LH Leverages Blockchain to Certify Legally Important Documents

Korean Police Agency Bolsters Crypto Investigation SkillsThe Korea National Police Agency (KNPA) is escalating its efforts to improve its proficiency in probing digital asset-related crimes. As reported by Digital Today, this will be achieved by providing dedicated training to track digital assets and implementing a strategic plan to eradicate such illicit activities.Photo by Pixabay on PexelsTracking digital assetsIn a recently revealed training proposal, the KNPA outlined its intention to launch a specialized training program on tracking digital assets. The program, scheduled to begin in mid-July, will run for three months and include four distinct sessions, with a total of 120 attendees.The rising number of cases involving the illicit use of virtual assets to gain criminal proceeds has underscored the necessity for proficient tracking of these assets during investigations. As part of its commitment to strengthening its cyber investigation capabilities, the KNPA is encouraging its officers to obtain professional certifications. Last year, the agency also organized a training course focusing on tracing virtual assets.Hands-on, case-based approachThis year’s training curriculum will adopt a more hands-on, case-based approach, emphasizing practical experience. There will be two types of courses offered: specialized and advanced. They will cover a range of topics, including the fundamentals of Bitcoin, the differences between Ethereum and Bitcoin, and the concept of crypto mixing and unmixing.Chainalysis certificationsUpon completion of the specialized course, participants will be awarded a Chainalysis Reactor Certification from a reputable crypto data analysis company based in New York. Those completing the advanced courses will receive certifications such as the Chainalysis Ethereum Investigations Certification and the Chainalysis Investigation Specialist Certification.In April, the KNPA initiated a procurement procedure to acquire and install 12 units of crypto tracking software developed by Chainalysis, costing 81.67 million KRW ($61,000) per unit. This software allows for real-time monitoring of crypto address transactions, data visualization, correlation analysis, and supports the tracking of over 100 tokens, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. It also facilitates IP tracking and unmixing, a technique used to disentangle mixed cryptocurrency transactions.Strategic effortsTo further enhance its expertise in investigating virtual assets, the KNPA commissioned a study this month titled “Establishing Strategies to Eradicate Virtual Asset Crimes and Address Investigation Risks.” Through this initiative, the agency aims to examine the policy and legislative approaches adopted by other countries in combating crypto crimes, assess their applicability in Korea, and study investigative techniques and systems tailored to various virtual assets.

Hong Kong’s Metalpha Secures $5M Investment from BitmainMetalpha Technology Holding, a Hong Kong-headquartered crypto-based wealth management company, has recently announced a significant milestone for its Next Generation Fund I. The fund, put together in collaboration with NextGen Digital Venture Limited, has secured a strategic investment of $5 million from Bitmain, a prominent player in the crypto space.Photo by Pixabay on PexelsFund expansionThe timing of this investment is noteworthy as Metalpha’s licensed fund products are experiencing rapid growth. These products cater to the increasing demand for exposure to cryptocurrencies among institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth individuals. The Next Generation Fund I serves as a regulated and compliant avenue for investing in the Grayscale Trust’s digital asset investment products through structured derivatives.Having set a target capital raise of $100 million, the fund had already secured $20 million by March of this year, demonstrating a strong market interest. This additional $5 million investment from Bitmain further solidifies Metalpha’s position and potential for expansion.Adrian Wang, the President of Metalpha, commented on the development: “We aim to capitalize on the fast growing digital assets industry here in Hong Kong and provide our clients with competitive, complaint products worldwide.”Founded in 2015, Metalpha aims to provide customers with high-quality investment products and trading capabilities. The company, which went public in October 2017, claims to deliver the best structured derivative products to participants in the cryptocurrency market.Strategic investmentThe strategic investment from Bitmain not only brings substantial financial backing to Metalpha’s Next Generation Fund I but also signifies the confidence that industry leaders have in the company’s potential. Bitmain’s reputation as a prominent manufacturer of cryptocurrency mining hardware lends credibility to the investment and serves as a testament to Metalpha’s position in the market.The digital assets sector has had to deal with a 2022 bear market and macroeconomic headwinds. Notwithstanding that, the investment is timely and while we are not in bull market conditions, the space remains progressive, working towards ongoing adoption. Institutional investors, in particular, are increasingly seeking exposure to digital assets as part of their diversified portfolios. Metalpha’s licensed fund products provide a regulated and compliant solution to meet this demand, offering investors a secure and structured way to access the cryptocurrency market.Asian hubHong Kong, as a global financial hub and aspiring crypto hub, has witnessed substantial interest in digital assets in recent months. The region’s supportive regulatory environment, combined with its proximity to major Asian markets, makes it an attractive destination for companies like Metalpha to operate and grow. The autonomous Chinese territory’s credentials have been bolstered in that respect recently with a move to permit retail crypto trading while enabling aspiring digital asset unicorns.The $5 million investment from Bitmain will enable Metalpha to further enhance its fund offerings, expand its reach, and strengthen its position as a leader in crypto-based wealth management. With the financial support and industry expertise of Bitmain, Metalpha can leverage this partnership to drive innovation and develop new investment opportunities for its clients.As the digital assets industry continues to evolve and mature, companies like Metalpha play a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and the crypto space. By providing regulated investment products and maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks, Metalpha contributes to the overall growth and legitimacy of the cryptocurrency market.

Vietnam has launched a five-year pilot program imposing stringent new rules on the cryptocurrency industry, signaling a move toward tighter control over the rapidly growing sector. According to a Sept. 9 report from the Government Electronic Newspaper, cited by Cointelegraph, the resolution put the regulatory framework into immediate effect. The move aims to establish clear rules for the trading and issuance of crypto assets in the country.Photo by Silver Ringvee on UnsplashLocal currency and licensing requirementsUnder the new pilot program, all crypto transactions must be conducted in the local currency, the Vietnamese dong. The rules stipulate that only Vietnamese-registered enterprises may issue digital assets, while foreign investors can access them only through crypto asset service providers (CASPs) licensed by the Ministry of Finance. Firms seeking a license face high barriers to entry. Applicants must demonstrate profitable business operations for the two consecutive years preceding their application. Furthermore, CASPs are required to maintain a minimum capital of 10 trillion dong (approximately $379 million). The pilot also places firm restrictions on the nature of crypto assets themselves. They must be backed exclusively by real, tangible assets. The issuance of assets backed by fiat currencies or securities is prohibited. Broader legal contextThis pilot program follows the country's decision in June to officially legalize digital assets, with the new law set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The legislation categorizes digital assets into two types: virtual assets, used for exchange or investment, and crypto assets, which rely on encryption for validation. The law clarifies that neither category includes securities, digital representations of fiat currency, or other financial instruments already defined under existing civil and financial laws. The framework also mandates that regulatory agencies implement robust measures to ensure cybersecurity and combat money laundering and terrorism financing. High adoption and tech initiativesThe government's focus on regulation comes as no surprise, given Vietnam's position as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption. A recent study by Chainalysis ranked Vietnam fourth in its 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, highlighting widespread grassroots activity across both centralized and decentralized platforms, similar to trends seen in India and Pakistan. Beyond regulation, Vietnam is actively leveraging blockchain technology for national infrastructure. The government has deployed NDAChain, a national blockchain platform designed to authenticate and trace data origins. Developed by the National Data Association, it aims to provide a decentralized layer of trust for critical systems in e-government, finance, healthcare, and education, addressing the vulnerabilities of centralized data models. Hanoi's crypto ambitions also extend beyond its borders. Last month, Vietnam's Military Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, Upbit. The partnership is aimed at developing Vietnam’s financial landscape, with Dunamu providing expertise on establishing a crypto exchange, building a regulatory framework, and implementing investor protection measures.