Category: Press Release

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Blockchain Mining Press Release

Litherium Acquires West Australian Nickel Mine to Explore New Energy Crypto-Commodity Exchange

Litherium follows the giant step of Elon Musk’s new energy strategies in Western Australia

Litherium Australia Mining is a professional mineral exploration and mining broker service company headquartered in Western Australia that seeks new energy-related mineral resources for global mining developers. In 2021, with the support of SMK Partners & Associate, the group issued the Litherium token (LITH).

Litherium Australia Mining successfully acquired a strategically important nickel sulphide mine on January 8, 2022. The new tenement (E69/3371) is located in Rawlinna, Western Australia’s southern region, near the Kalgoorlie main mining site, and is also one of the mining belts in which Nickel West, a subsidiary of BHP Billiton, is located.

Source: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Australia has the world’s largest nickel reserves (24%), estimated to be 19 million tonnes. Western Australia is currently Australia’s sole nickel producer. The state’s nickel resources include nickel sulphide ore and laterite nickel ore, and most of the output comes from nickel sulphide ore.

The first major nickel sulphide deposit in Western Australia was discovered at Kambalda, just 400 kilometres from the newly acquired tenements, by Litherium Australia Mining. Litherium Australia Mining laid out nickel sulphide mines on new mining rights as early as 2015. The group’s foresight of energy development trends enables it to quickly grasp the general trend of new energy development and aid in the development of new energy in Western Australia.

Credit: news.com.au

The new tenement is located near the large Kalgoorlie exploration area, which is home to world energy tycoons such as BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue Metals Group (FMG).

BHP began acquiring a large number of mineral rights in this area in 2019 and vigorously deployed nickel ore energy reserves.

With the implementation of the global decarbonisation concept, low-carbon and environmentally friendly new energy vehicles have gradually gained prominence, and market demand for lithium batteries used in automobiles has risen tremendously.  According to the Deloitte research report, global lithium battery market demand is expected to reach 122.3 billion watt-hours in 2025. The price of lithium battery raw materials continues to rise, the lithium battery sector is growing rapidly, and the development of new energy is unstoppable, with nickel sulphide as the primary raw material ushering in a new era. Nickel is an indispensable raw material in the manufacture of ternary lithium batteries.

In general, the higher the nickel content, the higher the energy density of the battery cell, thereby improving the cruising range of electric vehicles. Nickel resources are relatively scarce when compared to lithium. It is also a hot spot for new energy companies to improve their layout and competition.

Tesla, a world-renowned sustainable energy company, has urged global nickel miners to increase their mining volumes, according to Reuters.

Litherium Australia Mining Pty Ltd’s E69/3371 is surrounded by BHP NICKEL WEST PTY LTD’s sites (Source: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)

Reuters also quoted sources as saying that Tesla could finance the project, possibly in exchange for equity. All of the above show Tesla’s favour and desire for high-nickel battery materials.

Since then, Tesla has signed major contracts for nickel ore with many mining companies around the world, such as Prony Resources, Giga Metals, Talon Metals, etc.


Mr Xiao (executive director of Litherium Australia Mining Pty Ltd) announced on 2022 Metaverse Forum

On July 22, 2021, Tesla and BHP signed a nickel supply agreement. Nickel West, a subsidiary of BHP, supplies Tesla with nickel as a raw material for battery manufacturing. Tesla is a globally recognised manufacturer of electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. This cooperation is also a recognition of the nickel ore reserves and ore quality in the Western Australia mining area.

Elon Musk has also said that Tesla expects global sales to reach 20 million vehicles by 2030, and is confident of maintaining a growth rate of at least 50% in deliveries. If this target is prepared, Tesla may also need to purchase more nickel to meet its battery production.

In addition to Tesla, LG Energy, a leading Korean battery company, has long cooperated with Australia’s nickel-cobalt smelting company to ensure continuous nickel supply for the next 10 years.

As BHP Chief Commercial Officer Vandita Pant said: “It is estimated that demand for nickel in battery manufacturing will grow more than fivefold over the next decade, primarily to support the world’s growing electric vehicle market.”

Litherium Australia Mining successfully completed the acquisition and transfer of nickel ore mining rights this time, which will provide support for the development of new energy and low-carbon environmental protection, boost market confidence, and lay a good foundation for the company’s long-term business development.

It is reported that in the next stage, Litherium Australia Mining will conduct exploration on this new tenement and determine the drilling target area for preliminary exploration through detailed geological mapping, ground magnetic surveys and gravity measurements.

Litherium Australia Mining first disclosed the tenement layout at the 2022 Metaverse Forum and joins the exploration of nickel mining over the next four years

The 2022 Metaverse Forum was divided into English and Chinese sessions, and held in Crown Perth. Amid the Covid pandemic, more than 120 guests from various fields – including business brokers, financial planners, legal advisers and the local crypto community – came to the venue to experience the charm of the Metaverse. At the same time there was a live webcast, and more than 10,000 users around the world participated.

In the English session in the morning, Mr Keith, Meta brand ambassador of Facebook’s Asia-Pacific region, introduced the development of the Internet since Web 2.0 to the guests and explained the use of blockchain technology and metaverse technology in music and gaming. Applications in finance and other fields showed how international companies such as Meta, Google, Microsoft, etc are deploying the metaverse. The audience also actively participated, and the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

Dr Cheng, Project Director and Senior Partner of SMK Partners & Associate, also addressed the guests. It is understood that the company, under the banner of Meta-Fintech, uses the end of the blockchain as a basic framework to help companies solve their problems. Last year, SMK Partners & Associate assisted Litherium Australia Mining to issue the LITH token. This year, SMK Group also assisted an art organisation to launch Goggles NFT Marketplace, an NFT digital trading platform, to help companies that are keen on electronic arts and chain games to realise their entrepreneurial dreams.

Dr Cheng interacted with both online and offline audiences, answering questions about the metaverse, mining development, cryptocurrency, and so on. His speech and lively conversations often prompted the audience to burst into applause and laughter.

Dr Cheng, Project Director of SMK team, interacts with the audience

Mr Tony, IT Director of the SMK Team, took the lead with his opening speech. From a technical point of view, he introduced blockchain technology to the audience and how its “unforgeable, traceable, open and transparent” feature can effectively prevent fraud and data tampering, greatly improving the security of transactions.

Mr Xiao Ziqiang, Executive Director of Litherium Australia Mining Pty Ltd, described how the group obtained a nickel tenement in the Nickel West mining belt of BHP with the help of SMK Group, and how to use smart contracts. He also explained the “decentralisation, transparency, and efficiency” advantages of blockchain technology combined with mining exploration, and demonstrated the strategic strategy of Litherium Australia Mining to deploy new energy and new materials such as lithium mines and nickel mines in Western Australia. The plan has created a model that perfectly combines mining entities and blockchain technology.

Follow Litherium on Twitter: @Litheriumgroup, Telegram: https://t.me/LitheriumLITH

(Disclaimer: This article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide, investment advice.)

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Gaming NFTs Press Release

NFT Gaming Platform Balthazar Raises US$3 Million via Token Sale Led by Animoca Brands

In a bid to be the leading NFT gaming platform in the metaverse, Balthazar has kicked off its Token launch with a US$3 million token sale, valuing the DAO at US$30 million.

Animoca Brands, a global leader in gamification and blockchain with a large portfolio of over 150 investments in NFT-related companies and decentralised projects, was the lead token purchaser in the round and will be providing advisory services to Balthazar. 

Other token purchasers include Finder Group (through Hive Empire Capital, which is led by Fred Schebesta), Zip co-founder Larry Diamond, Digital Asset Capital Management (DACM), Fantom, ZED Run, Darling Ventures, Pluto Digital, San Francisco-based VC Side Door Ventures, Algorand, Rising Capital, Saltwater Ventures, eFrontier, and Three Arrows Capital’s TPS Capital.

Launched in September 2021, Balthazar aims to be the largest decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) in the play-to-earn space. It’s a community-focused platform, removing the barrier to entry for gamers to access play-to-earn games through its scholarship program with no upfront costs.

Balthazar is more than a guild, with plans to develop its tech platform, its rent-to-earn lending model, and to scale up its community.

John Stefanidis, CEO of Balthazar, said the token sale marks a significant milestone for the DAO.

“We are so thrilled to be backed by Animoca Brands and all of our supporters in helping to shape the metaverse and to continue assisting and expanding our community. This support means we can fulfill our vision of empowering the biggest community of gamers to create a self-sustaining, wealth-building ecosystem. 

“We are developing the most incredible platform that will bring together gamers, crypto holders and individuals through our own NFT games, valuable tokenomic strategies and gaming partnerships.

“I’m excited about the future of the play-to-earn space, in particular how it’s spreading earning opportunities to those who need it most, as well as providing a new use-case for cryptocurrency.”

Yat Siu, the executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands, commented: “Balthazar has a thriving and fast-growing community, offering opportunities for all people to be involved in the NFT gaming space, including gamers, game companies, and crypto holders. With its dynamic leadership, we believe that Balthazar will be able to tap growth for NFT-based gaming in new markets, and we are excited to be part of its journey.”

Prior to the token sale, Balthazar deployed 1,100 scholars into several NFT games including Axie Infinity, Splinterlands and Thetan Arena, with a further 30,000 people on its waitlist and a community of more than 70,000 people in its Discord channel.

Balthazar has opened a private token sale round, with plans to sell US$8 million in tokens at a token cap valuation of US$150 million by February 2022.

For more information about Balthazar, click here to read its Whitepaper.

About Balthazar:

Balthazar is a scholar-driven NFT (non-fungible token) gaming platform for the metaverse, one of the first in Australia. Balthazar aims to be the largest Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) in the play-to-earn space. It’s a community-focused guild for gamers to access play-to-earn games with no upfront cost, supporting a fun and competitive team of players. It also offers a rent-to-earn feature where NFTs can be rented to Balthazar for the scholars to use in games. Balthazar supports the guild through social networks, educational resources, and training and development around gameplay and learning cryptocurrency investment.

About John Stefanidis:

John Stefanidis, 29, is the CEO of NFT gaming platform Balthazar and one of Australia’s leading digital marketing and ecommerce experts. After graduating from University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing in 2014, John has developed and scaled several businesses, including digital marketing agency Covert. As a serial entrepreneur and avid video gamer, John is passionate about the NFT gaming space.

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Coinstop Crypto Hardware Wallets Press Release

Coinstop Introduces the Ledger Nano S Color Edition

Australia’s leading hardware wallet provider, Coinstop, has recently added the Ledger Nano S Color Edition to its Australian-based online store. 

The Ledger Nano S is a Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoins hardware wallet. The device is built on robust safety features for storing cryptographic assets and securing digital payments. The Ledger Nano S uses a secure OLED display to double-check and confirm each transaction using the buttons located on the side of the device.

Coinstop is excited to announce that the Ledger Nano S Color edition is now for sale, including a new set of products that celebrates the uniqueness of all the individuals that make up the cryptocurrency community.

All Ledger Nano S Color hardware wallets come with the uncompromising security features that Ledger users have come to expect, supporting 700+ cryptocurrencies, and with an easy-to-use interface that makes keeping your crypto assets safe and simple. The coloured edition is beautifully designed with simplicity in mind, coming in five new unique colours: blue, orange, pink, green, and transparent.

A Wallet for Existing Ledger Users

If you already own a Ledger Nano S, the new colour edition is the perfect complement, allowing you to differentiate between wallets with ease. You can separate your investments onto two or more wallets, differentiating between the colours. For example, you may want to use one wallet to keep Bitcoin and Litecoin, and another to store Ethereum and Ripple. Other individuals may be interested in using one wallet primarily for crypto assets and a second wallet primarily for utility apps, such as the Password Manager (available in developer mode), Hello and Woleet. Owning a second wallet adds an extra layer of security in the event that one of your wallets is lost or stolen. You can read about the benefits of having a second wallet here.

A Wallet for New Users

With a colour to suit every individual, the Ledger Nano S Color Edition is perfect for individuals starting out. Beginners who may only have a small amount of crypto assets will find the Ledger Nano S Color Edition easy to set up and navigate. With crypto hacks continuing at an alarming pace, it’s imperative that one’s assets are moved safely offline. The Ledger Nano S Color Edition is a secure way for new investors to protect themselves in style.

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eToro Press Release

eToro Strengthens Crypto offering in Australia: Introduces Crypto Staking & Adds 15 New Cryptos

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: 26 October, 2021 – Global multi-asset investment platform eToro today announced that it has strengthened its crypto offerings for Australian customers, adding more than 15 new cryptoassets to the platform. Australian users will also now be able to earn staking rewards.

  • Australian users now have access to 36 cryptos – users own the underlying asset
  • From 1st November, Australian users will be able to earn staking rewards
  • Ability to move cryptos from the eToro platform to the eToro wallet is coming soon

With 36 cryptoassets now available on the platform, Australian investors have even more opportunities to diversify their portfolios. The 15 new cryptos available to Australian users are: Solana (SOL), Cosmos (ATOM), The Graph (GRT), Curve (CRV), 1inch (1INCH), Maker (MKR), Enjin (ENJ), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Dogecoin (DOGE), Filecoin (FIL), Aave (AAVE), Compound (COMP), yearn.finance (YFI), Decentraland (MANA) and Polkadot (DOT).

Australian users opening cryptoasset positions on eToro can now purchase the underlying asset.

From November 1, Australian users will also be able to earn monthly staking rewards and enjoy simple, secure and hassle-free growth on their Cardano (ADA) and TRON (TRX) investments, through eToro’s dedicated staking service. Assets staked on behalf of users are real cryptoassets (not CFDs) and the underlying asset remains the property of the eToro user. 

eToro will shortly enable coin transfer from the eToro platform to the eToro Wallet. Further details of this product enhancement will be shared in the coming weeks. 

eToro has been a pioneer in the crypto markets and we are excited to observe more Australians dipping their toes into this emerging asset class.

Robert Francis – eToro’s Australian Managing Director

“The crypto ecosystem is expanding with the emergence of new altcoins and as a result we are seeing Australian investors looking at crypto beyond a store of value, instead using it as a way to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional assets like stocks, in order to hedge against risks such as inflation.

“As we continue to strengthen our crypto offering Down Under, we urge investors to keep in mind that crypto is a highly volatile asset class. Investors should remember the basic tenets of investing: diversify, understand what you are investing in and never invest more than you can afford to lose,” concluded Robert Francis.

With over 23 million registered users globally, eToro allows customers to easily buy, hold and sell a range of different financial assets, including crypto.

About eToro

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform that empowers people to grow their knowledge and wealth as part of a global community of successful investors. eToro was founded in 2007 with the vision of opening up the global markets so that everyone can trade and invest in a simple and transparent way. Today, eToro is a global community of more than 23 million registered users who share their investment strategies; and anyone can follow the approaches of those who have been the most successful. Due to the simplicity of the platform users can easily buy, hold and sell assets, monitor their portfolio in real time, and transact whenever they want. 

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Press Release Zipmex

Get a Free Feed at Finn Poke, Daily Greens, or Two Yolks With Aussie Crypto Exchange Zipmex

Yep, that’s right, crypto is mainstreaming, and if you’re not on board yet, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a shot (and get fed while you’re at it).

Well-known Aussie hospitality entrepreneur Jem Jacinto was an early adopter of the Australian crypto exchange Zipmex, the fastest-growing, regulated crypto exchange in Australia and South East Asia.

This is the first of many collaborations planned with Australian businesses. With four million+ Aussies already embracing cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, we’re helping all types of companies get access to crypto by simplifying the payment process for them.

Nathan Halliday, Australian Country Manager, Zipmex

Zipmex and Jacinto have teamed up in an Australian first to give new Zipmex users $20 worth of ZMT (Zipmex’s digital coin) to spend at Finn Poké, Daily Greens, or Two Yolks until December 31, 2021. The entire crypto transaction happens in a nanosecond. Customers scan a QR code to send crypto (in this case, ZMT) to the retailer, who gets paid without incurring any merchant fees – it’s a win/win.  

Jacinto recognises crypto’s ability to transform the finance industry, and Zipmex seeks to help grow and enrich the community with crypto; equally, Zipmex feels it’s essential to support homegrown businesses. So this dynamic partnership is a match made in food-god heaven.

How Does It Work?

  • Download Zipmex from your app store
  • Register on the app (don’t forget to complete the identity registration called KYC)
  • Enter one of the following referral codes, either… FINNPOKE20, DAILYGREENS20, TWOYOLKS20 to claim your one-time offer
  • Within 72 hours of completing the registration, Zipmex will airdrop $20 worth of ZMT coin directly into your account
  • Walk into any Finn Poké, Daily Greens or, Two Yolks store in QLD/NSW  and show the Zipmex app on your phone
  • Pay your bill with your Zipmex QR Code

About Zipmex

Zipmex is one of Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing digital asset platforms and the only one to be licensed in Thailand which operates under regulatory supervision in Indonesia and Australia and under a current notified regulatory exemption in Singapore. Zipmex enables anyone with an internet connection to invest in a growing number of digital assets with its easy, safe, and secure platform.

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Australia Oxen Press Release Privacy Security

OPTF Urges for Stronger Encryption Protections and New Secure Technologies This Global Encryption Day

As the cybersecurity community comes together to celebrate and advocate for encrypted technologies this Global Encryption Day, the OPTF, an Australian digital rights not-for-profit, warns we need more than just end-to-end encryption to keep the internet safe and secure.

End-to-end encryption is an essential technology that protects our right to privacy. It keeps journalists, activists, and everyday people safe online and improves the overall security of the internet.

Being an Australian organisation, the OPTF is extremely concerned to see the Australian government leading the way in a global trend of anti-encryption legislation and regulation. With this in mind, it’s vital for the security community to develop technologies which incorporate not only end-to-end encryption, but additional elements of security.

I don’t know anyone without some kind of encrypted messenger on their phone, if you want security then end-to-end encryption is non-negotiable. But encryption is well and truly under attack. Fear campaigns are attempting to undermine the legitimacy of encryption. Encryption is not a source of evil. All the research supports this.

Alex Linton, spokesperson for the OPTF

The OPTF is funding development for additional technology including decentralised networks and onion-routing which can be used in conjunction with end-to-end encryption to help protect people’s security and privacy online.

October 21, 2021 will mark the first annual Global Encryption Day around the world. The OPTF is a registered Australian not-for-profit and a signee of this year’s Global Encryption Day Statement and is striving to build technology which supports and enhances existing encryption techniques.

The OPTF is the developer of an end-to-end encrypted messenger called Session. Session uses onion-routing, end-to-end encryption, and decentralised networking to provide extreme anonymity, privacy, and security in a mainstream messaging application.

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Coinjar Press Release

CoinJar Applauds Proposed Australian Cryptocurrency Regulations

Melbourne, 20 October 2021: CoinJar, Australia’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange, today announced its support for the recommendations of the Select Committee on Australia as a Technology and Financial Centre’s (ATFC) report on the country’s emerging digital assets industry.

CoinJar worked extensively with Fintech Australia and Blockchain Australia on their submissions and are pleased that Senator Andrew Bragg and his team have taken on the concerns of the crypto industry in putting together their report.

We applaud the ATFC for the forward-thinking approach they’ve taken with this proposed regulatory framework. CoinJar is committed to offering people a safe and positive experience when it comes to investing in cryptocurrency and we believe that effective regulation is the best way to achieve this.

Asher Tan, CEO of CoinJar

As one of the first cryptocurrency exchanges in the world to receive official registration with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, CoinJar is pleased to see an even more expansive approach taken here with separate licences for both crypto marketplaces and custodians.

We’re also pleased with the focus on the issue of debanking of crypto companies and participants, as well as the proposed tax concessions for renewable energy usage and new legal definitions for DAOs (decentralised autonomous organisations). These measures will help bring certainty to the local industry and will help spur a healthy and globally competitive start-up scene.

From a consumer perspective, we welcome the suggested changes to the CGT treatment of cryptocurrencies – a long-standing disincentive to innovation and adoption. The dynamic and multi-functional nature of cryptoassets demands a more nuanced approach to questions of taxation, and we’re happy to finally see these concerns recognised at such a high level.

Says Tan: “In our view, the ATFC report strikes a commendably optimistic tone that sees blockchain technology as the historic innovation that it is – and one that comes with matching opportunities and risks.

“Blockchain technology will be at the heart of Web 3.0 – the new Internet. The ATFC report helps position Australia to take full advantage of this multi-billion-dollar opportunity.”                       

About CoinJar                                              

CoinJar is the simplest way to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Founded in 2013, and operating in both Australia and the UK, our mission is to create best-in-class apps and products that make it easy for customers to access and use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and more.

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Bitrefill Press Release

Bitrefill & Binance Formalise Integration

Now you can use over 40 altcoins via Binance Pay to purchase 4500+ gift cards and mobile refills available in 170 countries from Bitrefill, to help you easily live on crypto.

Bitrefill’s Binance Pay integration may be the most powerful combination in existence for exiting banks gracefully.

Bitrefill is proud to announce one of our most exciting partnerships ever, with the world’s most popular cryptocurrency trading platform, Binance. We’re launching a new integration that will allow Bitrefill and Binance users to purchase over 4500 gift cards and mobile refills, worldwide, by selecting Binance Pay as the newest Bitrefill payment option or by accessing Bitrefill from the Binance App, in the marketplace you can access by swiping down in the Pro mode.

Binance Pay is a contactless, borderless and secure cryptocurrency payment technology designed by Binance. Binance Pay allows you to pay and get paid in crypto from friends and family worldwide.

This paves the way for blazingly fast, cheap payments, and offers over 40 new altcoin options that were previously unavailable for making purchases at Bitrefill.

Binance users will gain access to thousands of gift cards and mobile refills directly within the Binance app, for an effortless way to turn virtual currency gains into real goods and services.

Bitrefill’s complete product catalogue will now appear within the Binance Pay app as a widget that lets you select and purchase any of our 4500+ gift cards and mobile refills, instantly, using one of the 40+ crypto payment options available within Binance Pay.

Many crypto adopters in emerging economies rely on Binance and Binance Pay in order to turn their earnings or remittances paid in bitcoin or stablecoins into local fiat.

Bitrefill provides products and services that allow anyone, anywhere to convert crypto into merchant credit from the best brands. Bitrefill.com provides a catalogue of gift cards, prepaid phone refills, and Lightning Network services that can be purchased with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies worldwide.

By using Bitcoin and Lightning Network technology, we provide a safe and private user experience with instant digital delivery to anywhere in the world. You only need to provide an email address to receive a receipt, voucher codes if applicable, and customer service.

To learn more, check out our Bitrefill review.

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Independent Reserve Press Release

Independent Reserve Becomes First Australian Cryptocurrency Exchange Licensed in Singapore

Cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve has today received approval for a Major Payment Institution Licence in Singapore, making it the first and only Australian virtual asset service provider available to retail and institutional investors in Singapore.

The approval was granted following a rigorous review of Independent Reserve by the local regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, focused on customer protection mechanisms, transaction screening and compliance structures, as well as information technology services.

CEO Adrian Przelozny said he was delighted to receive the approval and proud that an Australian company had been selected, beating over 170 global exchanges to receive the coveted licence. He added Singapore’s well-regulated environment would allay investor protection concerns around the safe custody of assets, KYC requirements, and market manipulation – making it easier to provide cryptocurrency services to retail and institutional investors that wish to trade digital assets.

A well-regulated environment will benefit both investors and crypto industry stakeholders. With tailormade rules for the crypto industry, Singapore has the clearest and most detailed licensing requirements of any jurisdiction in Asia. And now, Independent Reserve is one of the first fully licensed crypto exchanges available to Singaporeans, enabling them to quickly and securely use their SGD to get in and out of crypto.

Adrian Przelozny, CEO Independent Reserve

“There are real opportunities for Australia to learn from Singapore’s thorough approach to crypto industry licensing. Currently, there are no custodian requirements for digital asset exchanges in Australia. We’d like to see, and have been pushing for, appropriate legislation to be introduced locally that will support the industry and provide protection for investors,” he said.

Established in Australia in 2013, Independent Reserve embarked on its international expansion plans in late 2019, setting up its first overseas operations in Singapore to provide digital asset exchange and OTC trading services to people and institutions.

Independent Reserve provides SGD, AUD, USD and NZD fiat-to-crypto trading pairs. The licence is a major step forward for individuals and companies in Singapore looking for an easy and trusted onramp into cryptocurrency.

About Independent Reserve

Established in 2013, Independent Reserve is Australia’s most trusted cryptocurrency order book exchange and OTC trading desk. Over 200,000 customers from Singapore, Australia and New Zealand trust Independent Reserve to easily buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and other major cryptocurrencies. Independent Reserve offers a range of innovative features, including AutoTrader, OTC trading desk, API integration and world-class security

About The Major Payment Institution Licence

The Monetary Authority of Singapore licensure approval was granted under the Payment Services Act for Independent Reserve to operate as a regulated provider for Digital Payment Token Services.

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Coinjar Press Release Regulation

Crypto Exchange Coinjar Paves the Way for Regulation in Australia by Securing Financial Conduct Authority Registration in the UK

Melbourne, September 30, 2021: Australia’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange CoinJar has become one of the first in the world to be officially registered by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Cryptoasset Exchange Provider and Custodian Wallet Provider, as per the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 (MLRs). 

CoinJar, which is based in Melbourne, is now advocating for a similar licence to be implemented in Australia to help build corporate and consumer confidence and monitor cryptocurrency businesses at large.

The UK is a world leader in fintech and a progressive regulator, so we are very pleased to have received this recognition as part of our commitment to offering people a safe and positive experience of buying and selling digital currencies. With the establishment of the UK-Australia Fintech bridge, we hope that a similar scheme is replicated here via ASIC and AUSTRAC, with learnings from the two-year process taken into account.

Asher Tan, CEO, CoinJar

Tan continues: “As the industry grows and innovates at a rapid pace, it’s vital that legitimate businesses are nurtured further while cowboy operators are swiftly removed to prevent reputational damage to the industry caused by consumer scams and fraudulent behaviour.  Cryptocurrency is not the Wild West, it’s here for good. Regulation brings long-term certainty and a wealth of investment and job opportunities to the market.”

With CoinJar embracing innovation and regulation in equal measure, it has been collaborating with the government on future legislation through industry-led submissions. CoinJar is a member of Blockchain Australia, which champions the adoption of blockchain technology by industry and governments across the country, as well as Fintech Australia, the country’s peak advocacy body for fintech. 

Tan continues: “While we are willing, ready and organised for cryptocurrency regulation in Australia, until it is brought into effect we aim to set the benchmark for best-practice in self-regulation by adhering to the spirit of the FCA obligations on home soil.” 

The FCA approval means that CoinJar will be an attractive partner for more companies and neobanks. Following the recent launch of the CoinJar Card Mastercard, which allows users to spend the crypto in their wallet like cash, online and in-store, a number of ASX 500 partnerships are currently being finalised. A range of new products is also set to be unveiled this year, including a white label service for businesses that will provide state-of-the-art backend digital currency processing. 

Last week, CoinJar made its AFL Grand Final debut through its partnership with the Melbourne Demons, whilst in London, it has signed a sponsorship agreement with Brentford Football Club, who have made a winning start in their debut English Premier League season.  

To find out more, visit coinjar.com/au.