WEMIX’s staked token listed on BitMart exchange

Mox, a virtual bank in Hong Kong and a subsidiary of Standard Chartered, has introduced exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading for cryptocurrencies, marking a significant expansion into the digital asset space. The bank announced on Aug. 7 that it now offers its customers the ability to trade spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs directly on its platform, making it the first virtual bank to do so.Photo by Florian Wehde on UnsplashExpanding crypto offeringsThe digital bank is also planning to broaden its cryptocurrency services. Future expansions may include direct purchasing and trading of cryptocurrencies in partnership with a licensed exchange. This move aligns with Hong Kong’s regulatory framework, which has been adjusting to accommodate and regulate crypto activities more robustly. Competitive pricing and user engagementMox is promoting itself as an economical choice for crypto ETF trading, with fees set at 0.12% of the transaction volume, with a minimum charge of 30 Hong Kong dollars ($3.85) for Hong Kong-listed spot and derivatives ETFs and $0.01 per share with a minimum of $5 for U.S.-listed derivatives ETFs. As of now, a local report reveals that 28% of Mox's customers engage in cryptocurrency investments, with 18% actively trading. The introduction of these ETFs is seen as a move to empower these customers to access emerging asset classes securely. Future aspirationsBarbaros Uygun, the CEO of Mox, expressed that the inclusion of crypto ETFs is part of the bank's broader strategy to set a global benchmark from Hong Kong. The bank aims to stay competitive by innovating and adapting to market changes. Jayant Bhatia, the bank’s chief product officer, hinted at more extensive plans in the crypto investment realm, although specifics on the timeline for launching broader crypto trading services were not disclosed. Despite the launch, the overall uptake of crypto ETFs in Hong Kong has been lukewarm. Bosera HashKey, ChinaAMC and Harvest Global, the issuers of the three spot ETFs in Hong Kong, have seen minimal activity with combined assets under management totaling just $236.3 million. The launch by Mox could potentially invigorate the market for crypto ETFs in Hong Kong as the region strives to become a leading hub for cryptocurrency in Asia. 

Chung-Ang University to Issue Blockchain-Based CertificatesChung-Ang University, a post-secondary institution in South Korea, on Monday announced plans to implement a system that distributes blockchain-based digital OmniOne badges to students upon accomplishment of tasks such as the completion of courses or extracurricular activities. By doing so, the school aims to leverage blockchain technology to secure digital records of students’ educational backgrounds, thereby creating a more solid foundation for the cultivation of young global talent.Photo by Josefa nDiaz on UnsplashElevating identity verificationThe badges are a blockchain-based software as a service (SaaS) tailored for identity authentication and built on Raon Whitehat’s decentralized identity platform, OmniOne. Raon Whitehat is the blockchain service provider of Korean tech security firm RaonSecure.As a certification tool customized for Chung-Ang students, the badges can showcase progress and achievements in learning, skills, and experience as well as keep records of awards, licenses, and endorsements.“By providing blockchain-powered digital badges, we aim to support individuals in building their expertise and competencies,” said Park Sang-gue, the school’s President.Bringing blockchain technology to the campusThe school said it would run a trial for the system from the end of this month to January next year, then officially implement it starting in next year’s spring semester. It will be applied first to the LG PerfecTwin education curriculum, which the school jointly operates with IT solutions provider LG CNS, and the industrial security convergence program. Students can pass exams and successfully participate in discussions to receive digital badges, which can be managed on the university’s e-portfolio portal.The university also plans to eventually bring the badges to other subjects like artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, then expand the system outside of the classroom so students can use the badges when going through employment processes, academic competitions, and certification acquisitions.Chung-Ang is also working to establish a system where non-fungible token (NFT) degrees and digital badges can be managed together in a single digital wallet. It had formerly worked with Raon Whitehat last year to issue NFT degrees to some 2,000 graduates.Furthermore, the school plans to solidify a support system for global talent development by collaborating with overseas educational institutions and global corporations.“We will provide a safe and convenient learning experience, continuously expand domestic and international partnerships, and create a foundation for students to grow as global talents,” President Park emphasized.

Superblock Rolls Out Crypto Wallet, Garnering Over 680K Pre-RegistrantsSouth Korean blockchain startup Superblock has successfully rolled out its own cryptocurrency wallet, named Over Wallet, according to a report by local news outlet Newsis. The wallet has already amassed over 680,000 pre-registrants since April, ahead of its official release.Photo by Shubham’s Web3 on UnsplashAccessibility and cost reductionOver Wallet serves as the mobile crypto wallet for the Over Protocol, a blockchain mainnet developed based on the paper published by Superblock’s CEO, Kim Jae-yun. The Over Protocol distinguishes itself through its accessibility, offering enterprises interested in the Web3 industry an opportunity to reduce costs associated with infrastructure investment and service operation.With the introduction of Over Wallet, Superblock empowers users with the capability to collect and manage Over points. The company plans to add functions for the management and transfer of token assets to provide an even more optimized user experience.Currently, Over Wallet is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.Mainnet launch next yearAs part of the preparations leading up to the Over Protocol’s mainnet launch in the first half of next year, the Over Community Access Program (OCAP) has also been unveiled. OCAP enables users to earn Over points by completing various tasks. These accumulated points can then be used at the Over Protocol pop-up store, a side event scheduled for the annual blockchain conference, Korea Blockchain Week 2023, taking place in Seoul in September. The event will collaborate with KREAM, a resale and trading platform catering to collectors of limited editions.Superblock CEO Kim has a notable background, having founded Decipher, a blockchain study group at Seoul National University, in 2018. During the establishment of Superblock, Kim successfully secured funding from investors Spring Camp and Naver Z, both affiliates of the Korean search engine giant Naver.There has been additional support that underpins Superblock’s commitment to blockchain ventures. Last October, the company partnered with Shinhan Securities for technological cooperation. Subsequently, in February of this year, Superblock raised a Series A funding round of 9 billion KRW ($7 million). Investors in this round include notable names like conglomerate SK Inc., game developer Netmarble, and venture capital firm DSC Investment.