requirements for entities with no reportable activity, the development of data file preparation tools from both the industry and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and the ability to transfer record-keeping responsibilities to third parties upon dissolution. Elsewhere in the region, Japan implemented the CARF on Jan. 1, 2026. Users of Japanese exchanges must now declare tax residence, while operators are required to submit transaction data—including trading volumes and asset breakdowns—to tax authorities by April 30 of the following year. Data regarding non-resident users is expected to be shared with foreign authorities under international agreements. Other jurisdictions are following suit, with India planning to adopt the framework by 2027. 

Hana Bank to Establish Joint Digital Asset Custody Venture with BitGoSouth Korean commercial bank Hana Bank announced on Tuesday at Impact, the main event of Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2023, that it has signed an agreement with US-based digital asset trust company BitGo to undertake a joint venture for digital asset custody services in Korea.Photo by Chris Liverani on UnsplashBitGo’s Korean branch aims to kick off full-fledged operations for the venture in the second half of next year after obtaining Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification and completing registration as a virtual asset service provider (VASP).Fostering transparency and securityThe two entities will collaborate through multiple approaches, such as considering equity investments in the joint venture, working together on BitGo’s security solutions and digital asset custody technology, and leveraging Hana Bank’s expertise in financial services, security, and compliance. The scope of the partnership will expand as time goes on, they said.“By working with a global leader, we will contribute greatly to the enhancement of confidence in the Korean digital asset market as well as consumer protection,” Hana Bank said.BitGo’s ongoing global expansionBitGo has been offering digital asset custody services to institutional clients since 2013, serving over 1,500 institutions in more than 50 countries, including the US, Switzerland, and Germany. It also provides custodial services for over 700 different digital assets, including Bitcoin.“We aim to establish a long-term foundation in the Korean market, in line with the expected growth of the security token market there,” said Mike Belshe, CEO and Co-Founder of BitGo.