Blockchain Press Releases
At least 23% of British expats are considering selling a UK property due to current cost of living crisis: Experts for Expats reports
LONDON, June 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Experts for Expats’ recent cost of living survey has revealed that 23% of people living abroad are considering selling their UK property as a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The survey, which was conducted at the end of 2022, asked 200 people with UK connections how the ongoing cost of living crisis was affecting their immediate and future plans.
Of the people considering selling a property in the UK, 72% of them are also receiving an income from UK property and 67% are now looking to use the equity to support their retirement.
In addition to expats’ plans to sell one or more UK properties, the survey also revealed that nearly 90% of expats aren’t using currency exchange services to transfer their UK income abroad. This is despite 22% of people living abroad receiving £50k or more per year from UK sources, leaving them exposed to bank charges and continuously fluctuating exchange rates.
While leaving money in the UK can ensure expats aren’t exposed to fluctuating exchange rates in quite the same way, 9% of people receive their UK income in foreign bank accounts meaning they are exposed to both bank charges and the currency exchange rate of the day.
Almost half of all people surveyed say that they have been negatively impacted by the devaluation of GBP since the Brexit vote in 2016 and the significant devaluation of GBP in autumn 2022.
To put the impact of currency exchange rates into context, in 2022, the exchange rate between GBP and EUR fluctuated between 1.21 and 1.08. Therefore, selling a property for £250,000 could result in a difference of €32,500.
Max Huseyin, Senior Account Manager at Moneycorp, emphasised the importance of getting expert financial help saying “It’s imperative to seek advice about currency exchange whether your transferring regular smaller sums or much larger amounts, such as when buying or selling a property. Transferring funds from bank to bank leaves you exposed to bank charges, which can cost up to £450 per year, as well as exchange rate fluctuations costing potentially thousands of pounds.
“Currency exchange companies can not only offer expertise and guidance, but also offer a range of tools and services – for example, setting a forward contract which locks in the rate for two years or sourcing the competitive exchange rates from our panel of 16 liquidity providers – which can help you mitigate damaging economic situations out of your control.”
Selling a UK residential property while living abroad can also attract capital gains tax, even if you are a non-resident. The Experts for Expats survey also highlighted that 61% of people aren’t aware that capital gains tax may be due or that a non-resident capital gains tax return must be filed.
For Jamie Favell, Partner at Tax Advisory Partnership, this is a far too common scenario. He says: “Lots of expats sell their properties and become aware of their non-resident capital gains tax obligations too late, incurring late filing penalties and facing unexpected tax liabilities.”
“This situation seems to be more common for people who left the UK and moved abroad before 2015 when the new non-resident CGT rules were introduced, and they simply weren’t aware of the change and have not been made aware of the changes by their solicitor or estate agent.”
“Expats also need to be careful to ensure they are reporting the sale of their UK property correctly in their country of residence, to avoid further problems there too. If there is tax payable locally, then they may be able to claim a credit for any UK tax payable reducing the overall tax due.”
This is particularly relevant for people selling a UK property as the tax deduction will not only hit their equity, but any tax due has to be reported and paid to HMRC within 60 days of completion.
Robert Hallums, Founder of Experts for Expats, is concerned that expats are making decisions which could exacerbate the cost of living crisis even further. He says: “The results of the survey are deeply concerning. It’s simply not enough to hope that selling a UK residential property is the same as when you live in the UK as when you live abroad.”
“There are so many potential factors to consider that you must seek advice from specialists to ensure the sale not only goes smoothly, but also maximise your income and eliminate unnecessary costs – especially if you are planning to use the funds to re-invest or support your retirement.”
To download the full report, please visit: https://www.expertsforexpats.com/expat-resources/spotlight-on/british-expats-cost-of-living/
Experts for Expats is a unique online service which provides free introductions for people around the world looking for help with complex, multijurisdictional financial matters. Since launching in 2012, we’ve built an extensive network of trusted professionals who share our values of integrity and honesty and who provide a range of specialist expat services, including tax, currency exchange, wealth management, insurance and mortgages.
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Welcome to Blocks & Headlines, your daily deep-dive into the most impactful movements in blockchain technology and the cryptocurrency sector. In today’s edition, we unpack five major stories that illuminate trends in funding, sustainability, payment innovation, banking collaborations, and technical interoperability—all vital signposts for developers, investors, and Web3 enthusiasts. Here’s what’s on the docket:
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Camp Network’s New IP-Focused Testnet
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Blockchain for Sustainable Packaging
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Meta’s Blockchain-Based Payment System Plans
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Mocse Credit Union Joins Metal Blockchain’s Innovation Program
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Apex Fusion on the Urgency of Blockchain Defragmentation
Through concise reporting, opinion-driven analysis, and SEO-optimized insights—featuring keywords like blockchain, cryptocurrency, Web3, DeFi, and NFTs—we’ll explore how these developments shape the next wave of decentralized finance, enterprise adoption, and mass onboarding.
1. Camp Network Launches Testnet for IP-Focused Blockchain
What Happened:
Camp Network has unveiled its long-anticipated testnet following a $30 million funding round led by leading crypto VCs. This new network is tailored for intellectual property (IP) asset tokenization, aiming to streamline rights management and royalty payments via smart contracts.
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Technical Highlights:
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Modular Consensus: Hybrid PoS/PoA consensus that allows IP rightsholders to validate transactions.
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On-Chain Licensing: Smart contracts enabling programmable licensing terms, automated royalty splits, and revocable access controls.
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Interoperability: Bridges to Ethereum and Polygon enable seamless asset transfers and liquidity provisioning.
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Analysis & Implications:
By focusing on IP tokenization, Camp Network addresses a glaring gap in current NFT platforms, which often lack robust legal-framework integration. This specialization could catalyze:
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New Revenue Models: Musicians, authors, and inventors can fractionalize royalties, unlocking liquidity and democratizing investment in creative works.
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Institutional Adoption: Traditional publishers and studios may pilot tokenized licensing, accelerating blockchain’s entrée into regulated industries.
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Secondary Markets: With on-chain licensing data, marketplaces can enforce provenance and anti-fraud measures more effectively.
Camp Network’s testnet success will hinge on developer tooling, legal partnerships, and gas-fee economics. Should it deliver a smooth UX and clear ROI for rightsholders, it could set a new standard for Web3 IP infrastructure.
Source: The Block
2. Blockchain as a Sustainable Packaging Game-Changer
What Happened:
A recent report explores how blockchain can revolutionize sustainable packaging by delivering end-to-end supply-chain transparency. The solution combines on-chain tracking of materials, IoT sensor data for carbon footprint measurement, and tokenized incentives for recycling.
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Key Components:
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Immutable Traceability: Each packaging component is logged on a public ledger, enabling consumers to verify sustainable sourcing.
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Carbon Credit Tokens: Brands earn tokenized credits when they hit recycling targets, tradable on carbon-market DAOs.
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Consumer-Facing Apps: QR-code scanning interfaces reveal environmental impact metrics and reward programs.
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Analysis & Implications:
Integrating blockchain with sustainable packaging tackles greenwashing and fragmented reporting. The ability to tie physical materials to on-chain records introduces:
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Enhanced Accountability: Brands face real-time public scrutiny of ESG claims, improving trust and regulatory compliance.
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Market Mechanisms: Carbon credit tokens linking packaging to broader DeFi ecosystems incentivize circular economy behaviors.
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Consumer Engagement: NFTs or loyalty tokens tied to sustainable purchases could accelerate brand loyalty in eco-conscious demographics.
This convergence of blockchain, IoT, and token economics exemplifies how decentralized technologies can underpin not only financial systems but also planetary stewardship.
Source: Yahoo Finance
3. Meta Plans New Blockchain-Based Payment System
What Happened:
Meta is reportedly developing a blockchain-powered payment network to underpin its digital wallet ambitions, aiming to facilitate low-fee remittances, in-app purchases, and peer-to-peer transfers across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
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Proposed Features:
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Cross-Border Settlements: Utilizing stablecoins pegged to major fiat currencies to avoid volatility.
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Layer-2 Scalability: Built atop an Ethereum Layer-2 or a proprietary chain to ensure sub-second confirmation times and minimal fees.
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Regulatory Compliance: On-chain KYC/AML checks integrated via permissioned sidechains.
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Analysis & Implications:
Meta’s push into blockchain payments could reshape the competitive landscape:
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Crypto On-Ramp: With 3 billion+ monthly users, built-in wallet functionality could massively expand mainstream cryptocurrency adoption.
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Disintermediation Risk: Traditional payment processors and remittance services face margin compression as Meta internalizes transaction flows.
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Regulatory Scrutiny: Centralized control of a global payments network raises data-privacy and antitrust questions, likely attracting significant oversight.
If Meta balances decentralization ethos with compliance demands, it could serve as a blueprint for other Big Tech firms eyeing Web3 integration.
Source: Dig.watch
4. Mocse Credit Union Joins Metal Blockchain’s Banking Innovation Program
What Happened:
Mocse Credit Union has signed on to Metal Blockchain’s Banking Innovation Program, a consortium designed to accelerate pilot projects in tokenized lending, fractional deposits, and programmable savings accounts.
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Program Benefits:
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Sandbox Environment: Regulatory-compliant testbeds for tokenized asset experiments.
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API Integrations: Plug-and-play modules for KYC, smart-contract auditing, and fiat-crypto on-ramps.
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Co-Innovation Workshops: Joint labs with fellow financial institutions and DeFi projects.
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Analysis & Implications:
This partnership signals the banking sector’s growing willingness to explore blockchain beyond hype:
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Tokenized Deposits: By issuing interest-bearing stablecoin equivalents, credit unions can attract a new demographic of digitally native savers.
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Risk Management: Sandboxed pilots allow institutions to evaluate smart-contract risks without exposing core systems.
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Interoperable Finance: Aligning legacy banking with DeFi rails can unlock hybrid products—e.g., flash loans collateralized by insured deposits.
Such collaborations could spearhead a wave of embedded finance offerings, blurring the lines between centralized and decentralized banking infrastructures.
Source: Newswire
5. Apex Fusion: Defragmenting Blockchain for Mass Adoption
What Happened:
In an op-ed, Apex Fusion argues that blockchain interoperability and defragmentation are critical prerequisites for mainstream Web3 uptake. The piece advocates standardized cross-chain messaging protocols, unified identity layers, and aggregated liquidity pools.
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Core Proposals:
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Protocol Neutral Messaging: A universal middleware to transmit value and data across disparate chains.
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Decentralized Identity (DID): A shared credential framework enabling seamless dApp logins without wallet-hopping.
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Liquidity Hubs: Cross-chain Automated Market Makers (AMMs) that pool assets to reduce slippage and gas friction.
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Analysis & Implications:
A fragmented blockchain ecosystem hinders user experience and developer efficiency:
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Onboarding Friction: New users face wallet complexity, chain-switching hassles, and inconsistent UX across apps.
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Capital Inefficiency: Isolated liquidity silos lead to higher trading costs and limit DeFi yield optimization.
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Developer Overhead: Building multichain dApps requires fragmented toolkits and disparate security audits.
Solving these challenges through interoperable frameworks will be pivotal for DeFi, NFT, and enterprise Web3 solutions to scale beyond niche audiences. Apex Fusion’s recommendations may inform upcoming standards efforts by bodies like the Blockchain Governance Initiative Network (BGIN).
Source: Euro Weekly News
Conclusion
Today’s blockchain developments reflect a maturing industry at the crossroads of innovation and integration:
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Specialized Networks: Camp Network’s IP testnet showcases niche use-cases driving targeted blockchain deployments.
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Sustainability & Token Economics: Linking environmental impact to on-chain incentives demonstrates blockchain’s potential in non-financial arenas.
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Big Tech Entry: Meta’s payment ambitions could accelerate global crypto adoption while raising regulatory stakes.
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Banking Collaboration: Programs like Metal Blockchain’s underscore financial institutions’ appetite for safe, regulated Web3 experimentation.
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Interoperability Imperative: As Apex Fusion highlights, defragmentation and cross-chain standards are essential for seamless UX and liquidity flow.
As blockchain weaves deeper into finance, supply chains, and digital ecosystems, the future hinges on striking the right balance between decentralization, compliance, and user-centric design. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Blocks & Headlines where we continue to chronicle the pulse of Web3 innovation.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 9, 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain Press Releases
Bybit Surpasses 70 Million Users, Reinforces Commitment to Transparency and Institutional Growth
DUBAI, UAE, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today announced it has surpassed 70 million registered users, a milestone that highlights the platform’s sustained global growth and deepening trust among both retail and institutional clients. This achievement underscores Bybit’s robust market presence and its steadfast commitment to security, compliance, and product innovation.
“Reaching 70 million users is more than a number—it’s a testament to the trust our global community places in us,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We are doubling down on compliance, institutional-grade infrastructure, and user-centric innovation to ensure everyone—from first-time traders to global institutions—can access the future of finance with confidence.”
Strengthening Global Compliance and Regulatory Engagement
Bybit continues to expand its global compliance framework, working closely with regulators around the world. Most recently, Bybit held strategic discussions with Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance, contributing to the country’s regulatory sandbox initiative by sharing expertise in KYC, AML, and international best practices.
Bybit has also made key progress in major jurisdictions, including the United Arab Emirates, further demonstrating its commitment to regulatory alignment and operational transparency.
Accelerating Institutional Growth
Bybit is seeing rapid growth among institutional clients, driven by high-performance trading infrastructure, advanced risk controls, and strategic partnerships. The integration with Zodia Custody—a leading provider of institutional-grade custody and off-venue settlement solutions—reflects Bybit’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of sophisticated investors with robust, compliant offerings.
Pioneering Web3 Integration and Real-World Utility
Bybit continues to lead in practical Web3 innovation. The Bybit Card, now used by nearly 2 million people, enables everyday crypto spending, while Bybit Pay streamlines on-chain and off-chain transactions for both users and merchants.
In line with its user-first philosophy, Bybit is also leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance trading, research, and support services. CryptoLens, an in-house AI analytics tool, offers users deep insights into token fundamentals, community activity, social trends, and tokenomics—even for projects not listed on the platform. TradeGPT, an AI agent trained on Bybit’s proprietary data, delivers rapid price action summaries and technical analysis, helping traders make smarter decisions. Complementing these innovations, an AI Support Agent enhances customer service by improving response efficiency and user experience across the platform.
Bridging Traditional Finance and the Future of Digital Assets
Bybit remains committed to its role as #TheCryptoArk—a safe, trusted bridge from traditional finance into the world of Web3. Through intuitive products, regulatory collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, Bybit empowers users of all levels to navigate and thrive in the digital asset ecosystem.
“We’re building the infrastructure for the next era of finance,” Ben added. “By championing regulation, professionalism, and a relentless user-first approach, we’re shaping a safer, more inclusive, and more empowering financial future for all.”
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
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Blockchain Press Releases
Unleashing the Power of Futures Combo Bots on Bybit: Leveling up Futures Trading with More Rewards
DUBAI, UAE, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, Futures Combo Carnival, a month-long trading event rewarding both new and experienced Futures Combo traders with multiple rewards tracks. Trading thresholds start at 300 USDT with rewards of up to 500 USDT in prizes weekly.
The largest Futures Combo campaign on Bybit to date, the Carnival gives traders even more reasons to make their futures trading journey hassle-free and more rewarding. Bot-enabled automated trading is becoming the norm among strategic traders in a turbulent market, where no traders can afford manmade mistakes or delays in execution.
Bybit’s Futures Combo Bot is a powerful tool for streamlining users’ futures trading experience, empowering them to build portfolios and rebalance positions across multiple futures contracts. The innovative solution allows traders to set up a Bot within minutes, minimizing manual management of complex trading strategies, and achieving both efficiency and flexibility when managing combos of futures contracts.
From now to Jun. 9, 2025, eligible Bybit users may take part in two events with a welcome bonus for first-time users:
- The Combo Battle offers newcomers who achieve a trading volume of 300 USDT an immediate 5 USDT Bot Bonus on a first-come, first-served basis, while experienced traders can earn lucky draw tickets by reaching volume milestones of 1,000 USDT and 2,500 USDT respectively using Bybit’s Futures Combo Bot.
- The Combo Challenge invites Mandarin-speaking Key Opinion Leaders to create and share their trading strategies on social media using the hashtag #ComboChallenge, with three weekly winners receiving 500 USDT each.
Bybit is committed to making futures trading more accessible to users looking to diversify their trading strategies. With rewards designed for both newcomers and experienced traders, this event strengthens community engagement while supporting users wherever they are on their trading journey. For more details and terms and conditions, users may visit: Bybit Futures Combo Carnival
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
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