Casio to launch virtual G-SHOCK watch via Polygon

  • Casio is partnering with Polygon Labs to launch a virtual G-SHOCK watch project.
  • 15,000 G-SHOCK creator pass NFTs will be distributed beginning September 23.

Casio is set to debut a virtual version of its G-SHOCK watch on Ethereum scaling platform Polygon, a development that will bring the iconic watch to the metaverse.

The Japanese electronics maker is teaming up with Polygon Labs on this endevour, according to a news release and comes just weeks after Casio filed for a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

G-SHOCK NFTs on Polygon

With Casio, Polygon is now home to multiple NFT projects by leading mainstream companies, including Starbucks, Adidas and DraftKings.

The collaboration between Casio and the Ethereum scaling developer will begin with the launch of an NFT collection offering access passes. The company has highlighted an initial 15,000 G-SHOCK creator pass NFTs to be distributed starting September 23 to the community of participants in the VIRTUAL G-SHOCK community. NFT holders will have exclusive access to a Discord channel dedicated to the G-SHOCK NFT community.

Distribution via Polygon is initially planned for Japan, USA, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, UK, Portugal, Australia, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines

Polygon native token MATIC saw its price jump to an intraday high of $0.5634 on Tuesday morning. According to data from CoinGecko, MATIC traded around $0.5591 at 9am ET, up 3.4% in the past 24 hours.

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Best ICOs to Invest in for 2023 According to Reddit

An initial coin offering (ICO) is a way for projects to generate funds to help get themselves up and running. These are regularly used in the crypto world, allowing companies to help generate publicity, which in turn attracts further investment and new users to their platforms. ICOs are usually released with a white paper outlining the platform’s future, and early investors can often look forward to realizing profits on their initial investment as the project progresses.

These are the best ICOs to add to your crypto portfolio in 2023:

  1. Shiba Memu (SHMU)
  2. Chancer (CHANCER)
  3. AltSignals (ASI)
  4. Metacade (MCADE)
  5. VisaMetaFi (VISA)
  6. Heroes of Mavia (MAVIA
  7. Wombat Exchange (WOM)
  8. CryptoCitizen (CCASH)
  9. ByePix (EPIX)
  10. WeSendIt (WSI)
  11. Kryptview (KVT)

1. Shiba Memu (SHMU) — Barking up the Right Tree as a Top ICO

Shiba Memu (SHMU) is an altcoin that has garnered attention as one of the Best ICOs to Invest in for 2023, as acclaimed by the Reddit community. This altcoin draws inspiration from the beloved Japanese Shiba Inu dog, setting itself apart from the meme coin trend by embracing a sincere commitment to excellence. In contrast to relying solely on a trendy image, Shiba Memu differentiates itself by leveraging AI-driven marketing strategies to firmly establish its position as a leader in the crypto realm.

Shiba Memu showcases a remarkable ability to monitor online discussions and gauge sentiments. Whenever negativity arises, the coin’s AI intervenes to transform pessimistic perceptions into positive ones. This astute marketing approach ensures that Shiba Memu maintains its prominent stance in the market – just one of the reasons why Reddit users are brimming with excitement for this top ICO investment.

Why buy SHMU?

The meme coin sector has undergone rapid expansion, amassing a total valuation of $20 billion within a mere three years. This growth underscores the genuine demand for such tokens. However, Shiba Memu stands out by offering intrinsic utility that assures its lasting viability. This intelligent canine-inspired coin harmonizes visual appeal with substance, promising favorable returns for discerning investors who recognize its authentic potential as a steadfast companion in the dynamic cryptocurrency market in 2023.

>>> You can find more information, including how to buy SHMU here <<<

2. Chancer (CHANCER) – Favorable odds for this ICO in 2023

Presenting Chancer, recognized as one of the Best ICOs to Invest in for 2023, as 

highlighted by the Reddit community who are buzzing with excitement. This altcoin is positioned to revolutionize the betting industry by introducing the world’s first decentralized predictive markets app.

Breaking away from the conventional betting model, where bettors are constrained by unfavorable odds set by betting houses or bookmakers, Chancer sets itself apart by empowering users to craft their own betting slips and define their desired odds. This approach not only ensures fairness but also enhances the likelihood of winning. Embracing a democratic betting environment, Chancer offers a realm of possibilities, facilitating bets on a diverse array of subjects – from friendly wagers among friends to high-profile bets on global events like the Superbowl, Eurovision, and even the US presidential election. This expansion widens the horizons for betting enthusiasts.

Within the Chancer platform, the CHANCER token assumes a central role as the exclusive currency for all bets. This token can be staked to ensure liquidity, granting users the flexibility to commit to odds or exit if uncertainty about winning arises.

Harnessing Google’s WebRTC technology, Chancer enhances user experience by providing live streaming capabilities, enabling users to witness unfolding events in real time. Furthermore, the platform fosters global communication, connecting individuals from around the world. 

Why buy CHANCER?

Against the backdrop of the industry’s substantial value, projected to reach an impressive $150 billion by 2030 from its current valuation of $60 billion, Chancer’s unique proposition positions it to capture a significant portion of the market. This renders it an appealing investment opportunity for both cryptocurrency enthusiasts and those intrigued by the world of betting.

Seize the moment to secure your position in a coin that is poised to generate substantial returns – one of the top ICO’s that is capturing the attention of investors seeking innovative avenues within the realms of both crypto and betting for 2023.

>>> You can find more information, including how to buy CHANCER here <<<

3. AltSignals (ASI) — Signals Pointing to a Bright 2023 as a Top ICO

Introducing AltSignals, hailed as one of the Best ICOs to Invest in for 2023, as highlighted by the Reddit community. It stands as a beacon of success in the world of trading signals. With a track record of guiding over 50,000 users towards profitable ventures through its precise and timely signals, AltSignals boasts an exceptional 4.9/5 star rating on Trustpilot. It has solidified its reputation as one of the most distinguished trading signals providers, celebrated for consistently delivering impressive results.

Unyielding in its pursuit of excellence, AltSignals refuses to rest on its laurels and aspires to reach even greater heights. With an unwavering commitment to improvement, AltSignals aims to elevate its success rate from 64% to an extraordinary 80% or beyond. Leveraging the power of advanced technology, AltSignals is diligently developing ActualizeAI, an AI-powered stack destined to comb through the vast expanse of the internet 24/7, uncovering the finest signals and deals for its esteemed users.

To realize this ambitious endeavor, AltSignals has introduced its very own cryptocurrency coin, ASI, which unlocks a world of opportunities.

Why buy ASI?

Embarking on this journey offers an array of compelling advantages. Holders of 50,000 or more ASI tokens gain access to the enigmatic AltAlgo, a source of valuable insights. The forthcoming ActualizeAI promises lifetime access, ensuring users are consistently presented with opportunities. Additionally, becoming a member of the exclusive AI Members Club opens doors to a realm of unique possibilities. Token staking offers the potential to earn more ASI, and exclusive entry to private presales adds an element of excitement for potential rewards.

With an impressive success rate in trading signals and the promising ActualizeAI on the horizon, AltSignals solidifies its position as a reliable player in the crypto landscape as one of the best ICO’s to invest in for 2023.

>>> You can find more information, including how to buy ASI here <<<

4. Metacade – A Revolutionary Gaming Platform for the Metaverse

Metacade is a new blockchain-based platform that has already gained huge popularity during its presale stage. This community gaming hub is aiming to become a virtual gaming hub that recreates the excitement and community of real-world video arcades, all from the comfort of gamers’ homes. The platform will offer a vast array of play-to-earn (P2E) games to attract both casual and hardcore gamers alike, with a compelling play-to-earn mechanic at its core.

P2E looks to be just one of many earning opportunities Metacade’s community will have to create income for themselves. Players can also earn through sharing gaming alpha, writing reviews and staking the MCADE token. Other ground-breaking features include the Metacade Create2Earn scheme, which features the Metagrants initiative where developers can access crypto-funding to support the creation of new games. In addition, a jobs board aims to match the best Web3 creative talent with exciting career opportunities within the industry.

Why buy MCADE?

Metacade’s native token, MCADE, recently launched in presale and sold out its beta phase in just over three weeks, with $1 million raised. With nine presale rounds that will see the value of MCADE rise from its beta price of $0.008 to $0.02 by the conclusion of the presale, expectations are that the price of MCADE could surge once it hits decentralized exchanges.

This scope for profit during the current bear market and the long-term growth potential of Metacade’s ground-breaking GameFi platform makes Metacade one of the best ICOs for investors looking to expand their crypto portfolio.

>>> You can find more information, including how to buy MCADE here <<<

5. VisaMetaFi (VISA) – Outstanding new simple to use crypto payment system

VisaMetaFi’s platform features a new decentralized crypto payment system that can be used across different online merchants and blockchain platforms. It incorporates Web3, DeFi, DAO, metaverse, and MetaFi payment capabilities, making it one of the best ICOs to invest in.

The platform allows users to transfer stablecoins anywhere in the world without transaction fees, as well as eradicate the need for users to swap digital coins or convert crypto to fiat to make transfers. Big names making use of VisaMetaFi include the holiday booking website Booking.com.

Why buy VISA?

VisaMetaFi has successfully undergone the opening phases of the project, reaching tens of thousands of global users, including the release of a native VISA coin.

With its simple and accessible framework for enabling online and crypto payments worldwide, VISA looks set to capture the attention of investors in the long term. Consequently, VISA is among the best ICOs to invest in for 2023.

6. Heroes of Mavia (MAVIA) – Attractive P2E battle-builder game

Heroes of Mavia is one of the best blockchain-based gaming ICOs currently available thanks to its exciting base-building and player2player battle features. Gamers create their own armies to capture enemy bases within the Heroes of Mavia ecosystem earning Ruby tokens as they progress.

These tokens can be used to upgrade their bases, equip their armies, and fortify defences. The game has several attractive features, including an NFT marketplace, live battle streaming and a partnership manager for users to collaborate through military-style alliances while earning passive income.

Why buy MAVIA?

The native MAVIA token has already attracted a vast and loyal following on social media from investors wanting to get on board this new and exciting P2E gaming platform ahead of the NFT launch due in Q1 of 2023 and free2play launch in Q2.

With backing from crypto big guns Binance Labs, crypto.com, and Genblock Capital, MAVIA is an excellent crypto portfolio investment in 2023.

7. WombatExchange (WOM) – Exciting stableswap currency exchange

Defined by its white paper as a “multi-chain stableswap” hosted on the Binance Chain, WombatExchange is a new crypto exchange that allows market players to swap stablecoins while generating a yield through coin staking and benefiting from minimal levels of slippage.

The user-friendly interface makes WombatExchange an excellent entry point for traders new to crypto exchanges. In addition, the available liquidity pool means that users aren’t required to hold multiple stable currencies.

Why buy WOM?

WombatExchange’s native currency coin, WOM, is an enticing ICO that will give holders access to voting rights on the platform’s governance proposals and stablecoin liquidity. The exchange has already captured the imagination and investment of several large companies, including Hailstone Ventures and Shima Capital.

Meanwhile, Wombat Exchange’s Twitter account is approaching 70,000 followers and growing fast, making it one of the best ICOs for investors looking for new possibilities in the world of crypto exchanges.

8. CryptoCitizen (CCASH) – Addictive MMORPG metaverse gaming platform

CryptoCitizen is another metaverse gaming offering that offers free-to-play and P2E capabilities in a world with a supporting storyline. The platform has a vast potential audience as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) with a diverse range of gaming opportunities, including shoot-‘em-up, racing, and classic 1v1 fighting elements.

Users can earn the native CCASH token through success in challenges and improving their ‘Citizen Ranking,’ which in turn also opens opportunities to access exclusive NFTs.

Why buy CCASH?

CryptoCitizen has already caused a storm within the gaming world, with more than 200,000 pre-registering for its Alpha Test phase. It was presented at Gamescom 2022 to huge acclaim and has already fully allocated three presale allocations of CCASH through Polkastarter, Firestarter, and Seedify.

With a maximum supply of 1 billion CCASH tokens and only 1.2% being released when CCASH is listed on exchanges, the furore already whipped up and the scarcity of tokens on open exchanges makes CCASH one of the best ICOs for early investors to purchase.

9. ByePix (EPIX) – Social2Earn platform looking to challenge Facebook

ByePix is a Web3-based platform that combines multiple exciting elements in one easy-to-use hub. Attractions include DeFi apps, NFTs, P2E titles, and a fully-functioning ecosystem that caters to players’ every need. For example, gamers can receive tokenized rewards for completing tasks in ‘Gem Hunters’, one of the platform’s first P2E titles.

Additional features of the platform include virtual plots of land which can be bought using the EPIX coin, cultivated and developed, before being sold for a neat profit. Other earning potential comes from completing social tasks through the platform’s Social2Earn initiative and investing in EPIX to produce returns.

Why buy EPIX?

ByePix has generated a massive buzz with significant investment from prominent venture capital firms. Their ultimate goal is to challenge social media giants like Facebook and Instagram. While that might appear a tall order, there is an opportunity for ByePix to improve the social media landscape in the longer term by compensating users for their content.

This innovative approach makes EPIX one of the best ICOs worth considering for investors looking for an exciting and potentially game-changing crypto opportunity.

10. WeSendIt (WSI) – Exciting new decentralized storage and file-sharing platform

A new crypto service that provides decentralized cloud storage and file-sharing options, WeSendit has recently announced its new WeSendIt 3.0 release, allowing users to earn tokenized rewards every time they send data.

This BEP-20 token can then be exchanged for advertising, scalable data storage, and subscription discounts, with further rewards available through customer referrals to the platform.

Why buy WSI?

Designed as a low-cost alternative to the centralized file-sharing and data storage options offered by tech giants such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, WeSendIt’s move into the crypto world is backed by more than a decade’s experience in the sector. Over this time, they’ve gained more than three million customers across 150 countries making WSI among the best ICOs to purchase in 2023.

WSI tokens have already successfully undergone private sale in September 2022. With the demand for decentralized data storage facilities only going to increase over the coming years, WSI is an ICO worth investing in to receive potentially rich profits.

11. Kryptview (KVT) – Interactive Research2Earn platform to help inform crypto investors

Kryptview’s new interactive ‘Research-to-Earn’ platform is dedicated to producing and sharing research on cryptocurrencies, tokens, and platforms. Users are encouraged to interact with the community by earning rewards for evaluating, analyzing, and reviewing crypto projects.

In addition, users can offer ‘research bounties’ to assets as an enticement for other platform members to research said asset, provide information and thus potential value. The native KVT coin is used to distribute rewards and underpins the entire ecosystem.

Why buy KVT?

Aiming to become the first platform of its kind to break through into the crypto mainstream, several big crypto backers, including The Blox and Matters, have lent their backing to the project.

With demand expected to be high when KVT hits the exchanges, getting in early will help investors exploit potential long-term gains. This makes it one of the best ICOs currently available, with potential rewards available in the future with its innovative and potentially market-leading offering.

In Summary

ICOs are an excellent way for investors to make early and significant profits, provided they can back the correct projects before they hit the open market. With many presales offering similar staged increases in value over their presales, understanding where value can be found is vital.

The post Best ICOs to Invest in for 2023 According to Reddit appeared first on CoinJournal.

South Korean Hana Bank and BitGo to launch joint crypto custody venture

  • Hana Bank and BitGo are expected to launch a crypto custody service in the second half of 2024.
  • Hana Bank is interested in having tokenized deposit technology replace central bank digital currencies and private stablecoins.
  • South Korean Parliament in June 2023 passed the Virtual Asset User Protection legislation, which integrates 19 crypto-related bills.

Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) Hana Bank, one of the biggest banks in South Korea, and the leading cryptocurrency custody company BitGo Trust Company has entered into a partnership to enable KEB Hana Bank to provide digital asset custody services. According to the local news outlet Yonhap, KEB Hana Bank and BitGo reached a strategic business deal to jointly develop digital asset custody in South Korea.

The bank’s representatives reportedly made the announcement on September 5 during the “Korea Blockchain Week” conference for the cryptocurrency sector.

The commercial bank has outlets in 111 locations and about $10 billion in local banking assets and equity.

Hana Bank and BitGo collaboration

Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) Hana Bank and BitGo will work together to create a joint venture that will combine Hana Bank’s knowledge of financial services and compliance with BitGo’s crypto custodial solutions.

According to BitGo’s CEO Mike Belshe, the company will concentrate on strengthening the security and transparency of the South Korean digital asset market. On the other hand, a Hana Bank executive reportedly said:

“By promoting digital asset custody business together with global partners, we expect to contribute to strengthening trust in the domestic digital asset market and consumer protection.” 

According to online reports, Hana Bank and BitGo want to establish their joint cryptocurrency custody business in the second half of 2024.

Hana Bank’s interest in tokenized deposits

Hana Bank has shown interest in tokenized deposit technology as a substitute for central bank digital currencies and private stablecoins.

The bank, along with regional private banks including Woori Bank and Maeli Business News Korea, published a study in July 2023 describing the so-called “certificate of deposit” tokens that would eventually replace conventional notes and deposits without upsetting the established banking system.

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Is it the right time for Bitcoin to jump above $30k again?

  • Bitcoin and EUR/USD have a direct correlation
  • If EUR/USD makes a new high for the year, Bitcoin should follow
  • Elliott Waves points to a move back above 1.10 for EUR/USD

It has been a struggling summer for Bitcoin investors as the US dollar strengthened. After trading above $30k in mid-April, Bitcoin failed at the highs just as the dollar’s strength started.

The easiest way to interpret Bitcoin’s price action is to look at the EUR/USD. When Bitcoin traded above $30k in mid-April, EUR/USD reached above 1.10 after an impressive rally from below 0.96.

Then, the EUR/USD corrected to the 1.06 area, and Bitcoin followed the same path as it dropped to $25k. Next, EUR/USD made a new high and traded above 1.12, a move that Bitcoin quickly copied as it made another high for the year.

It is, therefore, safe to assume that for Bitcoin to reverse the recent bearish trend, we should see the EUR/USD bounce from the current levels and trade above 1.12 again. More precisely, the dollar’s strength should end for Bitcoin to reverse course.

EURUSD chart by TradingView

Elliott Waves suggests EUR/USD should trade above 1.10 again

Looking at the EUR/USD rally from the 2022 lows through the lens of the Elliott Waves theory, it becomes evident that the market completed a five-wave structure when it reached 1.12.

Everything fits – the extension, the channeling, and even the retracement from the highs, completed in the right time needed to validate the pattern.

It means that EUR/USD weakness seen during the summer months is part of a corrective phase. Once ended, the correction should be completely retraced.

Therefore, all eyes are on the 1.10 pivotal level. By regaining the level, EUR/USD should also put a bid under Bitcoin, should the correlation mentioned earlier remain valid.

The post Is it the right time for Bitcoin to jump above $30k again? appeared first on CoinJournal.

Grayscale Bitcoin trust discount narrowing, SEC pushed out ETF deadline


Key Takeaways

  • Crypto volatility has picked up in the last two weeks
  • A positive court ruling regarding the conversion of Grayscale’s Bitcoin trust into an ETF propelled markets last week
  • Gains have since been given up as SEC pushed out assessment date for ETF filings

After a long period of calm, the crypto markets have finally shown signs of life in the last couple of weeks. First, the price of Bitcoin fell from $29,000 to $26,000 two weeks ago, including a 7% dip in ten minutes, as markets recalibrated to more hawkish interest rate expectations.

Last week, the price rose back up to $27,000, buoyed by a seemingly positive ruling in the courts. A federal court ruled last Tuesday that the SEC was wrong to reject an application from Grayscale Investments to convert its trust into an ETF, the judge saying the regulator failed to “offer any explanation” following its ruling. 

While this does not guarantee the eventual conversion of the trust into an ETF, it is nonetheless a big win for both Grayscale and traders who were betting on a positive outcome, with a firm recommendation to the SEC that it should review its decision to reject. 

Previously, the SEC rejected Grayscale’s application on grounds that the products were not “designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices.” Grayscale subsequently sued. 

However, the boost to markets ended up being short-term, for reasons again related to the SEC. The regulating body delayed its decision on all ETF applications, including those filed by Blackrock and Fidelity, to October. Soon, Bitcoin was back down at $26,000. 

The week sums up the year so far for Bitcoin, an asset that has been tossed about by developments in the regulatory sphere all year. 

However, assessing the price of GBTC, and comparing it to Bitcoin, does show that the market feels more regulatory clarity is on the way – and potentially in a positive way. In the next chart, we have plotted the performance of GBTC against Bitcoin since the latter’s all-time high in November 2021. 

Throughout the bear market, as well as the rebound in 2023, Grayscale investors have suffered worse than counterparts who invested in Bitcoin directly. But in recent months, the discount has been declining, with the court ruling pushing a substantial convergence last week.

If we plot the same two assets again but instead of going back to Bitcoin’s all-time high in Q4 of 2021, we look at returns since the start of the year, it is GBTC that outperforms. 

The jump in mid-June stands out, which coincides with the filing of multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs, led by Blackrock. This led the market to move towards the assumption that conversion of Grayscale’s trust into an ETF is more likely – something which has become more real again following the ruling last week against the SEC, and hence caused even further outperformance by GBTC.

Following the ruling last week, the discount of GBTC to its net asset value has narrowed to 19%, the lowest since 2021. 

In truth, the conversion of GBTC to an ETF feels inevitable, the court ruling summising what most around the market would believe should happen at some stage. 

JP Morgan agrees, and also speculated positively about what the ruling means for other ETF filings, with its analysts writing this week that “[The delay] likely points to approval of multiple spot bitcoin ETF applications at once rather than granting a first-mover advantage to any single applicant.”

The market doesn’t lie, and with the discount on GBTC down to 19%, it represents substantial progress. However, 19% is still an enormous chasm, highlighting that there remains a way to go before all this is resolved. 

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