● New York regulators demand higher standards for cryptocurrency listings and delistings

According to the Wall Street Journal, New York regulators are requiring higher standards for the listing and delisting of cryptocurrencies. The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) released a proposed guide designed to guide cryptocurrency companies on how to draft token listing and delisting policies. As part of the proposal, NYDFS requires cryptocurrency companies registered in the state to submit new token listing and delisting policies. The proposed legislation will be open for public comments until October 20.

The new regulatory framework proposed in the guideline requires cryptocurrency companies to reflect three aspects in their listing policies: governance of the listing process; risk assessment of tokens; and procedures for monitoring tokens. Delisting policies require companies to detail how they decide to delist tokens, including the types of events that may prompt delisting and execution plans, such as notifying customers in advance and developing an impact analysis.

● Kazakhstan’s central bank establishes regulatory agency NPC to be responsible for CBDC development and implementation

According to Cointelegraph, the Central Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has established an independent entity to lead the development and implementation of the digital tenge. According to an official statement on September 15, the Kazakhstan Interbank Payment Center will be reorganized into the National Payment Company (NPC). This new agency will oversee the national payment system, including interbank clearing services, transfers, and digital identity recognition, in addition to being responsible for the development of "digital financial infrastructure", including the implementation of the digital tenge. The development of the digital tenge began in February 2023, and the launch deadline is set for 2025.

Currently, Kazakhstan's CBDC pilot is in the controlled environment pilot phase, with real consumers and merchants participating. Binance is one of the main partners of the project, supporting the pilot through its technical solution BNB Chain. Previously, Binance launched a regulated digital asset platform in Kazakhstan in June. Binance obtained a license from the AIFC Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in October 2022 to provide custody services.

● Lido community voted to add 7 Ethereum operators

According to BlockBeats, the Snapshot page shows that the Lido community has voted to approve the "Add 7 Ethereum Operators" proposal, with a final approval rate of 99.99%. The proposal aims to enhance decentralization and resilience, and introduce new organizations with strong skills and in line with Lido's values. Next, the Lido community will conduct an on-chain Aragon vote on October 3, 2023 to add 7 node operators to the Curated Operator Set.

● Blockchain Capital raises $580 million for two new crypto investment funds

According to The Block, Blockchain Capital has raised $580 million for two new crypto investment funds, which will focus on investing in crypto startups in infrastructure, gaming, DeFi, consumer and social sectors. The company announced in an announcement today that the two funds are the sixth early-stage venture fund and the first opportunity fund, respectively, and investors include payment giant Visa. Visa and PayPal also invested in Blockchain Capital's fifth fund (with a size of $300 million) in 2021.

● Citigroup launches deposit tokenization service for institutional clients

According to Bloomberg, Citigroup has launched a deposit tokenization service for institutional clients. The product will be based on a private blockchain controlled by the bank. Customers do not need to set up their own digital wallets, but can access the service through the bank's existing system.

● Microsoft: Help Hong Kong companies introduce AI financial technology and has cooperated with virtual bank Livi Bank and virtual insurance company OneDegree

According to Sing Tao Daily, Microsoft said it has assisted a number of Hong Kong financial institutions in introducing AI-driven financial technology into their work. Specific application areas include regulatory compliance, customer service, and insurance pricing and underwriting. According to Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau General Manager Shanshan Chan, 800 of Microsoft’s 3,900 startup partners in Hong Kong are financial technology companies.

In addition, Microsoft cooperated with virtual bank livi bank and virtual insurance company OneDegree in March and June this year, respectively, to help these financial institutions improve work efficiency and customer experience with the help of AI. Previously, Microsoft also joined hands with Shenzhen technology company Sifang Jingchuang and Bank of East Asia to launch an AI-driven compliance application platform and a Web3.0 platform. The former can automatically collect compliance data and related document records, while the latter is used to simplify the use of digital currency.