Title: Bitcoin discounted by 20% on Binance Australia, but obstacles persist Overview: Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at a 20% discount on Binance's Australian platform due to less liquidity caused by the removal of fiat on-ramp services. However, users face hurdles converting cryptocurrencies to Australian dollars and Binance has announced plans to delist several trading pairs involving the Australian dollar on June 1. Binance is searching for an alternate provider to restore the ability to deposit and withdraw Australian dollars. Amid these challenges, Binance is grappling with increasing regulatory scrutiny from several U.S. government agencies. Key Points: - Bitcoin is trading at a 20% discount on Binance's Australian platform due to less liquidity caused by the removal of fiat on-ramp services. - Binance's spokesperson stated that the closure of fiat off-ramp services has impacted the AUD pairs pricing and they will delist remaining AUD pairs. - Users face hurdles converting cryptocurrencies to Australian dollars and Binance announced plans to delist several trading pairs involving the Australian dollar on June 1. - Binance is searching for an alternate provider to restore the ability to deposit and withdraw Australian dollars. - Binance is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny from several U.S. government agencies. Source: Decrypt Original Link: https://decrypt.co/142799/bitcoin-discount-emerges-binance-australia-as-exchange-cuts-ramp-services

The decentralization of the world's largest decentralized stablecoin, DAI, has increased as the amount of USDC stablecoin backing it decreased to 23.6% from 50% in August 2020. DAI is now increasingly backed by real-world assets, short-term US government bonds, and cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and STETH. However, the shift to US treasuries and proposals from US-based BlockTower Capital mean DAI is still exposed to US regulation. Meanwhile, MakerDAO has approved a $1.6 billion USDC deposit to Coinbase Custody for stable yields, and BlockTower Capital's proposal for another RWA pool worth $1.2 billion is currently in the voting phase. Source: Decrypt Original Link: https://decrypt.co/142801/usdc-backing-makers-stablecoin-dai-plummets

Nvidia's market capitalization has surpassed that of other tech giants such as Berkshire Hathaway, Meta, and Tesla following their latest earnings report which reveals the great success the company has had amid the AI hype. At Computex 2023, the CEO showcased a suite of AI tools named Nvidia Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE), which could revolutionize gaming development by enabling video game characters to generate their unscripted dialogues in real-time. Apart from Nvidia, other tech giants such as Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet, as well as AI hardware manufacturers including Advanced Micro Devices, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Micron Technology, have also experienced significant gains due to their significant investments in the technology. Overall, AI investment continues to be a key factor driving growth in the tech industry. Source: Decrypt Original Link: https://decrypt.co/142805/nvidia-overtakes-meta-tesla-market-cap-firm-captures-ai-hype

Holograph, a multichain NFT protocol, has released its latest collaboration, "KilroyPunk," which combines a recognizable NFT with an iconic meme. The collectible costs $15 and is available for 48 hours as part of an open-edition mint. The collaboration is Holograph's third offering through its consumer-facing application as it tries to find a foothold in the NFT space. The protocol currently supports Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Chain, and Optimism, and users can mint NFTs on their chain of choice or swap them between several networks. The collection embodies "such an OG history in the NFT space, both conceptually and stylistically," according to Eric Elms, the California-based artist who worked on the Kilroy element of the collaboration. Source: Decrypt Original Link: https://decrypt.co/142778/kilroypunk-nft-drop-mashes-up-iconic-meme-cryptopunk

Tether plans to invest in "sustainable Bitcoin mining operations" in Uruguay, partnering with a licensed company and hiring energy experts. With over 98% of its electricity generated from renewable sources, Tether sees an opportunity to adopt a greener approach to mining Bitcoin. Tether has not disclosed the name of its partner or the amount it plans to invest. Despite concerns about Tether's reserves, the company has announced it will use up to 15% of its monthly net realized operating profits to build a BTC warchest to "strengthen and diversify" its reserves. Source: Decrypt Original Link: https://decrypt.co/142830/controversial-stablecoin-issuer-tether-plans-to-start-mining-bitcoin

The central banks of Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates are strengthening financial cooperation and working on regulating virtual assets. Cross-border trade settlements and financial infrastructure were discussed during a recent bilateral meeting, with a focus on blockchain technology. This could lead to the use of central bank digital currencies in their cross-border transactions. The UAE is already planning to launch a digital dirham soon, while HK is piloting an electronic form of the Hong Kong dollar. Both regions have been working on building a new blockchain that supports multiple CBDCs to tackle the limitations of today's payment systems. Source: Decrypt Original Link: https://decrypt.co/142834/hong-kong-uae-central-banks-coordinate-on-crypto-regulations

Epic Games is expanding its presence in the gaming world by introducing 20 new NFT-based titles to the Epic Games Store. This move follows the success of their initial NFT integrated game, Blankos Block Party. The upcoming games, such as Project Red and Defimons, offer players unique experiences with free-to-play mechanics, high-quality graphics, and strategic gameplay elements. Integrating NFTs in gaming enables new economic models and ownership opportunities, allowing players to own, trade, and sell digital assets. The use of blockchain technology ensures security and transparency within the games. Epic Games' expansion into the NFT space showcases the potential for a more immersive and rewarding future of gaming. Read more: https://nftplazas.com/epic-games-nft/

Enjin.io is a pioneering platform in the gaming industry, leveraging blockchain technology to create a seamless ecosystem for developers and gamers. At its core is the Enjin Coin (ENJ), a digital cryptocurrency designed for gaming, enabling secure transactions and ownership of virtual assets. The platform includes features like the Enjin Wallet for managing digital assets, the Enjin Marketplace for trading virtual goods, and Enjin Beam for unique asset distribution. Enjin also offers software development kits (SDKs) to easily integrate blockchain technology into games. With successful implementations in gaming projects and collaborations with companies like Microsoft and Binance, Enjin.io is well-positioned for future growth in the evolving gaming landscape. Read more: https://nftnewstoday.com/2023/05/30/enjin-the-all-in-one-solution-for-blockchain-games/

Sony Network Communications has partnered with Astar to launch a web3 incubation program for startups. The program, running from mid-March to mid-June, will provide support and resources to web3 startups from around the world. Participating startups will have the opportunity to connect with global web3 companies and venture capital firms and receive guidance on business and technology strategies. Sony may also consider investing in promising startups from the program. The initiative reflects Sony's growing interest in web3, NFTs, and the metaverse. The company has previously made moves in these areas, including partnerships with Sun Asterisk and Theta, backing NFT marketplace MakersPlace, and investing in Epic Games' metaverse initiatives. Read more: https://mpost.io/sony-network-communications-partners-with-astar-to-launch-web3-incubation-program/

A recent reputation ranking survey in the United States ranked Bitcoin and FTX as the least liked brands. Despite this, some of the most popular brands in North America, such as Chick-Fil-A and Toyota, have shown interest in the crypto industry. Chick-Fil-A has filed trademark applications to enter the NFT and metaverse space, while Toyota has plans to launch the Toyota Blockchain Lab and has analyzed opportunities in the blockchain and digital wallet space. Other brands, such as Kellogg Company and Pfizer, have also taken a dive into Web3 gaming and invested in crypto-related ventures, respectively. Some tech companies, such as Sony and Samsung, have also applied for NFT-related patents. Although not all brands have announced an interest in crypto, blockchain or Web3, there may be more to come. Source: Decrypt Original Link: https://decrypt.co/142698/americans-may-not-love-crypto-but-these-top-brands-are-into-it