WAO ART #378

Saudi Arabia launches 'Cultural Universe', the world's first state-operated national metaverse project. The virtual environment is accessible to smartphone users and VR headset owners. Cultural Universe allows users to explore Saudi Arabia's rich cultural history dating back to 1727.

Ethereum hits a 22-month high, reaching $3,125 and reclaiming the $3,000 level. ETH is up 36% over the past month and leading the crypto markets. Analysts predict Ethereum could target the $3,350 level and have a historic monthly close.

MicroStrategy has purchased an additional 3,000 Bitcoin for $155.4 million. The company's Bitcoin holdings are now valued at almost $10 billion. The purchases were made with cash between Feb. 15 and Feb. 25. MicroStrategy now holds around 193,000 Bitcoin in total.

Paris Saint-Germain FC has joined Chiliz as a validator. Chiliz Chief Strategy Officer Max Rabinovitch discussed this partnership at NFT Paris. Web3 adoption in sport will be significant and will come from grassroots efforts.

Alcoa, a US-based aluminium producer, has made a $2.2bn buyout offer for its Australian joint venture partner, Alumina. The proposed all-stock deal aims to increase Alcoa's stake in high-quality bauxite and alumina assets, consolidating its position as a top producer.

Kenya has been added to the FATF grey list, increasing scrutiny on its anti-money laundering and countering the financing of bad measures. The inclusion on the grey list limits Kenya's ability to secure multilateral funding and reduces its appeal as an investment destination.

Argentina plans to regulate cryptocurrency service providers through an executive order to avoid being included in the FATF gray list. Honduras reaffirms its ban on financial institutions dealing with cryptocurrency assets, stating that bitcoin is "unregulated electronic money."