Metabora Singapore officially launches blockchain-based app for golf fans

Hyosung TNS and APoT Join Hands to Promote NFT Portal ServiceSouth Korean IT infrastructure and financial solutions provider Hyosung TNS announced that it is teaming up with APoT Platforms, a company specializing in developing blockchains for real-world assets (RWAs), to promote NFTtown — Hyosung TNS’ portal service dedicated to providing information, news, and educational content on NFTs.Photo by Andrey Metelev on UnsplashBringing real-world assets to blockchainAPoT Platforms is equipped with technology that is able to embed data on RWAs, such as artwork and luxury goods, thereby connecting them to the blockchain. The company also maintains an extensive network of collaborative relationships with various NFT artist organizations and communities both domestically and abroad.Hyosung TNS plans to bring APoT’s artist network to NFTtown, allowing users to easily access information regarding NFT artists and their works.The two companies will also work together on other efforts, including introducing NFT artworks, digital product transfers, and events for NFT holders.NFT art exhibitionAs the first step of their collaboration, they plan to exhibit and sell works by renowned NFT artists such as Han Kwang-suk, Quiet Eye, and HAN (Han Sun-ok) this month at the Lotte Department Store Ilsan’s Spazio We;R Gallery.

Hong Kong Authorities Unite to Form Crypto-Centric TaskforceAuthorities in Hong Kong are taking action to address recent mounting concerns surrounding illicit cryptocurrency activities, particularly in light of the recent JPEX scandal. The Hong Kong Police Force and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have come together to establish a specialized working group dedicated to closely monitoring and countering suspicious activities connected to virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs).In a statement published by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) on Wednesday (local time), the agency set out details of a collaborative task force which has been formed in the wake of a high-level meeting held on September 28.The collaboration draws on input from the SFC as well as a number of law enforcement divisions within the Chinese autonomous territory, including the Commercial Crime Bureau, Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, and Financial Intelligence and Investigations Bureau.Photo by Cheung Yin on UnsplashGreater coordination and information sharingThe primary objectives of this alliance are to enhance coordination, foster information sharing, assess risks tied to VATPs, and, above all, safeguard the interests of the Hong Kong public.Christopher Wilson, Director of Enforcement at the SFC, underscored the regulator’s commitment to allocating resources to combat problematic VATPs and safeguard investor interests. Eve Chung, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) at the Hong Kong Police Force, emphasized the significance of intelligence exchange and collaborative efforts in responding to the challenges posed by VATPs to protect the Hong Kong public.Knee jerk response to JPEX scandalIt would appear that the necessity for such a concerted effort became patently clear as a direct response to the errant activities of Dubai-based crypto platform JPEX within Hong Kong.Issues with the exchange first emerged in September when the platform outlined that it was having liquidity issues as a consequence of some third party market makers having withdrawn their services. JPEX subsequently raised withdrawal fees to an unreasonable level to deter customers from withdrawing funds from the platform.The saga has affected over 1,600 investors with more than $150 million in assets becoming unavailable to them. The case resulted in the arrest of at least 20 individuals, with local telecom providers blocking online access to the platform as requested by law enforcement.Earlier, on September 13, the SFC had issued a warning accusing JPEX and crypto influencers of disseminating false or misleading information on social media about their application for a virtual asset trading license in Hong Kong.The ongoing JPEX controversy has prompted regulators in Hong Kong to explore measures to strengthen regulations governing the cryptocurrency market. The establishment of the task force signifies a proactive stance to address these concerns and ensure swift, effective action against illicit activities in the crypto sector.In addition to the joint task force, the SFC has taken steps to enhance transparency by publishing a comprehensive list that includes licensed, deemed licensed, closing down, and application-pending crypto exchanges, along with a list of “suspicious VATPs.” This transparency initiative aims to provide clarity and protect investors by offering insights into legitimate and questionable cryptocurrency trading platforms operating in Hong Kong.

Tiger Brokers (Hong Kong) is gearing up to bring its virtual asset trading platform to professional investors in Hong Kong, with plans to extend the service to retail-level investors in the short to medium term. Unified solution for equities and digital assetsTiger Brokers is an online broker, headquartered in Beijing, with an office and operations in Hong Kong. Additionally, the company has been listed (TIGR) on the Nasdaq stock exchange in the United States since 2019. With this latest plan which it outlined in an announcement shared with Cointelegraph, the company will offer professional investors a single solution for the trading and portfolio management of both securities and digital assets.  In merging traditional securities and crypto assets, the firm has partnered with Hong Kong’s HashKey Exchange, allowing access to 18 digital assets. That offering will include Bitcoin and Ethereum. Alongside these digital assets, the company will offer investors traditional financial products such as equities, options, futures and U.S. Treasury bonds. Integrating traditional and digital assets within the one platform eliminates certain complexities that come with managing multiple accounts across distinct brokers and platforms. As a consequence, investors are being extended greater convenience and flexibility in terms of global asset allocation.Photo by Ansel Lee on PexelsExtending service to retailInvestors with a preference for exposure to the recently approved spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) products will be enabled to purchase those ETFs through the platform.  Tiger will become the first technology-led brokerage in Hong Kong to offer an all-encompassing service supporting both traditional securities and virtual assets. The firm has incorporated competitive rates and a 24/7 trading ability into the offering in an effort to gain traction. Additionally, it has waived digital asset custody fees.  Through the Tiger Trade platform, professional investors will be given access to this array of investment options. Initially, availability of the facility will be confined to professional investors in Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents with an investment portfolio valued above 8 million Hong Kong dollars ($1 million) and corporate entities with assets in excess of 40 million Hong Kong dollars ($5 million) qualify within the definition of accredited investors. Once it gains the relevant regulatory approval, Tiger Brokers intends to extend the service to retail investors. The company also outlined that it is considering adding cryptocurrency spot withdrawals and deposits as features within the new service offering. Zeng Qingfei, Chief Financial Officer of Tiger International, expressed the company's pride in leading the charge in virtual asset trading services. He emphasized Tiger Brokers' commitment to meeting the evolving needs of investors by expanding its product portfolio to include diversified investment opportunities. Through this strategic expansion, the company is aiming to equip investors with the tools they need to navigate dynamic market conditions effectively. The company hasn’t confined its efforts to achieve further growth to Hong Kong. In recent days, it has also enabled 24-hour trading of U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in New Zealand. Through extended trading hours, Kiwi investors will have greater opportunity than ever to participate in the market.