Axie Infinity Moves Further Mainstream with App Store Release

Komainu and Crypto Garage partner to bring about institutional crypto adoptionKomainu, the crypto custodian and portfolio company of Japanese financial services conglomerate Nomura, has partnered with Crypto Garage to work towards enabling institutional crypto adoption in Japan.The digital asset custodian made the announcement of the partnership in a press release published to its website on Wednesday. The collaboration builds upon the investment by Crypto Garage's parent company, Digital Garage, in Komainu, aimed at fortifying Komainu’s market presence in Japan. The investment also unites Digital Garage with other prominent Japanese stakeholders in Komainu, including Laser Digital, the digital asset subsidiary of Nomura, alongside the Nomura Research Institute.Photo by Agathe on UnsplashCapitalizing on growing institutional interestCrypto Garage, a company that provides custody, over-the-counter (OTC) trading and settlement services in both the Japanese and international markets, has seen a growing interest from Japanese institutions in digital assets. This has spurred Komainu and Crypto Garage to develop advanced digital asset custody solutions tailored specifically to meet institutional demands, with a strong focus on security and compliance.The partnership harnesses the diverse expertise of both entities, laying the foundation for what both firms hope will be a robust and dependable digital asset management platform throughout the lifecycle of these assets. Speaking to that notion, Crypto Garage CEO Masahito Okuma suggested that the firms share a common vision, adding:“By combining forces, we will leverage our collective expertise to deliver solutions that satisfy the unique needs of Japanese institutions.”Nicolas Bertrand, CEO of Komainu, expressed his optimism regarding the collaboration and the Japanese market, stating:“Japan is a key jurisdiction for digital assets and continues to be an important part of our plans to be the most coveted institutional-grade custodian globally.”This partnership represents a significant leap forward in advancing the institutional crypto landscape in Japan. With the support of established financial entities such as Nomura Holdings Inc. and Digital Garage Inc., this venture is poised to instill confidence among Japanese institutions by demonstrating a strong commitment from the traditional financial sector.This collaboration not only demonstrates the evolving dynamics of institutional crypto services in Japan but also underscores the broader acceptance and integration of digital asset management solutions within traditional financial frameworks. It signifies a matured understanding and approach to digital asset custody and management.Komainu, established as a joint venture between Nomura, CoinShares and Ledger, operates in full compliance with regulatory standards, offering a fusion of traditional financial services with state-of-the-art security measures for institutional custody in the digital age. Earlier this year, the firm entered into a partnership with crypto exchange platform OKX, providing the company with digital asset custody services.In August, Komainu secured a trading license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai. Meanwhile, Crypto Garage extends its services to crypto asset businesses, both within Japan and internationally, covering custody, over-the-counter (OTC) trading and settlement services for digital assets.

Korean Financial Watchdog Warns Investors Against Crypto ScamsThe South Korean Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) issued a press release today to warn investors against fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes.406 reported scams in two monthsBetween June 1 and July 30, the FSS received a total of 406 reports of crypto scams that lured individuals with false promises of high returns. Some of these perpetrators went to the extent of misrepresenting themselves as employees at crypto exchanges or project foundations. The FSS installed a virtual asset scam report center two months ago, which will run until this year’s end, as an interim measure before the implementation of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act in July of next year.Photo by Growtika on UnsplashSix scam typesTo strengthen its efforts, the FSS has shared six reported case types with the public and has issued investment warnings accordingly. Investors are advised to exercise caution when dealing with unlisted cryptocurrencies at low prices, as accurately determining their value can be challenging. Similarly, the FSS cautions against investing in cryptocurrencies sold at low prices with trading restrictions, as this could lead to difficulties in liquidating tokens if the price drops.The FSS also emphasizes the importance of being wary of cryptocurrencies with low trading volumes, as they can experience drastic price fluctuations due to limited activity. To prevent falling victim to impersonation scams, investors are urged to be cautious of individuals claiming to be employees of domestic virtual asset service providers or presenting official documents to solicit investments.Furthermore, the financial watchdog stresses the risks associated with suspicious requests associated with electronic wallets, particularly connecting to them via unsolicited emails, as they pose a high risk of being hacked.Lastly, the watchdog warns against falling for promises of high returns linked to cryptocurrencies endorsed by celebrities or well-known companies, as these may be illegal deposit-taking activities performed by unlicensed entities. The FSS advises investors to remain vigilant, conduct thorough research, and approach investment opportunities with skepticism to protect themselves from potential crypto scams.

Japan Progresses With Web3 White Paper ReleaseJapan has released a white paper on Web3, with the aim of promoting the growth of the crypto industry in the country. The white paper, titled “Web3 for All: The Future of the Digital Economy in Japan”, outlines a number of proposals to make the regulatory environment for crypto more friendly and conducive to growth.©Pexels/DSDDeveloping a roadmapThe Japanese government has been looking at ways to foster innovation in the crypto industry, which has been gaining traction in recent years. With the release of the Web3 white paper, the government is hoping to provide a roadmap for the development of the industry in the country.One of the key proposals in the white paper is the establishment of a regulatory sandbox for crypto startups. The sandbox would provide a safe space for companies to experiment with new ideas and technologies, without the risk of falling foul of regulations. This would help to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the industry, and could lead to the creation of new products and services.Another proposal in the white paper is the introduction of a digital asset exchange license. This would allow companies to operate crypto exchanges in Japan, provided they meet certain regulatory requirements. This would help to create a more stable and reliable marketplace for cryptocurrencies in the country, and could attract more investors to the industry.Blockchain R&D hubThe white paper also proposes the establishment of a blockchain research and development hub. This would bring together academics, researchers, and industry experts to collaborate on the development of new blockchain technologies. The hub would help to promote innovation and knowledge sharing, and could lead to breakthroughs in the field.In addition to these proposals, the white paper also calls for the creation of a new government agency to oversee the development of the crypto industry in Japan. The agency would be responsible for implementing and enforcing regulations, as well as providing guidance and support to companies in the industry.The release of the Web3 white paper has been welcomed by the crypto industry in Japan. Many industry insiders see it as a positive step towards creating a more supportive environment for innovation and growth. Some have also praised the government for taking a proactive approach to the development of the industry, and for recognizing its potential to drive economic growth in the country.White paper concernsHowever, there are also some concerns about the proposals outlined in the white paper. Some worry that the regulatory sandbox may not provide enough protection for consumers, and that it could lead to the proliferation of untested and potentially risky products and services. Others have raised concerns about the potential for government interference in the industry, and the impact this could have on innovation and entrepreneurship.Despite these concerns, it is clear that the release of the Web3 white paper marks a significant milestone in the development of the crypto industry in Japan. With its proposals for a regulatory sandbox, digital asset exchange license, blockchain research and development hub, and new government agency, the white paper provides a roadmap for the growth of the industry in the country. It remains to be seen how these proposals will be received and implemented, but they are certainly a step in the right direction for the future of the crypto industry in Japan.