Asian Crypto Roundup: Metaplanet Bets on Japan Bitcoin, Bithumb Faces Trading Halt

Several significant developments unfolded in the Asian cryptocurrency space last week. Here's a roundup of this week's Asian crypto news.

Metaplanet to Invest in Japanese Bitcoin Infrastructure and Startups

Metaplanet announced the establishment of a new venture capital arm aimed at supporting domestic Japanese startups in areas such as lending, payments, custody, stablecoins, and derivatives.

Additionally, Metaplanet's subsidiary in Miami, USA, will focus on digital credit and Bitcoin capital markets, working to connect Asian and Western investors.

Bithumb Faces Six-Month Trading Suspension for AML Violations

According to Yonhap News, South Korea's financial intelligence unit approved sanctions against Bithumb on Monday, including the largest fine in the history of domestic exchanges. From March 27 to September 26, the platform will be prohibited from accepting new users' cryptocurrency transfers in or out of external wallets. However, existing users can continue to trade normally, and new users can still buy, sell, and deposit/withdraw South Korean Won.

Blockchain Technology and the Growing Problem of Plastic Pollution

(Placeholder for original content, no specific content provided)

Bitcoin ETFs Make Coinbase a Target for Hackers and Governments: Trezor CEO's View

(Placeholder for original content, no specific content provided)

HSBC, Standard Chartered Poised to Secure Hong Kong Stablecoin Licenses

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan indicated in January that licenses were planned for the first quarter.

Reports suggest the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is preparing to approve a small initial batch of issuers, with banks qualified to issue banknotes considered prime contenders. Regulators have not yet confirmed the names of any successful applicants or the final number of licenses to be granted.

India Arrests Tech Firm Co-Founder in $790 Million Fraud Case

India's Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a co-founder of Darwin Labs for alleged links to the GainBitcoin platform, which was at the center of a major cryptocurrency fraud investigation.

Investigators stated that the company helped build the key technological infrastructure used in the fraudulent scheme, including investor platforms and cryptocurrency payment systems. The case is estimated to have affected approximately 8,000 investors, with losses amounting to around $790 million.

South Korean Government's Bitcoin Custody Scandal Concludes

South Korean prosecutors have reportedly sold government-custodied Bitcoin that was returned by hackers.

Blockchain Technology and the Growing Problem of Plastic Pollution

(Placeholder for original content, no specific content provided)

Bitcoin ETFs Make Coinbase a Target for Hackers and Governments: Trezor CEO's View

(Placeholder for original content, no specific content provided)

Chinese Victims Question UK Government's Proposed Handling of Seized Bitcoin

Lawyers representing thousands of investors believe the UK government's proposal may allow it to retain most of the appreciation on Bitcoin confiscated in 2018, according to The Financial Times.