Blocore Determined to Expand Global Presence in Web3 from Korea and Singapore

RaonSecure showcases blockchain-based SaaS to student ID card associationRaonSecure, a South Korean tech security company, recently showcased their blockchain-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, OmniOne Digital ID, to executives from the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association during their visit to RaonSecure’s headquarters in Seoul, as per a report by news outlet Digital Today. The tech firm also proposed a mobile ID project catered to ISIC.Photo by Matese Fields on Unsplash2.5 million student ID cards per yearThe ISIC Association, a non-profit organization registered in Denmark, is renowned for issuing approximately 2.5 million student identity cards each year. These cards are recognized and accepted in 108 countries globally.Various discount programsISIC card holders have access to an extensive range of discount programs at ISIC’s partner merchants. These discounts span a wide variety of industries, offering savings in areas such as accommodation, cultural attractions and travel. This feature of the ISIC card makes it a beneficial resource for students worldwide who are looking to save money while accessing various services and experiences.In October, RaonSecure signed a business partnership with two organizations to develop digital ID-based ISIC on mobile platforms. One of them is KISES Corporation, the Korean branch of ISIC, and the other is smart card service provider Future & More.

Seychelles-incorporated crypto exchange platform Bitget recently released findings from a study on Bitcoin's upcoming halving, revealing that the vast majority of surveyed investors predict bitcoin will achieve a new all-time high (ATH) in 2024. Separately, other market commentators and analysts appear to be bullish on bitcoin ahead of the scheduled cut in Bitcoin mining rewards.Photo by Kanchanara on Unsplash84% anticipate new bitcoin ATHThe study, based on anonymized data from 9,748 participants worldwide, focused on investor perceptions surrounding the halving's impact on their investment decisions. 84% of participants anticipate a new ATH for bitcoin during the next bull run, with only East Europe showing a percentage lower than 80%. Over 50% predict bitcoin's price to be between $30,000 and $60,000 by the time the halving occurs in April. Meanwhile, 30% foresee the bitcoin unit price going higher than $60,000. Off the back of the data that has arisen via the study, Bitget managing director Gracy Chen suggested that it is indicative that 2024 will be a significant year for the bitcoin market. Crypto investment plansApproximately 70% express plans to increase their crypto investments, with the highest conviction in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and East Europe regions. Western European investors are characterized as "short-term cautious" and "long-term optimistic." In addition to the Bitget study, many market commentators appear to have arrived at a similar conclusion. In July of last year, Standard Chartered Bank forecasted a 2024 unit price for bitcoin of $120,000. The bank reaffirmed that view last month, going further still in stating that by 2025, it expected bitcoin to reach a price of $200,000, largely due to capital inflows into spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which were approved in the United States in January. Broader market sentimentTaking to social media on Monday, crypto analyst Charles Edwards of Capriole Investments proposed a potential 500% price return for bitcoin if a bullish halving pattern plays out. Edwards envisions bitcoin reaching $280,000 in 2025. Like Standard Chartered, he cites the January bitcoin ETF launch as the driving force, likening it to a "second halving." He argues that major technological developments have historically seen quicker rates of adoption. Crypto trading analyst Michaël van de Poppe predicts a pre-halving surge to $48,000 and an eventual breakout toward an all-time high in Q3/Q4 of 2024. The next Bitcoin halving is expected in April 2024, historically associated with increased scarcity and subsequent price surges. Pseudonymous macroeconomist @Micro2Macr0 took to the X social media platform on Monday, stating:"Only 2.5 months till the #Bitcoin #Halving. The world is getting more unstable and you have the greatest hedge ever invented sitting in front of you. What are you waiting for?"  Meanwhile, "British HODL" warned that recent developments may result in a break from previous trading patterns. He stated:"Everyone says 12 months after the halving the shock starts for #Bitcoin price. . . . I think there is a high likelihood that the ETF’s change the cycle you’re expecting. Be aware of that.”

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is moving to close gaps in crypto regulation and support a new bank-led stablecoin pilot, as markets watch for a potential Bank of Japan rate hike. Tougher oversight of crypto lending and IEOsAccording to a CoinPost report, at the fifth meeting of its Digital Asset Working Group held last week, the FSA discussed introducing new requirements to bring crypto lending clearly within the regulatory framework. While firms managing or staking crypto must register as exchanges, some operators have avoided registration by structuring services as borrowing schemes, which are not legally treated as asset management.Photo by Possessed Photography on UnsplashThe FSA flagged that users face both credit and volatility risks, yet operators are not required to segregate customer assets or use cold wallets. Some services offer returns around 10% or tie up funds for several years, with weak risk management and exposure to re-lending defaults and staking slashing. Under the new policy direction, operators will need stronger risk management for re-lending and staking, tighter custody controls, and clearer risk disclosures and advertising. Institutional-only borrowing not offered to the public will remain exempt. Some members questioned whether the new requirements would be practical to implement for off-chain operators, noting that staking is fundamentally on-chain. The group also examined initial exchange offerings (IEOs) lacking financial audits, particularly those aimed at retail investors. Members discussed limits similar to equity crowdfunding: investments over 500,000 yen ($3,000) capped at 5% of annual income or net assets, up to 2 million yen ($13,000). Most past domestic IEOs were under 500,000 yen ($3,200). Some warned such caps could be bypassed through secondary trading, where tokens are immediately tradable. Major banks pilot stablecoinAlongside stricter rules, the FSA will support a stablecoin pilot led by MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank. CoinDesk Japan noted the project, the first under the Payment Innovation Project, will include three additional participants. Mitsubishi Corporation will oversee operations, while Progmat and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking will handle issuance and custody. The pilot, launching this month with implementation targeted within the year, will test whether a joint stablecoin by major banks can navigate regulatory and operational challenges. Rate hike speculation mountsJapan’s calibrated digital asset push comes as speculation grows over a possible Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike next month. Minutes from the BOJ’s October meeting, cited by South Korean outlet Edaily, show one board member saying most conditions for a hike have been met and that financial conditions would stay easy even after an increase. The BOJ kept its rate at 0.5% at that meeting. A rate hike was described as likely if firms are seen committing to wage increases ahead of next spring’s labor talks and if no major global shocks emerge. Markets, however, remain cautious, citing uncertainty over U.S. tariff effects and whether newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will endorse such a hawkish stance.