Blockchain
Asic examines collapsed bitcoin company Blockchain Global after Guardian investigation
Australia’s corporate regulator will examine details of the collapsed bitcoin company Blockchain Global after a Guardian Australia investigation revealed links between two of its directors and a series of failed crypto investment schemes.
Blockchain Global collapsed in 2021 owing creditors $58m, with the liquidator referring its directors – Allan Guo, Sam Lee and Ryan Xu – to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission for potential breaches of the Corporations Act. This included possible breaches of director’s duties, breaches of trust and unreasonable director-related transactions.
Asic initially advised liquidators Pitcher Partners that it did not intend to take action after it received the first report on the company’s activities in March 2022.
But after a Guardian Australia investigation into the HyperVerse crypto investment scheme, which has links to Lee and Xu, Asic has begun an examination of the liquidator’s report. A final version was filed to Asic in October.
An Asic spokesperson told Guardian Australia: “Asic confirms that it is assessing reports from the liquidator in relation to BGL.”
Guardian Australia has revealed widespread losses to the HyperVerse investment scheme, which escaped regulator attention in Australia despite being flagged by authorities overseas – by one as a possible “scam” and another as a “suspected pyramid scheme”.
Court documents filed in January in the US against Bitcoin Rodney, a senior US promoter of HyperFund and HyperVerse, allege the scheme operated with a network or promoters making “fraudulent promotional presentations” to investors and potential investors. He has been charged with operating and conspiring to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
An affidavit filed by the US internal revenue service alleges that early investors were “paid with funds collected from more recent investors”, and the company’s claimed revenue-generating bitcoin mining operations did not exist. There is no mention of Xu or Lee in the court documents filed by authorities in that case.
Lee has denied being behind HyperVerse, saying his involvement was limited to technology provision and the funds management side of the organisation. Both Lee and Xu appeared in the HyperVerse global launch event in 2021, alongside a fake chief executive officer called Stephen Reece Lewis. Xu and Lee also both featured prominently in promotional material for the schemes that preceded HyperVerse, known as HyperFund and HyperCapital.
Reece Lewis has since been revealed by the Guardian to be the British man Stephen Harrison, who said he was hired for a short period via a talent agent to play a “corporate presenter” and that he had no role in the actual business.
Lee relocated to Dubai in 2021, while the whereabouts of Xu is unknown. Guo is not involved in the Hyper group schemes.
The US-based crypto analysis firm Chainalysis estimates losses to HyperVerse in 2022 amounted to US$1.3bn (A$1.97bn).
The move by Asic to examine the Blockchain Global collapse comes as the liquidator also reveals a possible link in the company’s records to the operation of HCash, which was a cryptocurrency linked to the Hyper investment schemes.
“The liquidators have identified two debt transactions totalling $500,000 in Blockchain Global’s main bank account [linked to HCash]. These transactions both occur on 5 August 2019,” Pitcher Partner’s liquidator Andrew Yeo told Guardian Australia.
“It is not clear whether the funds were used for this intended purpose.”
Rewards that were accumulated through the earlier Hyper schemes were converted to HCash before they could be converted to other cryptocurrencies.
According to a “HyperTech group organisational chart”, HCash was one of three Australian companies behind the Hyper investment schemes, in alliance with Blockchain Global, Collinstar Capital and the HCash Foundation.
According to the HyperTech group’s promotional material, Collinstar Capital, Blockchain Global and HCash were a “multi billion dollar group of companies”.
The HCash official Telegram group confirmed its association with HyperTech and HyperCapital in 2019, saying it was “allied with the HyperTech group”.
Asic documents show that HCash Tech Pty Ltd was owned by Xu and Jianbo “Jacob” Cheng and was established in 2017. An application for it to be deregistered was made in May 2023.
Collinstar Capital was owned by Xu until mid 2022, after which it was taken over by Cheng.
Asic documents reveal shares of the company’s 40 founders were transferred from Xu to Cheng for $5.50, while 200,000 noncumulative preference shares were transferred at no cost, with a value of $125,000 listed as unpaid.
Cheng did not respond to questions from Guardian Australia.
Lee did not respond to questions from Guardian Australia before the publication of a previous article about his involvement in the establishment and operation of HyperFund and HyperVerse. He has previously denied the schemes are a scam.
In a WhatsApp message after the article was published he alleged it included “misstatements” about his role in running the Hyper schemes but did not respond when asked what they were. He also claimed that “people on the internet continues [sic] to make things up”.
Lee has also not responded to questions from Guardian Australia about the liquidators’ findings in relation to Blockchain Global.
Source: The Guardian
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Blockchain
Glidelogic Corp. Announces Revolutionary AI-Generated Content Copyright Protection Solution
Blockchain
Ethereum ETFs Aren’t Blockchain But Is A Revolutionary Tech: Top 6 Amazing Reasons To Invest In Them
The financial landscape is rapidly evolving, with the integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies becoming more prominent. Among these, Ethereum ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) have emerged as a significant investment vehicle, offering exposure to the Ethereum blockchain’s native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), without requiring direct ownership. However, it’s crucial to understand that Ethereum ETFs are distinct from the blockchain itself and serve different purposes in the investment world.
Understanding Ethereum and ETFs
Ethereum: A decentralized platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It operates using its cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which fuels the network.
ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): A type of investment fund that holds a collection of assets and is traded on stock exchanges. ETFs can include various asset classes, such as stocks, commodities, or bonds.
Ethereum ETFs: The Intersection of Traditional Finance and Cryptocurrency
An Ethereum ETF provides a way for investors to gain exposure to the price movements of Ether without directly purchasing the cryptocurrency. This is achieved through an ETF structure, where the fund holds assets linked to the value of Ether, and investors can buy shares of the ETF on traditional stock exchanges.
Key Features of Ethereum ETFs:
- Indirect Exposure: Investors gain exposure to Ether’s price changes without needing to manage or store the cryptocurrency themselves.
- Regulatory Compliance: Unlike the relatively unregulated cryptocurrency market, ETFs operate under the oversight of financial regulators, offering a layer of investor protection.
- Accessibility: Ethereum ETFs are available through traditional brokerage platforms, making them accessible to a broader range of investors.
Why Invest in an Ethereum ETF?
- Diversification: Including an Ethereum ETF in a portfolio can provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market, potentially enhancing diversification beyond traditional assets.
- Convenience and Familiarity: ETFs are a familiar investment product, simplifying the process of investing in cryptocurrencies.
- Professional Management: ETF managers handle the investment decisions, including the buying and selling of assets, which can be advantageous for those less familiar with the cryptocurrency space.
- Regulatory Oversight: ETFs are subject to regulatory scrutiny, potentially offering more safety and transparency compared to direct cryptocurrency investments.
- Potential for Growth: As the cryptocurrency market grows, ETFs linked to assets like Ether may benefit from rising prices.
Key Differences Between Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs
While both are related to the Ethereum blockchain, Ethereum itself and Ethereum ETFs represent different forms of investment:
- Ethereum (ETH):
- Direct ownership of the cryptocurrency.
- Full exposure to Ethereum’s features, including staking and network participation.
- Traded on cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Highly volatile and largely unregulated.
- Ethereum ETF:
- Indirect exposure through shares representing Ether’s value.
- Traded on traditional stock exchanges under regulatory oversight.
- Offers a more stable and familiar investment structure.
- Typically lower volatility compared to direct cryptocurrency ownership.
Future Considerations for Ethereum ETFs
The approval and launch of Ethereum ETFs mark a significant milestone in bringing cryptocurrencies closer to mainstream finance. They offer a convenient and regulated means for investors to gain exposure to the growing digital assets market. However, they also come with limitations, such as not allowing direct participation in the Ethereum ecosystem’s innovations, like dApps and smart contracts.
As the market evolves, we may see more sophisticated financial products that better capture the full potential of the Ethereum ecosystem. For now, Ethereum ETFs provide a balanced option for those interested in cryptocurrency exposure within the framework of traditional finance.
In conclusion, while Ethereum ETFs offer a gateway into the world of digital assets, they should be viewed as complementary to, rather than a replacement for, direct investment in the underlying blockchain technologies. Investors should carefully consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and the unique attributes of both Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs when making investment decisions.
Source: blockchainmagazine.net
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Nexo, a leading institution in the digital assets industry, has reinforced its commitment to data security by renewing its SOC 2 Type 2 audit and attaining a new SOC 3 Type 2 assessment without any exceptions. This rigorous audit process, conducted by A-LIGN, a respected independent auditor specializing in security compliance, confirms Nexo’s adherence to stringent Trust Service Criteria for Security and Confidentiality.
Key Achievements and Certifications
- SOC 2 and SOC 3 Compliance:
- SOC 2 Type 2: This audit evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of an organization’s controls over data security, particularly focusing on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data.
- SOC 3 Type 2: This public-facing report provides a summary of SOC 2 findings, offering assurance to customers and stakeholders about the robustness of Nexo’s data security practices.
- Additional Trust Service Criteria:
- Nexo expanded the scope of these audits to include Confidentiality, showcasing a deep commitment to protecting user data.
- Security Certifications:
- The company also adheres to the CCSS Level 3 Cryptocurrency Security Standard, and holds ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications, awarded by RINA. These certifications are benchmarks for security management and data privacy.
- CSA STAR Level 1 Certification:
- This certification demonstrates Nexo’s adherence to best practices in cloud security, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the digital assets sector.
Impact on Customers and Industry Standards
Nexo’s rigorous approach to data protection and compliance sets a high standard in the digital assets industry. By achieving these certifications, Nexo provides its over 7 million users across more than 200 jurisdictions with confidence in the security of their data. These achievements not only emphasize the company’s dedication to maintaining top-tier security standards but also highlight its proactive stance in fostering trust and transparency in digital asset management.
Nexo’s Broader Mission
As a premier institution for digital assets, Nexo offers a comprehensive suite of services, including advanced trading solutions, liquidity aggregation, and tax-efficient credit lines backed by digital assets. Since its inception, the company has processed over $130 billion, showcasing its significant impact and reliability in the global market.
In summary, Nexo’s successful completion of SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits, along with its comprehensive suite of certifications, underscores its commitment to the highest standards of data security and operational integrity. This dedication positions Nexo as a leader in the digital assets space, offering unparalleled security and peace of mind to its users.
Source: blockchainreporter.net
The post Nexo Reaffirms Commitment to Data Protection with SOC 3 and SOC 2 Compliance appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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