Tiger Brokers subsidiary awarded crypto license in Hong Kong

Sam Altman’s iris-scanning project Worldcoin (WLD) has resumed its service in South Korea following two months of suspended operation, according to Digital Today. The project utilizes a device dubbed “Orbs” to collect personal biometric data from users who agreed to have their iris scanned by the machine.  The service was suspended after a number of complaints were filed against Worldcoin in February for its data collection practices. In the following development, Korea’s Personal Information Protection Committee (PIPC) launched an investigation into Worldcoin to examine if any local privacy law has been violated by Worldcoin. This led to suspension of six Orbs installed in several areas in Seoul, including Yeouido and Yeoksam areas.  While these Orbs have resumed operations, the investigation is still underway. The South Korean regulators are yet to decide what legal measures to take regarding Worldcoin, according to the press. Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn on UnsplashProof of personhood: Crypto tokens for simply being human Meanwhile, Worldcoin argues that it is impossible to identify an individual person by solely relying on the iris bio-data. It claims that the data will be only used in providing “proof of personhood” to distinguish humans from artificial intelligence (AI). The project aims to offer its WLD token to users “simply for being human” as universal basic income, whose jobs will be potentially replaced by artificial general intelligence (AGI) in the future.  A Worldcoin official added that the project has addressed potential privacy concerns by eliminating data custody processes and allowing users to remove their sensitive data at will. However, major countries including France and Spain have issued orders to suspend Worldcoin’s operation within their jurisdictions, citing risks involving personal data tracking and breaches.  A PIPC official stated that the government authority will continue the investigation and take further action in line with the Personal Information Protection Act.  

Matrixport’s Market Sentiment Index Points Towards Bullish MomentumMatrixport, the Singapore-headquartered digital asset financial services provider, has once again showcased its Bitcoin Greed & Fear Index in forecasting unit price trends relative to Bitcoin. The company has repeatedly pointed to trends indicated by the proprietary index, with its current signals on this occasion pointing towards a potential resurgence of bullish sentiment for Bitcoin (BTC).Potential price resurgenceRecent data from Matrixport’s index demonstrates a notable shift from 30% to 60%, a significant rebound following July’s sharp decline from above 90%. This rebound has caught the attention of Markus Thielen, who serves as the Head of Research and Strategy at Matrixport. Thielen conveyed his thoughts on the current indications provided by the Index in a recent note to clients.Thielen noted that the index appears to have reached its bottom, as the daily signal indicates an impending upward push. This tactical bullishness, following a four-week period of consolidation, raises the possibility of Bitcoin prices resuming their upward trajectory.Historical data comparisonDrawing upon historical patterns, the index’s peaks and troughs, along with its 21-day simple moving average (SMA), have consistently aligned with shifts between bullish and bearish trends in Bitcoin’s value. Currently, the 21-day SMA shows signs of bottoming out, which further bolsters the argument for an upcoming resurgence of positive volatility in the Bitcoin market.Gauging sentimentAt its core, the Greed & Fear Index serves as a gauge for investor sentiment within the cryptocurrency realm. When readings exceed 90%, they signify a state of greed or unwarranted optimism, whereas readings below 10% denote extreme fear or pessimism. These metrics hold a certain significance as they often coincide with market peaks marked by excessive optimism and bottoms marked by intense fear.For the past several weeks, Bitcoin’s price movement has been subdued, oscillating within the range of $28,000 to $30,000. This stagnation has coincided with broader market volatility and anticipations of forthcoming interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in the early months of the upcoming year.Analysts are pinpointing consideration by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the approval of a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) as a pivotal catalyst for future price fluctuations given the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, has gotten involved. In a recent interview with Forbes, contributor Sam Lyman stated: “A lot of bitcoin ETFs have been filed in the last couple years — but none from an asset manager as high-profile and well connected as BlackRock.”Not an exact scienceMatrixport’s Bitcoin Greed & Fear Index stands as one individual tool which can be utilized in order to arrive at a forecast relative to Bitcoin pricing. Price forecasting is far from an exact science and while it is encouraging that the Index is pointing towards a potential bullish resurgence in Bitcoin’s price movement, market participants will need to remain mindful that markets by their very nature are unpredictable, particularly so when it comes to a nascent asset such as Bitcoin.As the market watches the SEC’s deliberations relative to a Bitcoin ETF closely, the time ahead is likely to hold significant developments that could shape the future trajectory of Bitcoin’s value.

Hong Kong SFC CEO Prioritizes Investor Protection in Crypto RegulationsAccording to a report by Chinanews, Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), participated in a seminar organized by the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF). During the event, she emphasized the importance of investor protection in the formulation of guidelines for operators of virtual asset trading platforms.Photo by Kanchanara on UnsplashDevelopment of crypto in Hong KongAt the seminar yesterday, Leung discussed the development of virtual assets in the special administrative region of China. She recalled the pushback the SFC received in 2018 when it first proposed regulations for virtual asset trading platforms. Critics argued that the licensing system, demanding applicants to comply with stringent internal control and investor protection standards, might compel fintech companies to relocate their operations to other jurisdictions, such as Singapore.Market recognition of crypto regulationsDespite initial criticism, the market came to appreciate the importance of these regulatory standards, especially after witnessing the bankruptcy of several overseas cryptocurrency organizations.The guidelines for operators of virtual asset trading platforms in Hong Kong are set to take effect in June. Leung mentioned that these guidelines match market expectations and place emphasis on protecting investors. They encompass regulations for virtual asset custody, the segregation of client assets, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. She also expressed satisfaction with the SFC’s role as a leading regulator in the virtual asset space.Crypto exchange ratingMeanwhile, Chinese blockchain news media Jinse Finance reported today the official establishment of the Hong Kong Virtual Asset Consortium (HKVAC), a private entity that rates virtual assets.It has also launched a virtual asset index and will introduce a virtual asset exchange rating system. The HKVAC Large Market Cap Cryptocurrency Index comprises the 30 leading cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The index will be reviewed quarterly on the last day of each quarter (March, June, September, and December). The Virtual Asset Exchange Rating System will assess the credibility of trading platforms and enhance transparency and accountability in the virtual asset trading market.HKVAC was established by a team of industry experts and professional rating agencies. It brings together key stakeholders in the virtual asset industry, such as big data firms, exchanges, and institutional investors, along with the city’s licensed rating agencies. HKVAC aims to cultivate a secure environment for crypto investments and enhance the public’s understanding of virtual assets.