Category: crypto

KB Kookmin Bank is set to launch a Kinexys-powered blockchain payment service for corporate trade settlements next month, marking the first South Korean bank to utilize J.P. Morgan’s blockchain network for trade settlements. The service will initially support U.S. dollar transfers across 10 countries through the bank’s Korean and Singapore branches.

Japan is considering easing its 2x cryptocurrency leverage limit to improve market liquidity and price discovery. Lawmaker Seiji Kihara believes the current restriction is too strict and is pushing for regulatory changes. This proposal is part of Japan’s broader regulatory overhaul, including classifying cryptocurrencies as financial products and preparing for lower crypto taxes and domestic…

POSCO International is testing blockchain-based trade finance with LG CNS and Injective. The pilot involves tokenizing real trade receivables from overseas subsidiaries and counterparties, aiming to streamline issuance, transfer, compliance controls, and settlement on a shared ledger. The project could improve reconciliation, reduce checks, and provide a clearer record for financing partners.

Storj Labs filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after raising about $35 million in funding. The company plans to restructure its debt while continuing its cloud storage services. Storj will propose shared ownership for management, investors, and STORJ holders. Services are expected to continue during the bankruptcy process.

WEMIX confirmed a breach where an attacker minted 5.23 million WEMIX$ without permission on July 26. The attacker converted the tokens to other assets and moved them through various blockchain networks. WEMIX suspended services and froze funds affected by the breach. This incident comes after a previous hack in 2025 and during a transition to…

XRP Ledger added $2.6 billion in tokenized real-world asset value over six months, ranking second among blockchains. JMWH makes up $2.23 billion, with tokenized energy being the largest category. Distributed assets are valued at $323 million. Stablecoins total $995.12 million, bringing the total RWA value to $5.37 billion.

Bitcoin mining’s electricity demand increased by 38% to 190 terawatt-hours between June 2024 and December 2025, with hydropower becoming the largest energy source. Despite a cleaner energy mix, greenhouse gas emissions rose by 20%. Miners are exploring AI and high-performance computing, with some already allocating power to these services.

LMAX Group is exploring a possible sale or public listing with the help of Morgan Stanley and KBW. The company may be valued at up to $5 billion and is considering various options, including a SPAC merger or IPO in the U.S. or Europe. Ripple’s financing and new partnerships support LMAX’s expansion into institutional digital…

Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson warns that Bitcoin could lose its top spot if it doesn’t upgrade for quantum computing threats. Bitcoin lacks formal onchain governance, making upgrades slower. Bitcoin developers are considering post-quantum migration plans, while Cardano’s governance system allows for direct voting on upgrades. Hoskinson suggests a governance argument, not immediate threat.

Strategy states that its current capital structure can withstand a prolonged decline in Bitcoin prices while still being able to fund interest payments and preferred stock dividends. The company’s internal stress test shows that it can handle a 11.4% annual decline in Bitcoin for 5.8 years without issue.