On April 17, the Chrome browser urgently fixed a security vulnerability (CVE number: CVE-2023-2033) that has been found to be exploited in the wild. By exploiting this vulnerability, the attacker can execute arbitrary code on the affected device as long as the victim browses the malicious page carefully constructed by the attacker. The damage caused includes but is not limited to stealing Bitcoin private keys, stealing sensitive files such as contacts and photo albums, etc. It is recommended to upgrade immediately to avoid being attacked. If you are using a browser that uses the Chrome kernel, such as Microsoft Edge, Cheetah Browser, 360 Security Browser, etc., you also need to upgrade to the latest version. (SecurityOnline)
▌After the Shanghai upgrade, the number of ETH withdrawals has exceeded 1 million
According to Token Unlocks, since the activation of the Shapella hard fork, the amount of ETH withdrawn from staking has exceeded 1 million, about 1.04 million ETH, while 377,620 ETH has flowed into the deposit contract. As of press time, the total balance of staked tokens has decreased by about 657,990 ETH, worth about 17.3 million. According to some large withdrawals tracked by Lookonchain, some of them have returned to staking. The same is true for the owners of three addresses with a total balance of 19,844 ETH and 13 wallets with 34,000 ETH. But 71,444 ETH has also entered centralized exchanges.
▌A total of 53 unicorn companies in the blockchain industry were shortlisted for the Hurun "2023 Global Unicorn List"
Hurun Research Institute released the Global Unicorn Index 2023 in Guangzhou today, listing the non-listed companies in the world that were founded after 2000 and valued at more than US$1 billion. The deadline for the valuation calculation of this list is December 31, 2022. There are currently 1,361 unicorns in the world, distributed in 48 countries and 271 cities. The total value of global unicorns is US$4.3 trillion (about RMB 30 trillion), an increase of 17% from a year ago and more than double the pre-epidemic level. In terms of the number of unicorns, the financial technology industry has the fastest growth, with 32 more than a year ago. Financial technology has 171 unicorns, making it the industry with the largest number of unicorns in the world, followed by software services (136), e-commerce (120) and artificial intelligence (105). The United States leads with 666 unicorns, China ranks second with 316, India remains in third place, and the United Kingdom ranks fourth. The blockchain industry has 53 unicorns, 23 more than a year ago, led by Malta-based Binance (138 billion yuan), followed by San Francisco-based Ripple (105 billion yuan) and New York-based OpenSea (90 billion yuan). These unicorns account for 3.9% of the world's total unicorns, with a total value of 1.4 trillion yuan.
▌Ministry of Industry and Information Technology: Increase research and development efforts in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital twins
The State Council Information Office held a press conference at 3 pm on April 20. Zhao Zhiguo, chief engineer and spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that in the next step, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will focus on three aspects of work, make the information and communication industry better and stronger, and provide solid support for promoting high-quality economic and social development. First, consolidate the foundation of digital facilities. Research and introduce policies and measures to promote the coordinated development of new information infrastructure construction, promote the "broadband frontier", the "light chasing action" of gigabit optical networks, the construction of cloud networks in small and medium-sized cities, and the high-quality development action of mobile Internet of Things, and promote the construction of new infrastructure in an integrated manner. Second, accelerate technological and industrial innovation. Promote the accelerated breakthrough of key core technologies such as 6G, optical communications, and quantum communications, and increase the research and development of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital twins. Overcome a number of key areas of "stuck necks" and enhance the resilience and security level of the industrial chain and supply chain. Third, deepen industry integration and application. Vigorously promote the integrated application of new generation information and communication technologies such as 5G and gigabit optical networks in vertical industries, information consumption, social livelihood and other fields, promote the large-scale application of industrial Internet, focus on key areas to form innovative application demonstration benchmarks, and help the digital transformation of industries.
▌Zhejiang: Develop new business forms and models such as digital human virtual anchors and new consumption scenarios in the metaverse
On April 20, the General Office of the Zhejiang Provincial Government recently issued the "Several Measures on Further Expanding Consumption and Promoting High-quality Development" to support the development of e-commerce live broadcasting. Seize the opportunity of the rapid development of e-commerce live broadcasting, and develop new formats and models such as digital human virtual anchors and new consumption scenarios of the metaverse. Develop the "cross-border e-commerce + live broadcast" model, build a cross-border bonded warehouse live broadcast headquarters base, and hold activities such as bonded warehouse live broadcasting. Organize a provincial e-commerce live broadcast competition and carry out the "Better Life Zhejiang Broadcasting Season" live broadcast event. Promote the development of e-commerce live broadcast bases and public live broadcast rooms, and add 300 new e-commerce live broadcast "Common Wealth Workshops" in 2023.
▌In the past week, the number of daily sales and users in the NFT market fell to the lowest level since July 2021
According to Dune data, the number of daily users and sales in NFT markets have both declined over the past week, reaching a new low since July 2021. Dune data compiled by NFT researcher SeaLaunch shows that the number of unique users of top NFT markets including Blur, OpenSea and LooksRare has continued to decline over the past seven days, falling to 7,805 on April 19. This is the lowest since July 31, 2021, when the number of unique users of OpenSea and other markets was 7,455. In addition, the number of sales in NFT markets has also declined over the past seven days, with 16,149 sales on April 19. The previous low was 12,910 on November 9, 2021.
▌Data: USDC circulation decreased by $900 million in the past week
Official data shows that in the past 7 days, Circle has issued a total of $500 million USDC and redeemed $1.4 billion USDC, with the circulation reduced by about $900 million. As of April 20, the total circulation of USDC was $31 billion, and the reserve was $31.1 billion, including $5.7 billion in cash and $25.5 billion in short-term U.S. Treasury bonds.
policy
▌The US Stablecoin Act allows central banks to provide funding for non-bank stablecoin issuers
A new bill from the U.S. House Financial Services Committee proposes giving non-bank stablecoin issuers access to central bank funding. The proposed bill introduces new rules and regulations for payment stablecoin issuers in the United States. The legislation would explicitly give non-bank stablecoin issuers full access to central bank deposit accounts and central bank borrowing. Even the Treasury Department has acknowledged that central bank deposits have the potential to provide the safest asset backing, and other acceptable stablecoin backing assets include physical cash, short-term Treasury bills, and Treasury-backed repurchase agreements.
▌Blockchain Association files request to investigate crypto-friendly banking information
The Blockchain Association has filed further requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to investigate allegations of de-banking that may have improperly led to the closure of Signature, Silicon Valley, and Silvergate. The association said in a statement that it has submitted information requests to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). The Blockchain Association wants to know whether the closure of Signature Bank was due to its insolvency or whether it was a regulatory decision that "sends an anti-crypto message" despite the bank being fully solvent.
▌New York financial regulator adopts virtual currency assessment rules
The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has adopted a new rule that specifies how to assess crypto companies for the costs associated with their regulation. The New York Department of Financial Services said in a statement on Monday that the rule will require companies to meet strict standards in terms of capital, cybersecurity protection, and anti-money laundering protocols. Only companies that hold a NYDFS-issued BitLicense (a business license granted by NYDFS that allows companies to do business in New York) are subject to the rule. Currently, only 22 companies hold such a license.
▌Shandong High Court: Stealing virtual property is considered as the crime of illegally obtaining computer information system data
192, the defendant used the private key of another person's EPK virtual currency wallet without authorization, invaded the computer system, and stole a total of 208,075.96 EPK virtual currencies through transfer commands. The court believes that if the theft of virtual property really needs to be regulated by criminal law, it can be convicted and punished according to the crime of illegally obtaining computer information system data, and the punishment can be commensurate with the crime.
▌New York Department of Financial Services requires licensed cryptocurrency companies to pay assessment fees
According to a provision in New York’s fiscal year 2023 budget, the New York State Department of Financial Services has passed a new law requiring cryptocurrency companies holding BitLicenses to pay assessment fees similar to those of insurance and banking companies. New York regulators initially proposed the assessment fees in December last year, saying that crypto agencies would help bring in additional resources, allowing the agency to hire more employees and expand its cryptocurrency department. NYSDFS stated on its official website that cryptocurrency companies will be billed five times in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with four quarterly assessments throughout the year "based on the estimated annual budget of the virtual currency unit at the time of billing." A final assessment will also be conducted at the end of the year based on the actual expenditures of the unit.
▌Highest Inspection: Strengthen forward-looking research on legal issues related to new technologies and new formats such as "metaverse" and blockchain
Recently, the Supreme People's Procuratorate issued the "Opinions on Strengthening the Cyber Law Work of Procuratorial Organs in the New Era". The "Opinions" pointed out that it is necessary to strengthen forward-looking research on legal issues related to new technologies and new business forms such as "metaverse", artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing, strengthen comprehensive assessment of security risks, accurately grasp the boundaries between innovation and development and crimes, and promptly discover and accurately punish all kinds of criminal activities carried out under the guise of new technologies and new business forms, so as to protect innovation and development and effectively prevent the superposition and evolution of various risks.
▌Ukrainian State Tax Service: Funds received from cryptocurrency transactions are subject to taxation
The State Tax Service of Ukraine has issued clarifications on the taxation of individual cryptocurrency transactions. Experts note that cryptocurrencies still do not have a specific legal status in the country, and therefore there is no regulatory framework for their classification and operational supervision. However, funds received from cryptocurrency transactions are subject to taxation. The tax authorities stated that the income received by individuals from the sale of cryptocurrencies is included in the total annual taxable income as foreign income, if the source of payment of this income is abroad, and as other income, if the income is paid by an individual resident in Ukraine. In the future, the authorities announced their intention to complete the normative bills taking into account European rules.
▌Hong Kong court defines cryptocurrency as property that can be held in trust in Gatecoin case
On April 19, according to a report released by the law firm Hogan Lovells, the Hong Kong District Court of China defined cryptocurrency as property that can be held in trust in a Gatecoin-related case. Earlier, the Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency trading platform Gatecoin announced in 2019 that it would close and begin liquidation. In this case, the plaintiff company attempted to recover disputed funds from a former Gatecoin payment service provider.
▌EU Parliament approves first EU-wide cryptocurrency regulation
EU lawmakers voted 517-38 in favor, with 18 abstentions, on Thursday to introduce new cryptocurrency regulations, MiCA, becoming the first jurisdiction in the world to introduce comprehensive crypto regulations. The European Parliament also voted 529-29 in favor, with 14 abstentions, to complete a separate law called the Funds Transfer Regulation, which requires cryptocurrency operators to identify their customers to stop money laundering. In addition, during the debate on Wednesday, lawmakers mainly supported plans to let crypto wallet providers and exchanges seek licenses to operate throughout the European Union and require stablecoin issuers to maintain sufficient reserves. European Financial Services Commissioner Mairead McGuinness expects the legislation to take effect in July after formal approval by the EU's 27 member states. Specific requirements will take effect gradually, for example, the rules governing stablecoins will apply from July 2024.
Blockchain Applications
▌The Bank of Israel is preparing to issue a digital shekel
The Bank of Israel is preparing to issue a digital shekel.
▌The Russian Central Bank intends to allow the use of cryptocurrencies in an "experimental" environment for external settlements
On April 19, Elvira Nabiullina, governor of the Central Bank of Russia, said that the Central Bank of Russia plans to allow trading companies to use cryptocurrencies for external settlements in a controlled "experimental" environment. In a meeting with lawmakers in the Russian State Duma, Nabiullina said: "We insist that cryptocurrencies should not be used domestically. But for external payments, we believe that it should be possible in the form of experiments." She confirmed that a draft bill is "in preparation" and will create a "special regulatory agency" to supervise companies participating in the "experiment." Aleksey Guznov, deputy chairman of the central bank, said that an "analysis" is currently underway to determine which companies should be allowed to use crypto payments. Nabiullina added that in the first stage, the experiment will allow state-owned institutions to participate, and does not rule out the possibility of private companies participating in the future. (Russian News Agency)
Russia plans to set up new agency to mine cryptocurrencies and settle international payments
The head of the Russian regulator, Elvira Naiullina, said on Monday that the Central Bank of Russia is working on a bill that will introduce an "experimental legal regime" that would allow cryptocurrencies to be used exclusively for import and export transactions. Naiullina added that crypto trading and payments within Russia will still be prohibited. As part of the regulation, new tax laws will be introduced for miners. The central bank's plans include setting up specialized organizations for cryptocurrency mining and processing payments for cross-border trade agreements. Under local laws adopted in 2020, digital assets issued within Russia can also be used for such cross-border transactions like global decentralized cryptocurrencies.
▌Societe Generale launches euro-pegged stablecoin on Ethereum
Societe Generale is launching an Ethereum-based stablecoin through its dedicated digital asset unit. Societe Generale (SG-Forge) announced the launch of EUR CoinVertible, a euro-pegged stablecoin for institutional clients on April 20. The EURCV stablecoin is only available to institutional investors onboarded by Societe Generale through its KYC and AML procedures.
Cryptocurrency
▌Huang Licheng tweeted that he would withdraw from the NFT field
On April 17, Taiwanese singer Huang Licheng (Twitter account Machi Big Brother) said in a tweet on April 15 that he had withdrawn from the NFT field. However, his Twitter avatar is still a picture of the "Boring Ape" BAYC NFT.
▌Huang Licheng briefly "withdraws from the NFT field" and then buys BAYC series NFT again
On April 18, Huang Licheng, who had previously announced his withdrawal from the NFT field on Twitter, purchased 2 BAYC, 2 BAKC, and 1 MAYC on the Blur platform. According to previous reports, Taiwanese singer Huang Licheng pinned his tweet on April 15, saying "I have withdrawn from the NFT field", and then updated his pinned tweet to "Bored Ape Yacht Club" on April 17.
▌Multiple blue-chip NFT series floor prices fell across the board
On April 17, according to the NFTGo market, the floor prices of multiple blue-chip NFT series have generally fallen: the floor price of the CoolCats NFT series fell below 1ETH today, and is now quoted at 1.03ETH, a 30-day drop of 27.97%; the floor price of the Doodles NFT series fell to 2.629ETH, a 30-day drop of 27.83%; the floor price of the CLONEX-XTAKASHIMURAKAMI series NFT fell to 2.575ETH, a 30-day drop of 25.5%.
CME to expand Bitcoin and Ethereum options contract duration on May 22
CME Group announced plans to expand its cryptocurrency options contracts in standard and micro Bitcoin and Ethereum contracts starting May 22, pending regulatory review. Among them, new expiration dates for Bitcoin and Ethereum futures options will provide expiration dates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Micro Bitcoin and Ethereum futures options will add Tuesday and Thursday expiration dates to existing Monday, Wednesday and Friday contracts. All these new products will complement the existing monthly and quarterly expiration dates of all Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts.
▌Data: The 30-day average daily income of Bitcoin mining has risen to 27.34 million US dollars, the highest since June last year
On April 18, Reuters cited Blockchain.com data, and the 30-day average of Bitcoin mining revenue has risen to $27.34 million per day, the highest level since June last year. However, this is still some distance away from the peak of $61.2 million set in November 2021. Jaran Mellerud, an analyst at Bitcoin mining service company Luxor, said that at the end of last year, many listed mining companies were on the verge of bankruptcy. Based on the current Bitcoin price, the cash flow of these companies has improved significantly, and most of them should be able to fulfill their obligations without any problems. The debt-to-equity ratio of mining companies now looks healthier, and many companies have restructured and repaid their debts in the past few months.
▌The total locked amount of Ethereum Layer2 network has increased by 12.51% in the past 7 days
According to L2BEAT data, the total locked value of Ethereum Layer2 network is currently $10.48 billion, with an increase of 12.51% in the past 7 days. Among them, the total locked value of Arbitrum One network is $6.97 billion, accounting for 14.12%; the total locked value of Optimism network is $2.16 billion, accounting for 9.73%; the total locked value of Dydx network is $377 million, accounting for 8%.
▌The number of cryptocurrency company mergers and acquisitions in the first quarter of 2023 reached a record high
According to a report from consulting firm Architect Partners, the number of cryptocurrency company mergers and acquisitions hit a quarterly record high in the first three months of 2023 as transactions between companies in the field increased. The total number of transactions this quarter reached 54, higher than the 50 M&A transactions in each of the previous two quarters. Despite the increase in the number of transactions, the transaction value (about $400 million) has dropped significantly compared to the first quarter of 2022, when there were 50 transactions worth about $1.6 billion.
▌Ethereum beacon chain ETH staking APR reaches 6.44%, a record high
According to the official Ethereum website, the current beacon chain ETH staking APR (annual rate of return) has reached 6.44%, a record high. The current number of ETH staked is about 17,915,419, which is close to 35 billion US dollars at the current price. The number of validators is 561,655. Historical data shows that the Ethereum ETH staking APR generally remains at around 4%, and previously exceeded 5% at the end of March.
