WAO ART #370

Da Bing predicts how crypto in China will fare during the upcoming year of the Dragon. Chinese communities will invent and export new narratives in the crypto space. Everything in China will go on-chain. There will be a flight of crypto people from China, with many choosing to live abroad.

Coinbase Custody manages 90% of the $37 billion in Bitcoin ETF assets, solidifying its position as a leading force in the cryptocurrency market. The rise of Bitcoin ETFs and institutional trust in cryptocurrencies highlight Coinbase's pivotal role in securing these assets.

Nigerian microfinance bank Carbon has acquired fintech startup Vella Finance, paving the way for the launch of a new banking platform targeting Nigerian businesses. Carbon plans to integrate Vella Finance's expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) into its new platform.

Honduras has implemented a ban on crypto trading activities for financial institutions under its jurisdiction. The country's National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBS) issued the ban to maintain strict control over the integrity of its financial system.

Investment firm VanEck has agreed to pay a $1.75 million fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for failing to disclose details about an influencer campaign promoting its social media-focused ETF. The influencer's fee was tied to the fund's growth, creating a potential conflict of interest.

An Australian police officer has been involved in a cryptocurrency scandal after misappropriating Bitcoin during a raid. This incident highlights the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies. However, advanced blockchain analysis tools are helping in the fight against such accidents globally.

Google is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) development with a new research hub in France. The hub, based in Paris, will house up to 300 researchers and machine learning engineers and will focus on critical areas such as manufacturing, finance, security, and health.