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Singapore probes illegal Worldcoin accounts and token sales

Singapore is investigating unauthorized Worldcoin account sales as regulators raise concerns over data misuse and criminal activity.

Worldcoin, the controversial cryptocurrency project known for capturing identity data, is under investigation in Singapore for potential involvement in money laundering and financing terrorism.

On Sept. 9, Gan Kim Yong, the deputy prime minister of Singapore and chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), revealed an ongoing investigation into a group of individuals offering third-party sales and purchases of Worldcoin accounts and tokens.

During a parliamentary discussion, Yong said that seven individuals were under police investigation for offering Worldcoin-related services without licenses, which is considered an offense under the Payment Services Act 2019:

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Okx Approved to Provide Cross-Border Payment Services in Singapore

Okx Approved to Provide Cross-Border Payment Services in SingaporeGlobal crypto exchange Okx has secured a license from Singapore’s central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), allowing it to offer digital payment token services. Gracie Lin, the newly appointed CEO of Okx’s Singapore entity (Okx SG), highlighted the significance of this license and Singapore’s role in the company’s growth strategy. Okx SG aims […]

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Circle and SBI Holdings partner to boost USDC circulation in Japan

The agreement was made in a memorandum of understanding, but SBI Holdings must first register as an electronic payment instruments service provider in the country.

Circle, the stablecoin issuer behind USD Coin (USDC), is teaming up with Tokyo-based financial services firm SBI Holdings to boost the adoption of USDC and Web3 services in Japan.

Circle said it concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SBI Holdings on Nov. 27, which will underpin the strategic expansion of USDC into Japan.

It comes as the Japanese government revised the Payment Services Act in June to establish regulations for stablecoins, which Circle believes will “stimulate the issuance and circulation of stablecoins in Japan and advance Japan’s transition towards a Web3 economy.”

To initiate the circulation of USDC into Japan, SBI Holdings is seeking registration as an electronic payment instruments service, which is subject to approval by Japanese authorities.

SBI Holdings CEO and President Yoshitaka Kitao hopes it will be a step toward mass stablecoin adoption in the country.

"Japan is steadily preparing the groundwork for the full-scale introduction of stablecoins [and] we are very pleased to have signed a basic agreement for a comprehensive business alliance with Circle."

Circle's CEO Jeremy Allaire said the partnership "represents a shared vision for the future of digital currency" in Japan and Asia and is a "milestone" for Circle as part of its expansion plan into the region.

Related: Grab, Uber’s Southeast Asian rival, debuts Web3 services with Circle

"We are excited to collaborate with SBI towards setting new standards in the financial sector in Japan," said Allaire.

SBI Shinsei Bank will provide banking services to Circle to enable USDC access and liquidity for Japan-based businesses and users.

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