Maxst launches extended reality-based metaverse platform

DeSpread and Crypto Times Team Up to Bridge Blockchain Information Gap in Korea and JapanDeSpread, a Web3 consulting company based in South Korea, has announced a partnership with Crypto Times, a blockchain media outlet owned by Japanese digital media company Rokubunnoni. The goal of this collaboration is to tackle information asymmetry in the blockchain industries of both countries and expand their global blockchain services.Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on PexelsLeveraging respective expertiseDeSpread intends to leverage its knowledge of the Korean and global markets to assist international Web3 projects in entering the Japanese market, with the ultimate aim of integrating the global Web3 industry into Japan. Recognizing Crypto Times’ thorough understanding of the Japanese market and its culture, DeSpread has chosen to collaborate with them.Sharing market analysesAs part of their partnership, both companies will localize their research reports on a regular basis to share market analyses of the two countries. To start off, Crypto Times will distribute a paper related to the latest trends of zkSync for free. Subsequent papers will be published on DeSpread’s Scribe channel on the digital content monetization platform Access Protocol.The collaboration also aims to provide a comprehensive consulting and marketing solution for Web3 projects seeking to expand into Korea, Japan, and other markets.Creating synergiesRokubunnoni Co-founder Shingo Arai expressed his belief that the cooperation between DeSpread and Crypto Times will create synergies within the Korean and Japanese blockchain industries. Arai expects that the combined expertise of the two firms will offer valuable insights into the Web3 market, delivering new perspectives. He also highlighted that Crypto Times’ research platform, CT Analysis, will improve its services and provide a greater variety of content to its readers, further contributing to the Japanese crypto market.Echoing similar sentiments, Earl Cho, the head of the Japanese business division at DeSpread, emphasized that the collaboration will facilitate the entry of more Web3 companies from Korea and abroad into the Japanese market. Cho expressed hope that this opportunity would unite the efforts of both countries, enabling the East Asian market to better connect with the global market in the Web3 sphere and positioning East Asia as a leader in the crypto industry.

The South Korean financial authority will establish new policies and guidelines for token listing and provide admirable examples from past listing events for local exchanges to follow, according to local media outlet News1.  So far, fiat-to-crypto exchanges in Korea have been listing tokens on their platforms under a guideline issued by Digital Asset eXchange Alliance (DAXA) – a self-regulatory consultation group comprised of five major Korean crypto exchanges. The existing DAXA guideline outlines basic yet vague instructions, which have allowed exchanges to list tokens largely at their discretion.  However, the new guideline from the financial authority, expected to be released by this June, will mark the government’s first official manual on token listing. This is in line with the upcoming Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which will be effective in July. Photo by Hitesh Choudhary on UnsplashSetting clear guidelines for token listingsThe new guidelines are expected to include examples of past fraud detection and real-time monitoring cases which are deemed to have set precedents for the industry players. Moreover, the financial authority plans to distribute past exemplary cases of token listing as early as April, which is anticipated to set a model listing process and help local crypto exchanges adhere to the law and requirements.  This announcement comes after the local game company Wemade relisted its native token WEMIX on Korbit, one of DAXA's member exchanges, just a year after it was delisted on major exchanges due to its deviant practices in token issuance. The relisting of WEMIX has since raised concerns among crypto insiders about the lack of criteria regarding token listings. More refined token listing process As the crypto market's bullish trend continues, Bithumb and Coinone – the second and third-largest exchanges in Korea – are stepping up their efforts to speed up the listing of new coins. Industry experts expect these exchanges will double down on their efforts in screening and reviewing processes for tokens to align with the new guidelines in the future.  An official from the Korean Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) said that while the anticipated listing process is not legally binding, it will definitely have a more profound impact on local crypto exchanges compared to the self-regulated DAXA guidelines.  

Hana Securities to Accelerate Security Token Platform DevelopmentHana Securities, the securities arm of South Korean financial holding company Hana Financial Group, said Monday it will build a security token platform starting next month to expand its network and capabilities in digital assets in line with the ever-changing financial landscape.Photo by Shubham Dhage on UnsplashPursuing market dominanceThe company revealed that it will choose an external firm by this month to commission the construction of the platform. It also plans to dominate the market by applying to get the platform approved as an innovative financial service by the end of this year. The Innovative Financial Services system, operated by the Fintech Center Korea, is a system that offers special exemptions from regulation for unique and innovative financial services.This strategic move is poised to position Hana Securities as a pioneering force in offering financial services that circumvent conventional regulations, exemplifying its dedication to fostering innovation and originality.Cultivating collaborative synergiesHana Securities is also pursuing partnerships with digital asset enterprises to work on security token projects and platforms that allow for fractional investment in underlying assets. The firm has already entered into business agreements with key companies such as art gallery Print Bakery, tech solution provider ITCEN, and content distributor DANAL Entertainment to collaborate in various sectors, including art, precious metals like gold and silver, and mobile content.This multifaceted approach not only underscores Hana Securities’ versatility but also its commitment to fusing traditional and modern assets in the realm of security tokens.It will also expand collaboration models with companies running new asset platforms, such as those related to real estate funding for small businesses and digital content distribution.“Companies with various underlying assets are showing high interest in the issuance and distribution markets for security tokens,” said Choi Won-young, Head of Hana Securities’ Digital Division.“Through the enhancement of our business model and rapid platform development, we aim to connect various assets to security token products, supply them to the market, and provide customers with new investment experiences.”