CMCC Global Launches $100 Million Fund for Asian Blockchain Startups

Coti plans transition to Ethereum layer-2 network in 2024Israeli blockchain developer Coti plans to introduce a scalable, privacy-focused Ethereum layer-2 protocol in 2024. This strategic move aims to extend Coti’s privacy-centric features to a wider audience within the Ethereum ecosystem.Photo by Zoltan Tasi on UnsplashIncorporating ‘garbled circuits’Taking to the X social media platform on Wednesday, Coti unveiled its plan to transition from a standalone protocol to an Ethereum layer-2. The centerpiece of the project, which Coti has termed “Coti v2: a privacy-centric Ethereum L2,” is a cryptographic method known as “garbled circuits.”Garbled circuits are a cryptographic primitive that enables two or more parties to evaluate an arbitrary Boolean circuit securely, without revealing any information beyond the output, all while using a constant number of communication rounds. This innovative approach enables the processing of transactions without exposing sensitive information and data, aligning with the platform’s commitment to privacy.Having originated in the 1980s, garbling protocols have evolved into a crucial element of privacy-preserving technologies, excelling in scenarios where confidential data needs to be part of a computation without revealing the information itself.Focusing on privacyCoti CEO Shahaf Bar-Geffen emphasized the significance of this privacy-oriented protocol, stating:“Sensitive data transmitted as public information on a blockchain is a bug, not a feature.”Bar-Geffen highlighted the protocol’s ability to prevent sensitive data from being exposed to competitors, partners and clients engaged in transactions on Coti’s chain. The CEO elaborated on how garbling protocols differentiate Coti v2 by facilitating transactions and smart contract executions where details remain private between involved parties.The Coti CEO emphasized the critical role of such privacy features in decentralized finance applications, where transaction confidentiality is as essential as transaction integrity. Coti claims that other platforms focusing solely on anonymity for privacy may face regulatory challenges and might not provide a compliant foundation for the broader ecosystem.Targeting specific use casesCoti envisions its protocol catering specifically to use cases demanding advanced privacy provisions in finance and healthcare. Currently designed for enterprises, Coti’s existing protocol enables the management of blockchain-based products such as custom-branded tokens, wallets, website integrations and fiat on-and-off ramps.In a blog post on Medium, the blockchain startup outlined that in addition to privacy, v2 will enable smart contracts, EVM compatibility and Solidity programming, alongside the features currently offered by v1. Notwithstanding these new features on the v2 product, the company confirmed to The Block that in respect of Coti’s original Cardano-based product, “Coti’s work with Cardano continues. We have a project built there called Djed, and that will continue to remain on Cardano.” Djed is an ADA-backed stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar.The anticipated release of Coti v2’s developer net in the second quarter of 2024 signals a move towards realizing the potential in advancing Ethereum’s privacy standards. As a layer-1 protocol, Coti presently contributes to Web3 applications by providing digital infrastructure, including tools for wallets, tokens and payment modules, with a total value locked of $31 million.The upcoming integration as a privacy-centric layer-2 positions Coti as a key player in enhancing Ethereum’s capabilities and fostering a more secure and confidential blockchain experience.

Bithumb Live Files for BankruptcySouth Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb’s live commerce platform Bithumb Live — an attempt at business diversification — has filed for bankruptcy. The platform entered bankruptcy proceedings last year, brought on by business difficulties and various suspicions of embezzlement involving its CEO.Photo by Melinda Gimpel on UnsplashAccording to legal sources on Monday, the Seoul Bankruptcy Court declared Bithumb Live’s bankruptcy last Monday. The court plans to hold creditor meetings and inspections on November 28 to incorporate creditors’ opinions into the bankruptcy proceedings and assess the status of the company. Major companies like LG Uplus, SK Telecom, SK Magic, and Lotte Card are among the platform’s creditors.Bithumb Live’s backgroundBithumb Live was founded in September 2021 by Bithumb and Bucket Studio, who each invested KRW 6 billion (approximately $4.4 million). Bucket Studio is a content distribution company that gained considerable attention with the global success of the Netflix original series “Squid Game” last year because it holds a 15% stake in Artist Company, an entertainment planning agency co-founded by “Squid Game” lead actor Lee Jung-jae and actor Jung Woo-sung. In particular, Bucket Studio’s CEO Kang Ji-yeon is the sister of Kang Jong-hyun, who is embroiled in allegations related to the ownership of Bithumb.Bithumb and Bucket Studio each hold a 37.5% share of Bithumb Live, making a combined ownership of over 75%. Bithumb Live, led by Kang Ji-yeon, had been established with the intent to create a commerce platform with various features like a metaverse, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and cryptocurrency payments. After its establishment, it announced that it would challenge its key competitor Naver’s prominent live shopping platform by preparing to sign deals with 15 different companies.Financial hardshipsHowever, the platform hit a roadblock just one year after its establishment and found itself unable to escape financial difficulties. According to last year’s business report, Bithumb Live’s liabilities exceeded its assets by approximately KRW 248 million and the platform recorded a net loss of KRW 10.2 billion. Unable to withstand such losses, it announced an indefinite temporary closure via its internal messenger to employees in October of last year. The employees ended up working only four hours a day, resulting in a more than 50% reduction in working hours. Subsequently, the number of employees, which was 73 in September, plummeted to just four in January of this year, essentially signaling a total stop to business operations. In the first half of this year, Bithumb Live’s net loss amounted to almost KRW 1.1 billion.Management entanglementsOn top of these financial strains, the company was also plagued by Kang Ji-yeon and her brother Kang Jong-hyun’s owner’s risk, which encompassed allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation. In July of this year, Kang Ji-yeon was sent to trial on charges of embezzlement and misappropriation at Bucket Studio. Along with her brother and former Chorokbaem (CRB) Group Chairman Won Young-sik, she was accused of granting call options on convertible bonds held by Bithumb affiliates Vidente and Bucket Studio for free to companies controlled by Won’s children between December 2021 and July 2022, inciting damages worth approximately KRW 58.7 billion to the respective companies. In the process, she was also found to have received KRW 32.2 billion in acquisition payments. Kang Jong-hyun had been detained and on trial since February of this year.Bithumb Live’s largest shareholder, Bucket Studio, is also in a tight spot. Back in June, the Korea Exchange imposed a penalty of three points on Bucket Studio for reversing its disclosure. The company had been penalized five points the previous month after withdrawing its decision to issue convertible bonds. In particular, the studio also recorded an operating loss of KRW 7 billion and a net loss of KRW 195.6 billion last year based on consolidated financial statements. In the first half of this year alone, it suffered an operating loss of KRW 896 million, raising red flags for its management.

Singapore Looks to Prohibit Crypto Lending and StakingIn a move to bolster investor protection and maintain financial stability, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is introducing new guidelines for cryptocurrency platforms operating in the country.Details of the measures were published by MAS on Monday. According to its statement, the measures “will mitigate the risk of loss or misuse of customers’ assets, and facilitate the recovery of customers’ assets in the event of a DPT [Digital Payment Token] service provider’s insolvency.”The proposed guidelines outline several key measures. One such measure is the daily reconciliation of customer assets, which will help prevent discrepancies and safeguard against potential losses.Photo by Hu Chen on UnsplashHolding assets in trustAdditionally, the custody function, responsible for holding and safeguarding client assets, will be operationally separated from other business divisions to minimize the risk of mismanagement or unauthorized use. By the end of this year, it’s understood that crypto platforms will be required to store client assets in trust accounts, ensuring enhanced security and accountability.DisclosuresFurthermore, licensed cryptocurrency service providers will be mandated to provide explicit disclosures to customers, clearly outlining the risks associated with holding and trading digital payment tokens (DPTs). Recognizing the speculative nature of digital token trading, the MAS acknowledges that regulations alone cannot fully protect consumers from potential losses.To further protect retail investors, the MAS intends to prohibit cryptocurrency service providers from facilitating lending or staking activities. Lending and staking, where digital tokens are loaned or pledged to earn profits, are considered unsuitable for the general public due to their complex and high-risk nature.These measures come as part of Singapore’s efforts to strengthen its regulatory environment for digital assets. The consultation process began last year, following the collapse of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.Singaporeans suffered disproportionately with the collapse of FTX as previously, MAS had banned global crypto exchange Binance from operating within the city-state. That led to Singapore having more FTX customers than many other world regions. To compound matters, state-owned global investment firm Temasek, was an investor in the fraudulent crypto exchange.MAS had called for feedback and proposals, with a focus on enhancing investor safeguards and promoting responsible trading practices. While the regulations aim to provide a safer environment for investors, the MAS also emphasizes the importance of individuals exercising caution when engaging in digital token trading.Contrasting approachesWhile Singapore is taking steps to tighten regulations, other cities like Hong Kong are adopting a more inclusive approach to the crypto industry. Hong Kong Legislative Council member Johnny Ng has voiced support for the local crypto business and has encouraged prominent exchanges like Coinbase to establish operations in the territory, aiming to foster greater engagement and growth within the sector.As the crypto industry continues to evolve, regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in ensuring investor protection and maintaining market integrity. Singapore’s proactive approach to strengthening its regulatory environment reflects its commitment to striking a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding the interests of investors.