StanChart CEO predicts blockchain will replace cash in everyday finance

DBS Bank, a key player in Singapore's banking sector, has unveiled a substantial reorganization of its operational framework, which includes its digital asset exchange business, DDEx. Global Financial Markets (GFM)Effective March 1 DBS will consolidate its equity capital markets, brokerage arm DBS Vickers and the DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) into its Treasury Markets division. In doing so, it will form a unified entity known as Global Financial Markets (GFM). This amalgamation underscores DBS's intention to merge conventional financial services with the burgeoning digital assets landscape, contributing towards a new era of financial integration and innovation. DDEx, a members-only exchange facilitating exposure to digital assets for accredited investors, financial institutions and family offices, will now operate under the umbrella of GFM. This strategic integration aims to leverage the synergies between traditional and digital financial spheres, positioning DBS at the forefront of transformative financial solutions.Photo by Meriç Dağlı on UnsplashDDEx founder retiresThe announcement of this restructuring coincides with the retirement of Eng-Kwok Seat Moey, a revered figure within DBS, whose 36-year tenure has left an indelible mark on the bank's trajectory. Eng-Kwok's contributions to DBS's equity capital markets and the development of Singapore's REITs industry are widely recognized, as is her pivotal role in spearheading the DBS Digital Asset Ecosystem (DAE) and the founding of DDEx. Under her stewardship, DBS has consistently ranked atop regional league tables, driving innovation and excellence in Singapore's financial landscape. Eng-Kwok's legacy extends to her instrumental role in establishing the DBS Digital Asset Ecosystem (DAE), a pioneering initiative offering a spectrum of digital asset services, including origination, distribution, custody and trading. Andrew Ng, the current head of Treasury Markets, assumes leadership of the newly formed GFM group. His expertise will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of global finance, blending traditional market mechanisms with the innovative potential of digital assets. Clifford Lee, renowned for his proficiency in fixed income, will expand his purview to encompass investment banking, overseeing both debt and equity capital markets alongside his responsibilities at DBS Vickers. Capitalizing on complementary strengthsThe consolidation of DBS's financial arms not only aims to streamline operations but also seeks to capitalize on the complementary strengths of traditional and digital financial domains. Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS, expressed confidence in the merger's ability to unlock greater synergies, enabling the bank to deliver a comprehensive suite of financial solutions to its clientele. DDEx has been at the forefront of digital asset trading in Asia, witnessing significant growth in bitcoin and ether transactions in recent years. Notably, DDEx has explored avenues such as security token offerings (STOs) and it has ventured into the metaverse realm with investments in projects like The Sandbox. Additionally, DBS's Chinese subsidiary launched a digital yuan merchant solution, facilitating payments in the new currency for mainland enterprises. As DBS embarks on this latest transformation, the integration of digital assets into its core financial operations underscores its interest in innovation within a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Concerns Hanging Over Huobi Result in Significant Net OutflowAmidst rumors swirling around its executives’ involvement in a Chinese investigation, Seychelles-headquartered cryptocurrency exchange Huobi has observed net outflows exceeding $73.3 million in the past week.Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash$73 million net outflowAccording to data sourced from blockchain analytics firm Nansen, Huobi reported an outflow of tokens worth $505.9 million over the previous week, with an inflow of $432.5 million. This resulted in a net outflow of approximately $73.3 million.Notably, this net outflow seems to be gaining momentum, as the exchange witnessed an outflow of $32.9 million on Monday alone, based on Nansen data. Additionally, Huobi’s stablecoin balances experienced a significant 33% contraction, dwindling to $99.47 million within the seven-day span, as per the data.Unverified reportsHowever, the outflow of funds coincided with unverified reports. Techub News, a Hong Kong-based crypto media outlet, cited insider sources to suggest that at least three high-ranking Huobi executives had been apprehended by Chinese authorities for investigation. Huobi originated in China with Chinese founders, albeit it has based itself in Seychelles ever since the Chinese crackdown on crypto trading emerged.Huobi’s Head of Social Media, Jiayin Xie, acknowledged the rumors and likened the situation to being “invited to tea,” a colloquial Chinese expression for being summoned by authorities for questioning. Despite this, Xie expressed concern over the baseless nature of the allegations, suggesting that the path to restoration might be challenging yet necessary for the exchange’s resurgence.Justin Sun, an advisor to Huobi, responded cryptically by tweeting the number “4,” a term commonly used in the crypto community to counter FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt). He also retweeted Xie’s post, standing in defiance of the rumor.Alongside this specific difficulty, Huobi continues to grapple with financial challenges. Sun revealed that the exchange hadn’t posted a profit from last year’s third quarter to this year’s second quarter. Despite this, Sun remains optimistic, projecting a potential break-even in the present quarter and a return to profitability in the upcoming quarter.Crypto platform uncertaintyThe aftermath of widespread crypto platform failures in 2022 has resulted in both regulatory pushback and concern among the crypto community relative to the well-being of the platforms that remain standing. Both Huobi and Binance are front and center of this speculation and concern. The issue is that without independently verified audits carried out by reputable auditors, market participants simply have no way of telling if these platforms are solvent.Travis Kling, the Chief Investment Officer at Ikagai Asset Management didn’t mince his words in taking Houbi to task via Twitter: “You are clowns and criminals, and there’s a billion dollar hole in your balance sheet that customers will have to eat.” Kling has been equally scathing in his criticism of Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ). Ikagai took a significant hit in the FTX collapse, and in its wake, Kling promised to speak out more and be more critical regarding emerging issues within the sector.As the net outflows coincide with reports of executive custody, the situation surrounding Huobi remains fluid. The exchange’s journey through these challenges will no doubt be closely monitored by the crypto community.

Hong Kong court grants trademark injunction against HuobiThe Hong Kong Special Administrative Region High Court has resolved a trademark dispute between X-Spot Global Limited and Huobi Global Limited, ruling in favor of X-Spot.Back in June, X-Spot alleged that Huobi Global infringed on its trademark rights related to the “Huobi” name. In the legal process which followed, the court sided with X-Spot, compelling Huobi Global to cease using the “Huobi” trademark or any similar name or logo in Hong Kong.Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on UnsplashPotential confusionThe court’s official judgment highlighted concerns about potential confusion among the public and industry professionals arising from Huobi Global’s use of the “Huobi” trademarks. It emphasized that such confusion could lead people to believe that X-Spot Global, as the registered trademark owner, is actively engaged in cryptocurrency business associated with the trademark. In response, the court dismissed Huobi Global’s plea to revoke the service order and halt negotiations, also instructing the covering of X-Spot Global’s legal expenses.Post-acquisition conflictThe background to this dispute originates in the acquisition of Huobi Global last year. It’s widely believed that TRON blockchain network founder Justin Sun purchased the exchange for $1 billion although Sun has subsequently suggested that he is just an advisor to the crypto exchange business. The acquisition was made by About Capital Management, an entity associated with the controversial crypto entrepreneur.In May of this year, Sun claimed that Wei Li, a brother of Huobi founder Leon Li, had unjustly profited from the sale of Huobi’s native HT token. The disagreement escalated and as a consequence of that conflict, it became apparent that the acquisition agreement explicitly prohibited the buyer from using the “Huobi’’ trademark.Leon Li accused the cryptocurrency exchange of violating the acquisition agreement’s rules by unauthorized use of the “Huobi” trademark. This legal battle has shed light on the strained relationship between Leon Li and Justin Sun.The court’s decision adds a layer of complexity to Huobi Global’s legal challenges, intensifying existing regulatory issues. Notably, the cryptocurrency exchange is already grappling with a recent order from Malaysian authorities to cease operations in the country due to alleged illegal activities.The ruling comes at a critical juncture for Huobi Global. In September the business rebranded to HTX, signaling aspirations for global expansion amidst a shifting legal landscape. At the time, Justin Sun provided the rationale behind the rebrand. Taking to the X social media platform, he wrote:“It’s very hard for foreigners, Westerners, to pronounce ‘Huobi’… It doesn’t make any sense to them.” Sun went on to explain that the word Huobi means fire and coin in Chinese, adding, “That’s why we rebranded as HTX for international branding.”In light of this trademark infringement injunction decision, it could equally be speculated that the company was acting in advance of an unfavorable ruling in compliance with the terms of the business acquisition agreement.In reaching a decision on the matter, Judge Mimmie Chan J noted the lack of a defense mounted by Huobi against the trademark infringement action.