OKX enables zero-fee SGD transfers in Singapore

Web3 firm Carrieverse has entered into a strategic partnership with the South Korean division of the public decentralized network the Internet Computer, ICP.Hub Korea, to expand their respective blockchain ecosystems, according to an article published by local news outlet Newspim on Thursday (KST). The two firms plan to create content and collaborate on marketing strategies.Photo by Scott Graham on UnsplashRevolutionizing blockchainThe Internet Computer brings autonomous serverless cloud functionality to the Internet, allowing builders to bring Web3 services and enterprise systems to the public. It was launched in May 2021 after five years of development by the Swiss non-profit organization DFINITY Foundation. The network is also known for its Web2 and Web3 interoperability, scalability, sustainability and tamperproof software. In particular, it employs a reverse gas model unlike most EVM-compatible blockchains, which allows end users to view and utilize smart contracts with just a standard web browser without setting up a wallet or own token assets. ICP, the Internet Computer’s native token, is currently ranked 16th on CoinMarketCap’s price rankings by market capitalization, with a market capitalization of approximately $5.6 billion.  Navigating the Web3 sphereMeanwhile, Carrieverse’s Web3 services include a metaverse, a blockchain gaming platform called Cling and the card strategy role-playing game (RPG) Superkola Tactics, which is playable on Cling. These platforms are governed by the Carrieverse token ($CVTX), which is listed on several crypto exchanges like Bitget and BingX. The firm was also selected to join the UAE’s Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) in November to establish a local subsidiary that will serve as a hub to expand the company’s global Web3 ecosystem. Together, the two parties are expected to pave new paths in the South Korean Web3 industry.

2023 has been a year of significant growth for Com2uS Holdings subsidiary Com2uS Platform, which has gained recognition for leveraging blockchain technology to bring content-focused services to users around the world. "This year, Com2uS Platform has achieved high growth in all fields," said CEO Choi Seok-won, according to an article by Korean news outlet Kuki News. "In the coming year, we will not only serve as the technology hub of the Com2uS Group but also actively engage in other projects to become the center of the global Web3 ecosystem."Photo by Pawel Chu on UnsplashExpanding horizonsIndeed, the firm’s subsidiaries, including the blockchain-based game development service Hive and NFT marketplace X-PLANET, have been leading various business ventures. The former has signed contracts with 40 games from 27 gaming companies this year alone. In terms of newly signed game titles, this marks a 307% year-on-year growth. The latter, on the other hand, ranked first in sales among domestic competitors last month, arguably driven by its collaboration with Toei Animation and Korean publishing company Daewon Media on a special NFT drop celebrating the 35th anniversary of Choushinsei Flashman’s Korean release. Choushinsei Flashman is a popular Japanese live-action superhero series that aired in the 1980s, earning fans all over South Korea. In line with these efforts to pursue projects with trendy topics, the company also teamed up with South Korean game developer ArumGames to create a game utilizing Com2uS’ Bungopang IP, which will be launched next year.  Strategic alliancesCom2uS Platform's global expansion has also seen tangible results, such as a recent business partnership with Bangkok-based marketing and game service company SHIN-A, which will play a role in its foothold in Thailand, a key emerging market. Under the agreement, SHIN-A has committed to establishing a Hive team in Thailand and serving as an official global reseller. The platform has also been active in the public sector, signing contracts with various public organizations such as the Seoul Business Agency, Gwangju Information and Content Agency and Korea Creative Content Agency to train practitioners in a wide range of fields across IT and entertainment, such as the internet, AI, big data, fintech, metaverse and gaming. These projects are expected to lead to the discovery of young talent and facilitate more opportunities for collaboration with gaming companies. 

HashKey Group, the Hong Kong-based regulated cryptocurrency exchange, is planning a partnership with crypto derivatives platform OKX.Photo by Ivan Lau on UnsplashAdvancing innovation and growthThe duo announced their plans via a press release which was published on Tuesday. The objective of the partnership is aimed at advancing compliant virtual asset innovation and industry growth in Hong Kong. The collaboration between HashKey Group and OKX capitalizes on the strengths and resources of both entities to elevate services and experiences. Harnessing these strengths the pair intend to contribute towards Hong Kong's emergence as a hub for the regulated virtual asset industry. The partnership will encompass various industry initiatives, including blockchain infrastructure development, product diversification and virtual asset investment education within the region. First regulated exchangeNotably, HashKey Group achieved a significant milestone last year by becoming the first Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)-regulated crypto exchange authorized to serve retail users. The firm secured Type 1 and Type 7 licenses from the SFC, in line with the  "compliance first” approach the company is taking. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Hong Kong, with operations in Singapore and Tokyo, HashKey Group caters to a diverse clientele, including retail investors, institutions, family offices, funds and professional investors. The services offered by the company encompass a Hong Kong SFC-regulated virtual asset exchange, global asset management and wealth management, with a focus on blockchain and digital assets, blockchain node validation, tokenization and Web3 incubation and community operations. Its Singaporean subsidiary, digital asset fund manager HashKey Capital, secured a regulatory license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in December. Unicorn statusOKX Ventures, the investment division of OKX, played a crucial role in supporting HashKey's Series A financing. That Series A funding round saw HashKey achieve unicorn status with a $1.2 billion valuation earlier this month. OKX Ventures focuses on investing in projects that nurture sustainable growth within the global virtual asset ecosystem. OKX, already serving over 50 million users worldwide, has a notable presence with sponsorships that include Manchester City FC in the English Premier League (EPL) and the McLaren Formula 1 racing team. Earlier this month, the company expanded its sponsorship with McLaren. The digital asset exchange began onboarding customers in Hong Kong a month before officially launching operations there, aligning with the city's new virtual asset service providers (VASPs) regime implemented on June 1 of last year. In March 2023, OKX established a Hong Kong entity to launch virtual asset services, with plans to apply for the virtual asset service provider (VASP) license and Type 1 & 7 licenses under the Securities and Futures Ordinance. Approval is anticipated by early 2024. The collaborative effort between HashKey Group and OKX marks a significant stride in advancing compliant virtual asset innovations in Hong Kong. This partnership aims to enhance service offerings and customer experiences, further solidifying Hong Kong's position as a regulated virtual asset industry hub. By leveraging their respective strengths, these industry leaders are well placed to assist in elevating Hong Kong's standing in the global virtual asset landscape, fostering growth and compliance in this rapidly evolving sector.