Showing 1 - 10 of 42
Russian moves block UN probe of North Korea
Oped, Published on 05/04/2024
» In a classic under-the-political radar ploy, Russia has vetoed a UN committee investigating North Korean nuclear missile and banking sanctions violations. The low-profile but highly significant sanctions committee regularly monitors illicit actions by Pyongyang to develop, improve and implement the regime's nuclear weapons and offensive missile programmes.
The rise of consumer cryptocurrency
News, Published on 26/02/2024
» Since its inception with the launch of Bitcoin in 2008, blockchain technology has gone through numerous cycles of public attention. Over time, growing interest and investment in the best-known cryptocurrencies has led to greater acceptance, as highlighted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded fund) in January. While blockchains and their associated "crypto" assets have yet to be adopted by a truly broad base of consumers, that is starting to change, owing to a shift in how these technologies are being used.
Police must inspire trust
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/11/2023
» The idea of inviting Chinese police to conduct joint patrols with Thai officers at some popular tourist attractions has raised eyebrows.
Industry rules are broken, not cryptocurrencies
News, Published on 31/08/2023
» When the Venetian merchant Marco Polo travelled the Silk Road in the thirteenth century, he encountered not only unfamiliar peoples, but also new (to him) forms of finance. In China, he was shocked to learn that Kublai Khan had introduced paper money. It was lighter, easier to transfer and store, and more valuable than the metal coins packed in his purse. After returning to Venice, Marco Polo taught his fellow merchants how to use the Khan's innovation. Even though some rejected the flat, foldable currency, arguing that it was no gold and never would be, paper money would change the world.
Small entities can tackle big challenges
Oped, Published on 25/01/2023
» It takes a village to raise a child. But the enormity and frequency of current socio-economic woes require not just villages, but entire towns, cities and countries to raise the lot of humankind.
Ghost papers cast pall
News, Editorial, Published on 16/01/2023
» The alleged misconduct of two university lecturers for using "ghostwritten" research papers for boosting their academic profiles and getting financial reimbursement is casting doubt on the image of higher education institutions.
Crypto's path to deep crisis is well-worn
News, Published on 05/12/2022
» Swiftly rising interest rates have punctured the cryptocurrency bubble, exposing fragility, bad governance and even fraud in many corners, most notably at the crypto exchange FTX. And FTX's spectacular collapse comes on the heels of other recent failures in the cryptosphere, such as Terra-Luna, Three Arrows Capital or Voyager Digital. No one should be surprised -- not even at how many people were surprised.
FTX saga shows not all ends justify means
Oped, Peter Singer, Published on 30/11/2022
» In the wake of the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, and amid reports that FTX's founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, diverted billions of dollars of clients' funds, some observers have linked the alleged financial malpractice to ideas widely held within the "effective altruism" movement, which Mr Bankman-Fried says inspired him. More specifically, they point to the ethical view that the end justifies the means.
Risk of global financial crisis spiking
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 03/11/2022
» I am writing this article in Tokyo. Judging from my walks around the city during the past week, and despite the fact everyone is wearing face masks, it's like Covid has vanished. Subways and trains are jam-packed and shopping areas are full of people. However, the pandemic has left some scars. Many shops have gone under, including my favourite 50-year-old sushi restaurant.
Crypto scam alarms ring
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/09/2022
» The widespread impact of cryptocurrency investment scams that have hit the headlines in recent weeks highlights the need for improved financial literacy among investors, especially the young, as well as tougher regulations to prevent these financial crimes.