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Cartesi Launches Inaugural dApp on Ethereum MainnetSingapore-based Cartesi, the app-specific roll-up protocol with a virtual machine running Linux distributions, has introduced its inaugural dApp.The decentralized application, aptly named Honeypot, has been designed to serve as a platform for developers and ethical hackers to rigorously scrutinize the security of the Cartesi protocol’s underlying codebase, all in exchange for lucrative bounties.Photo by Michael Förtsch on UnsplashHoneypot deploymentAccording to a press release published on Tuesday, Honeypot is set to fulfill the vital role of stress-testing Cartesi’s foundational code on the Ethereum mainnet. The successful deployment of Honeypot will pave the way for Cartesi’s technology to be employed in a multitude of other dApps. Notably, a unique aspect of Honeypot is the tempting incentive it offers. The first individual to successfully hack it will be entitled to drain the sum of 1.77 million Cartesi tokens, equivalent to $220,000, after one year without any constraints.Embedded within the Honeypot dApp’s backend code is an algorithm that only permits the Cartesi Foundation’s depositor account to make fund withdrawals. Participants who dare to take on this code-breaking challenge must successfully navigate the intricacies of the algorithm to claim the reward.Developer Advocacy contributor to Cartesi, Gabriel Barros, stated: “We want to welcome all developers to test Cartesi’s Rollup infrastructure — but in a gamified challenge.”Aiding dApp developmentCartesi stands as a Layer 2 network specifically designed to streamline the development of intricate and powerful dApps. Its mission is to bridge the gap between conventional development practices and blockchain-based solutions, attempting to offer a seamless transition for developers.At its core, Cartesi introduces a mechanism that enables dApps to execute resource-intensive computations off-chain within a Linux environment. Crucially, these off-chain computations are verifiable by the blockchain, ensuring that the final results remain consistent across all nodes. This approach empowers developers to harness existing software and tools while ensuring compatibility with the blockchain.Linux insideThe choice of a Linux environment is pivotal to Cartesi’s framework. Linux enjoys widespread usage worldwide, particularly in server environments, making it a familiar and well-adopted platform. This familiarity extends to the extensive array of tools and libraries available within the Linux ecosystem, which are leveraged by developers for a myriad of traditional web applications.Gabriel Barros underlined Cartesi’s mission, stating:“Cartesi’s goal is to eliminate the limitations Web3 developers face by enabling them to import decades of familiar programming tools, libraries, and languages to the blockchain. By doing so, Cartesi unlocks a new realm of possibilities, allowing developers to surpass what was previously imaginable with earlier web3 applications.”Cartesi’s introduction of the Honeypot dApp on the Ethereum mainnet signifies a significant step towards ensuring the security and robustness of its protocol. Furthermore, it demonstrates Cartesi’s intentions in attempting to foster a vibrant and innovative ecosystem for developers in the blockchain space.

The decision by U.S. regulators to approve spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January appears to be having some knock-on effects, with the latest such response seeing the Thai authorities enable access to such products for institutional investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals within Thailand.Photo by Karolina Grabowska on PexelsMeeting a growing demandAccording to a report in the Bangkok Post on March 12, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has agreed that Thai asset management firms may manage and offer funds that incorporate investment in U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF products. The decision was arrived at following a recent SEC board meeting. The SEC's decision reflects a strategic response to the growing demand for digital asset exposure among institutional investors. It would appear that spot Bitcoin ETF approval in the United States has bolstered investor confidence in this investment instrument on an international basis. Urging cautionDespite the opportunities this presents for institutional investors, the SEC has emphasized caution, citing the high-risk nature of digital asset investments. SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon verbalized that need for caution, stating: "Asset management firms asked the SEC for them to have exposure in digital assets, especially Bitcoin and spot Bitcoin ETFs, but we need to consider carefully whether to allow asset management firms to invest in digital assets directly due to the high risk.”It’s interesting to note that in an immediate response to the approval of these products in the United States in January, Thailand’s SEC clarified that it had no plans to allow asset management firms to launch similar products within Thailand. For the moment at least, it seems that demand will be satisfied by accessing products that have gained exposure to U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs instead. Retail investors excludedWhile this move expands the investment landscape for institutional players, retail investors in Thailand find themselves sidelined due to regulatory restrictions. The amended regulations primarily cater to accredited investors, leaving retail participation in spot Bitcoin ETFs out of reach. This exclusion contrasts with the popularity of retail crypto trading in Thailand, albeit within regulated boundaries. Recent government regulations have both facilitated and restricted certain crypto activities. Thailand's move aligns with broader trends in the cryptocurrency sector, with several countries, including South Korea and Hong Kong, exploring opportunities in the space. In Hong Kong, regulators are currently processing applications for Bitcoin ETFs, with several financial institutions expressing interest in introducing spot Bitcoin ETFs. Just like the Thai authorities, the governor of the Royal Bank of India (RBI) had also responded in the aftermath of product approval in the U.S. stating that he didn’t favor the approval of such products in India. Despite that, news emerged on March 11 that Indian crypto investment platform Mudrex is planning to meet demand by providing clients with access to these U.S. products. As institutional investors gear up to capitalize on this opportunity in Thailand, the regulatory framework surrounding digital assets will continue to shape market dynamics, both domestically and internationally.

Wemade joins hands with Dubai Chambers to expand Web3 and gaming endeavors in Middle EastSouth Korean blockchain gaming publisher Wemade has partnered with the Dubai Chambers to support each other’s objectives for making advancements in the Web3 and gaming sphere.Photo by Kent Tupas on UnsplashTheir commitments were exchanged when Wemade CEO Henry Chang met with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, the President and CEO of the Dubai Chambers, during his trip to the United Arab Emirates this week for this year’s Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the Fortune Global Forum, according to industry sources on Tuesday (KST).The Dubai Chambers of the UAE is a non-profit public agency that plays a central role in creating an environment for businesses in Dubai to thrive, thus bolstering the business landscape. It is divided into three sectors — commerce, international and digital economy.A strategic allianceDuring the meeting, the Dubai Chambers pledged to support Wemade’s business expansion in the Middle East region by helping the company establish networks with local organizations and companies. It also vowed to facilitate active exchange between Wemade and the Dubai Chambers’ overseas offices in 27 countries. In turn, Wemade stated that it would strengthen its local business capabilities to contribute to the growth of Dubai’s gaming and Web3 industries.“Dubai is one of the most dynamic regions leading the next-generation gaming industry, and the role of the Dubai Chambers is crucial. Wemade will actively support Dubai’s gaming industry initiatives with the experience and technical expertise that we have accumulated over the years,” Chang said. Lootah also expressed his anticipation for the partnership, reaffirming Dubai’s commitment to fostering a tech-savvy ecosystem.Earlier this month, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, announced a new vision to grow Dubai into one of the top ten cities for gaming in the world by creating 30,000 new jobs and increasing GDP by $1 billion by 2033.Strengthening tiesChang and Lootah’s meeting is the latest development in the budding business relationship between Wemade and the UAE. Previously, a delegation from the Dubai Chambers visited South Korea in September, during which it visited Wemade’s headquarters. Wemade also opened an office in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.