Day: April 28, 2023

JPMorgan Develops AI Tool for Federal Reserve Analysis

by Blockchain News

JPMorgan has reportedly developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to analyze Federal Reserve statements and speeches to detect potential trading signals. According to a Bloomberg report on April 27, the Wall Street investment bank is using a ChatGPT-based language model to digest comments from United States central bankers. The tool is designed to help JPMorgan detect policy shifts and changes that could provide the bank with a heads-up on trading signals.

The AI tool assigns a Hawk-Dove Score to Fed policy signals, rating them on a scale from easy to restrictive. “Hawkish” is a monetary policy term that refers to raising interest rates to keep inflation under control, while “Dovish” favors an expansionary monetary policy and lower rates. The tool will help JPMorgan analysts predict changes in central bank tightening. For example, hawkish policy statements could result in rising yields on one-year government bonds.

According to JPMorgan’s model, which can analyze statements going back 25 years, Fed sentiment has fluctuated recently but remains predominantly hawkish. The tool will give analysts a way to detect policy shifts that could provide the bank with a heads-up on trading signals. “Preliminary applications are encouraging,” said JPMorgan economist Joseph Lupton.

However, JPMorgan has reportedly restricted its staff from using ChatGPT, the AI chatbot that powers the new tool. The move is part of a broader trend among financial institutions, as firms aim to keep AI chatbots from learning and revealing sensitive information.

In an annual letter to shareholders earlier this month, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon revealed that the bank has over 300 AI use cases in production. This latest tool is just one example of the many ways in which JPMorgan is leveraging AI to enhance its operations.

While the use of AI in finance is not new, JPMorgan’s latest tool represents a significant advancement in the field. By analyzing the language used by the Federal Reserve, JPMorgan hopes to gain insights into potential policy shifts and changes that could impact the markets. The AI tool will provide analysts with a more efficient way to sift through large amounts of data, enabling them to make more informed decisions.

Overall, JPMorgan’s latest AI tool is a promising development for the bank and for the finance industry as a whole. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see more banks and financial institutions turning to these powerful tools to help them gain a competitive edge in the markets.

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UK Considers New DeFi Tax Regime

by Blockchain News

The UK government is seeking to make changes to the tax treatment of lending and borrowing on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. HM Revenue and Customs has launched a consultation that will run until June 22, 2023, asking for input from investors, professionals, and firms engaged in DeFi activities, as well as representative bodies and think tanks, on a proposed new DeFi tax regime.

Under the proposed changes, crypto used in DeFi transactions would not be treated as a disposal for tax purposes. This means that Capital Gains Tax (CGT), which is typically triggered when an asset is disposed of, would not apply. Instead, a taxable event would occur when cryptocurrencies are disposed of in a non-DeFi transaction.

The consultation states that a transaction must meet certain criteria to be considered a DeFi transaction. Specifically, it should involve the initial transfer of crypto assets from a lender to a borrower, or through a smart contract, with the borrower being obligated to return the tokens. Additionally, the lender should have the right to withdraw the same amount of tokens that were initially lent or staked.

The proposed changes could have a significant impact on the DeFi ecosystem in the UK. As it stands, many DeFi protocols require users to pay transaction fees, which can be subject to taxes. However, if the proposed changes are implemented, these fees could potentially be exempt from taxation, creating a more favorable environment for DeFi activities in the UK.

The consultation is part of the UK government’s wider efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency industry and ensure that it is operating in a safe and secure manner. With the increasing popularity of DeFi protocols, it is crucial that governments and regulators keep pace with these developments to ensure that they can effectively regulate this rapidly evolving sector.

Overall, the proposed changes to the tax treatment of DeFi transactions in the UK could have a significant impact on the industry. If implemented, they could make the country a more attractive destination for DeFi activities and provide a more favorable regulatory environment for individuals and entities engaged in these activities. It remains to be seen how the consultation process will unfold, but it is clear that the UK government is taking steps to ensure that it can effectively regulate the cryptocurrency industry and support the growth of this innovative sector.

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SPAC CFO Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling $5M

by Blockchain News

Cooper Morgenthau, the former CFO of African Gold Acquisition Corporation (AGAC), has been sentenced to three years in prison for embezzling $5 million from three different Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The sentencing comes as a result of Morgenthau’s use of the embezzled funds to trade cryptocurrencies and meme stocks, leading to significant losses. In addition to his prison sentence, Morgenthau has been ordered to forfeit $5.1 million and pay restitution of the same amount.

The embezzlement scheme began in June 2021 and continued until August 2022, during which time Morgenthau wired approximately $1.2 million from African Gold to his personal accounts for trading purposes. He traded equities and options of cryptocurrencies and meme stocks, leading to almost all of the funds being lost. Following the losses, he then provided falsified documents to accountants and an auditor at African Gold ahead of its public filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This led to “material misstatements” in the company’s public financial records.

Moreover, Morgenthau raised an additional $4.7 million from private investors in a separate SPAC, based on the fraudulent claim that the money would be used to launch yet another SPAC. Unfortunately for the investors, Morgenthau used the freshly-raised capital to cover his losses at African Gold and continue further trading of cryptocurrencies and meme stocks.

The malpractice was discovered by African Gold in August 2022, resulting in Morgenthau being fired, and the SEC being informed. Subsequently, Morgenthau pled guilty to one count of wire fraud on January 3.

The case sends a clear message to the SPAC community that fraud in the markets will not be tolerated. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement, “With today’s sentencing of Cooper Morgenthau, SPAC promoters have been sent a message that fraud in the SPAC markets will be punished, and greed on Wall Street will be met with serious consequences.”

SPACs have become increasingly popular over recent years, and this case highlights the importance of proper oversight and compliance in the sector. While SPACs offer companies a faster and less complicated path to going public, they also come with risks. Embezzlement and fraud can damage the reputation of the entire industry, leading to regulatory scrutiny and increased oversight. As such, it is essential for SPACs and their investors to take proper precautions and perform proper due diligence when selecting management teams and making investment decisions.

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KuCoin User Linked to Memecoin Scams

by Blockchain News

KuCoin, which is a famous cryptocurrency exchange, has just verified that the address of a user is related to the start of hundreds of frauds using memecoin. This news was recently reported. A user on Twitter discovered on April 26 that the in question address had been responsible for the creation of two to five memecoins each and every day for the previous two years. The community member also brought up the fact that KuCoin “owned and controlled” the wallet addresses, which they mentioned in their post. Despite the fact that the blockchain explorer Etherscan has identified the address as belonging to a false phishing wallet, KuCoin has declared that they would not freeze the user’s funds in the absence of an official warning from law enforcement.

However, KuCoin has also stated that they will assist and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to take temporary risk control measures if the reporting party provides relevant legal documents, procedures, or reporting records. KuCoin made this statement in response to a question about whether or not they would do this. This action will be carried out in compliance with user agreements, complaints and reports, as well as the laws of the Seychelles.

The KuCoin platform had a security breach on April 24, which led to the official Twitter account of the platform being hacked. This issue arises as a consequence of that incident. The account intentionally uploaded misleading activities, which resulted in the loss of assets for several of its followers. After discovering the security flaw, KuCoin collaborated with Twitter to restore the hacked social media account and made a commitment to compensate the users whose accounts were compromised.

Some people in the cryptocurrency community have voiced their disagreement with KuCoin’s decision to not place a freeze on the user’s assets. These individuals believe that it is the responsibility of the exchange to protect its users from fraudulent behavior on its platform. On the other hand, some people have pointed out that KuCoin does not have the legal power to freeze assets since it has not received an official warning from law authorities.

This incident demonstrates how vitally important security is in the cryptocurrency business and how essential it is for exchanges to take preventative steps to thwart fraudulent conduct. Although KuCoin has pledged to assist law enforcement agencies, it is not yet clear how this situation will be resolved or what steps will be taken to prevent incidents of this nature from occurring in the future. KuCoin has stated that it will assist law enforcement agencies.

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Hong Kong Central Bank Urges Crypto-Friendly Banking

by Blockchain News

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a circular on April 27th instructing authorized institutions, also known as “AIs,” to provide banking services to cryptocurrency firms while adopting a risk-based approach to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures. This circular comes as a significant move towards legitimizing cryptocurrencies in the region and bridging the gap between traditional banking and the rapidly growing digital assets industry.

The HKMA’s directive is part of its broader efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency market in Hong Kong, a region that has been grappling with the lack of clarity surrounding cryptocurrencies and their legal status. This directive requires authorized institutions to assess the risks associated with each corporate customer, including cryptocurrency firms, and implement appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.

This move is a critical step towards the integration of cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial system in Hong Kong, where digital assets have long struggled to gain legitimacy. Cryptocurrency firms in Hong Kong have often faced significant challenges in accessing banking services, leading to operational difficulties, stifling innovation, and impeding growth. With this new directive, the HKMA aims to ensure that cryptocurrency firms can access necessary banking services, enabling them to operate efficiently and safely within the existing regulatory framework.

The HKMA has been actively working towards regulating the cryptocurrency market in the region, with plans to launch its own central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the coming years. The HKMA’s efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency market, coupled with its CBDC initiative, highlight the region’s increasing interest in the digital assets industry and its potential to transform the traditional financial system.

In conclusion, the HKMA’s directive to authorized institutions to provide banking services to cryptocurrency firms is a significant move towards legitimizing cryptocurrencies in Hong Kong. This directive will not only help bridge the gap between traditional banking and the digital assets industry but will also enable cryptocurrency firms to access necessary banking services, leading to operational efficiencies and growth. With the HKMA’s increasing interest in the digital assets industry, we can expect to see further developments in the coming years, ultimately leading to the integration of cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial system.

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Nearly Half of Millennials Own Cryptocurrencies

by Blockchain News

A recent survey conducted by Bitget, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has revealed that nearly half of millennials across major population countries own cryptocurrencies. The study, which was conducted between July 2022 and January 2023 and published on April 28, featured approximately 255,000 adult respondents from 26 countries, with around 10,000 respondents per country.

The survey found that 46% of millennial respondents owned cryptocurrencies, compared with 25% of Gen X, 21% of Gen Z and 8% of baby boomers. This trend is in line with previous studies that have suggested that Gen Z and millennials tend to have the highest adoption rates for cryptocurrencies out of all population groups.

In addition to ownership, the survey also revealed that 27% of millennials and 36% of Gen Z consider cryptocurrency regulation an important factor when voting for political candidates. This finding suggests that politicians who are pro-cryptocurrency regulation may have an advantage in attracting younger voters.

Furthermore, the study suggested that by the beginning of the next decade, demographic processes may lead to a dramatic shift towards increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a higher proportion of younger generations continue to exhibit strong demand for crypto, despite the slowdown in population growth.

The Bitget survey is not the first to suggest that younger generations are more receptive to cryptocurrencies. In October 2022, a Charles Schwab survey revealed that almost 50% of Gen Z and millennials want crypto in their retirement funds. The survey also found that 43% of Gen Z and 47% of millennials already invest in cryptocurrencies outside their 401(k) retirement accounts.

The rise in cryptocurrency ownership among younger generations is likely due to several factors, including increased access to technology and a lack of faith in traditional financial institutions. Cryptocurrencies offer a decentralized and more secure alternative to traditional banking systems, which may be more appealing to younger generations who are skeptical of established financial institutions.

In conclusion, the Bitget survey provides further evidence of the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies among younger generations. As more millennials and Gen Zers enter the workforce and gain greater financial independence, it is likely that we will see a continued shift towards increased adoption of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate form of investment and payment. This trend may have significant implications for the future of the global economy and financial system, as cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance and challenge traditional financial institutions.

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Revolut Integrates Crypto Tax Service

by Blockchain News

An automatic tax reporting solution for bitcoin transactions has been incorporated by Revolut, a digital financial services firm that has more than 28 million customers throughout the globe. The financial technology company has formed a partnership with the cryptocurrency tax solution provider Koinly in order to simplify the tax filing process for its customers. Users of Revolut who have their accounts integrated with Koinly will have the ability to produce cryptocurrency tax reports, which will make it possible for them to assess profits and losses based on their bitcoin transactions. This will make the often complicated process of filing taxes easier, particularly for those who have more than one cryptocurrency exchange and wallet.

As a result of the increased attention that tax authorities all over the globe are paying to the cryptocurrency industry, more and more people are turning to the usage of bitcoin tax software. Danny Talwar, the head of tax at Koinly, pointed out that many cryptocurrency traders have many exchanges and wallets, which makes it very difficult to maintain accurate records. Crypto tax software helps save time and automates tax reporting, which is especially helpful given the stringent and burdensome record-keeping rules that apply internationally.

Since December of 2017, Revolut has been providing bitcoin custody services, and the most recent addition to its cryptocurrency offerings is the inclusion of an automated tax reporting service. The regulatory permission for the digital bank has been obtained in a number of countries, including a banking license in Lithuania in late 2018. In September 2022, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority granted the fintech company permission to sell bitcoin goods and services inside the nation after reviewing the company’s proposed plans.

The incorporation of the automated tax reporting service is a component of Revolut’s overall plan to grow its services all over the globe while adhering to the regulatory standards imposed by a variety of nations. Users of Revolut will find it much simpler and more convenient to comply with tax legislation and keep up with the rapidly shifting regulatory environment if they utilize tax reporting software.

In conclusion, the integration of Revolut with Koinly’s automated tax reporting service is a big step in simplifying the process of tax reporting for the cryptocurrency users of Revolut’s platform. Because of the continued expansion of the bitcoin industry and the accompanying rise in regulatory scrutiny, automated tax reporting solutions are quickly becoming an absolute must. This is a strong evidence of Revolut’s dedication to provide creative solutions that suit the increasing demands of its consumers, and the decision to offer this service to Revolut’s users is a clear indicator of that commitment.

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EU to Regulate AI Use of Copyrighted Material

by Blockchain News

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation has led to controversies regarding its use of copyrighted material. In response, the European Union (EU) has passed a draft bill aimed at regulating the use of AI tools in such scenarios. The bill is part of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act and was proposed as draft rules almost two years ago.

The new bill will classify AI tools according to their risk level, ranging from minimal and limited to unacceptable. High-risk tools will not be banned outright but will be subjected to stricter transparency procedures. The bill will also oblige generative AI tools, including ChatGPT and Midjourney, to disclose any use of copyrighted materials in AI training.

The legislation has been seen as a middle ground between too much surveillance and over-regulation that protects citizens while also fostering innovation and boosting the economy. Svenja Hahn, a member of the European Parliament, commented on the bill’s current status, stating that it strikes a balance between protecting citizens and fostering innovation.

The use of AI in the financial industry was also discussed in the latest edition of Eurofi, a European think tank composed of enterprises in the public and private sectors. The publication included a section on AI and machine learning applications in finance in the EU, which included five mini-essays on AI innovation and regulation within the EU. All of the essays touched on the upcoming Artificial Intelligence Act.

Georgina Bulkeley, the director for EMEA financial services solutions at Google Cloud, stated that AI is too important not to regulate and that it is too important not to regulate well. These developments come after the EU’s data watchdog expressed concerns about potential issues that AI companies in the United States may face if they do not comply with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations.

In conclusion, the EU’s move to regulate AI use of copyrighted material is an attempt to strike a balance between protecting citizens and fostering innovation. With the increasing use of AI in various industries, it is important to have regulations in place to ensure that AI tools are used ethically and responsibly.

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Binance set to reenter Japanese crypto market

by Blockchain News

Binance, one of the most prominent cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, is planning to make a comeback to the Japanese cryptocurrency market after its recent acquisition of the licensed cryptocurrency trading platform Sakura trading Bitcoin (SEBC). Binance’s purchase of SEBC was finalized in November 2022, and the company plans to rebrand the SEBC platform as the Japanese version of Binance in June 2023.

A story that was published in a regional daily said that SEBC would stop providing its existing cryptocurrency exchange and trading services on May 31, 2023. The message did not include an announcement about a date for the formal debut of Binance Japan. Users of the SEBC exchange have until the deadline of May 28, 2023 to remove their cash from the exchange. By the 5th of June, any funds that are still present in these accounts will be automatically converted into Japanese yen and transferred to the users’ respective bank accounts. Users of the Japanese version of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance will soon be required to go through updated identity verification and Know Your Customer checks.

Nearly five years have passed since Binance’s initial attempt to obtain an independent license in Japan was unsuccessful. The company has now reentered the Japanese market through an acquired entity. In 2018, Binance was forced to halt its operations in Japan after receiving warnings from banking officials that it was doing business without proper regulatory permission. However, the exchange platform has been successful in mending its relations with regulators and returning to other markets through the acquisition of stakes in regulated entities.

Binance was able to successfully rejoin the Malaysian cryptocurrency market by obtaining a share in a regulated exchange platform. This occurred prior to Binance’s comeback into the Japanese market. The stock exchange also reentered the market in Singapore by purchasing an 18% interest in a stock exchange that is regulated. In a similar manner, the cryptocurrency platform was able to get access to the sterling payment network in the United Kingdom via a collaboration with Paysafe, despite the fact that authorities had denied the platform access to the same network.

Japan was one of the first countries to implement cryptocurrency rules, and its regulatory standards have always been seen as being particularly stringent. Nonetheless, the country has since loosened some of the regulatory requirements that must be met by cryptocurrency platforms, making it simpler to list new cryptocurrency tokens. Binance’s reintroduction into the Japanese market is a major milestone in the cryptocurrency industry of that nation, and it emphasizes the need of regulatory compliance for enterprises that operate in this area.

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Polygon and Google Cloud Partner for Ethereum Scaling Tools

by Blockchain News

Polygon Labs and Google Cloud have announced a multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing the development of Ethereum scaling protocol’s infrastructure and tools. The partnership was unveiled at Consensus 2023 and is expected to provide a significant boost to the Ethereum ecosystem.

Polygon’s core protocols, including Polygon proof-of-stake (PoS), Polygon zkEVM and Polygon Supernets, are set to benefit from Google Cloud’s framework and developer tools. The collaboration aims to simplify developer integration to build, launch and grow Web3 products and decentralized applications (DApps) on Polygon.

As part of the partnership, Google Cloud’s Blockchain Node Engine will be used by the Polygon ecosystem to assist with time-intensive processes and costly overheads of acquiring, maintaining and operating dedicated blockchain nodes. This specific integration intends to remove the need for Polygon developers to configure and run Polygon PoS nodes.

The Polygon zkEVM beta, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) scaling solution, was launched to mainnet in March 2023, powering reduced transaction costs and increased throughput of smart contract deployments. Google Cloud’s partnership with the ecosystem is expected to advance Polygon’s zero-knowledge development. Testing of Polygon zkEVM’s zero-knowledge proofs on Google Cloud reportedly resulted in faster and cheaper transactions compared to the existing infrastructure available.

The partnership is aimed at simplifying the development process for Web3 products and DApps, and advancing the growth of the Ethereum ecosystem. It is also expected to promote the adoption of blockchain technology by enabling developers to create more efficient, cost-effective and scalable decentralized applications.

Polygon has established itself as a leading player in the Ethereum ecosystem, providing scaling solutions and infrastructure to help developers build and launch DApps. With the help of Google Cloud’s advanced tools and infrastructure, Polygon is poised to further expand its offerings and provide even greater value to its users.

In conclusion, the partnership between Polygon Labs and Google Cloud represents a significant step forward for the Ethereum ecosystem, and is expected to have far-reaching implications for the development and adoption of blockchain technology. With the backing of one of the world’s leading cloud computing providers, Polygon is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and growth in the Web3 space.

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Bitcoin (BTC) $ 27,766.44 1.52%
Ethereum (ETH) $ 1,649.25 0.54%
Litecoin (LTC) $ 64.61 0.82%
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) $ 232.83 2.59%