South Korea’s National Assembly proposes lifting ICO ban

The South Korean National Assembly has officially proposed lifting the ban on domestic initial coin offerings (ICOs), Business Korea reported. In a recent meeting held on May 28, a special committee on the fourth industrial revolution under the National Assembly assessed the activity in this sector over the past six months. It has proposed allowing ICOs under the conditions of investor protection.

China could set up blockchain standards committee this year, says official

Li Ying, head of the IT Ministry's Information and Software Department, said that national blockchain standardization committee could be set up by the end of this year, CoinDesk reported. Earlier this month, reports suggested that the government has begun its work on national standards for blockchain technology.

Are the Rothschilds working on own cryptocurrency 'IMMO'?

A number of reports are currently floating in the media about the Rothschild’s own cryptocurrency project – IMMO. There have been rumors that the banking dynasty has begun its work on the IMMO cryptocurrency project around mid-April. The project is reportedly being monitored by Alexandre de Rothschild himself, according to Coindoo.

UK FCA makes enquiries into 24 unauthorized cryptocurrency businesses

In response to a Freedom of Information request, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has revealed that it has launched 24 investigations into cryptocurrency businesses, according to CityWire. The regulator said that it was looking into the activities of 24 unauthorised firms that are engaged in some form of cryptocurrency business, to 'determine whether they might be carrying on regulated activities that require FCA authorisation' and was making enquiries in this regard.

Korea Customs Service to develop blockchain-based e-commerce customs clearance platform

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a number of e-commerce companies to implement a blockchain-based e-commerce customs clearance platform. According to the official announcement dated May 28, the participating firms include Korea Center, CJ Korea Express, and Lotte Global Logistics.

Bank Negara Malaysia adds cryptocurrency website to list of unauthorized companies and portals

The Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has added Kazuki Coin to the list of companies and websites which are neither authorised nor approved under the relevant laws and regulations administered by it. Other crypto companies and websites included in the central bank’s list are Bitclub Network, BitKindom, Coin Enterprise Ltd (Livecoin.net), CryptoDaily Investment Packages, Ethtrade Limited, Ethtrade Malaysia, Kembara Jutawan Crypto, Live Coin Express, and others.

Supreme Court of South Korea orders first confiscation of bitcoins, recognizes cryptocurrency as ‘asset’

The Supreme Court of South Korea recognized cryptocurrency as an "asset with measurable value,” the Korea Times reported. On Wednesday, the top court confirmed a previous appellate court order to confiscate the 191 bitcoins (worth around $1.4 million according to current exchange rate) from a person named Ahn, who earned the bitcoins from running an illegal online pornography website.

Events/Conferences:

EconoTimes and TokenPost to host the largest blockchain conference in South Korea

US SEC to discuss Bitcoin and ICOs at Investing in America conference

Research Studies:

Retail and CPG sectors well placed to leverage blockchain technology: Deloitte

Every third German sees cryptocurrencies as an investment: Postbank Survey

Investments/Acquisitions/ Fund-raising:

Ethereum wallet imToken secures $10M Series A from IDG Capital to drive global expansion

Blockchain startup Paxos attracts $65M in Series B Funding

R3 blockchain consortium secures $5M investment from CLS

Hangzhou Blockchain Industrial Park announces millions of dollars worth of subsidies

Partnerships/Consortiums:

France’s Natixis joins R3’s blockchain-based trade finance initiative Marco Polo

Kakaopay, BlackRidge, MOBI and others join Hyperledger blockchain project

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange partners with blockchain startup Equichain

Kuwait Finance House joins Ripple’s blockchain network

Digital Currency and Blockchain Initiatives

Crypto exchange Binance to set up $1B investment fund

FX broker Currencies Direct pilots XRP for international payments

Blockchain startups Shyft, Trunomi partner to launch fully interoperable global e-ID framework

Swiss aviation company Swissport to explore blockchain, partners with Olam and Winding Tree

Indian telecom regulator TRAI proposes blockchain use to curb spam calls and SMS

Chinese ridesharing app Kuaidi founder wants to tap blockchain potential

Port of Brisbane, PwC and ACCI unveil blockchain-based supply chain project

IBM and Maersk to release two blockchain applications for shipping industry this year

Philippines’ UnionBank, ConsenSys to run blockchain pilot with five rural banks

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