Grapes Finance enables individuals and businesses to access blockchain-powered treasury management solutions, now including cost-effective custody in the user's legal title, provided by Balance
CEOs from two of the biggest crypto firms in the world are giving a nod of approval to Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin’s idea for how exchanges can maintain transparency for their customers.
Crypto investment firm Grayscale won't show proof of reserves after bitcoin and ether products fall to new all-time lows.
Cryptocurrency trading company FTX is formally seeking protection from its creditors and entered bankruptcy proceedings. The company's founder, chair and CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, has also resigned, the company announced.
Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Web3, Decentralization, DAOs
Stablecorp and Balance Partner to Enable Individuals and Businesses to Access Secure Blockchain Treasury Management Solutions
Stablecorp | Release | Nov 22, 2022
Grapes Finance enables individuals and businesses to access blockchain-powered treasury management solutions, now including cost-effective custody in the user's legal title, provided by Balance
- Stablecorp and Balance, two leading blockchain financial service providers, today announced a partnership which allows users of Stablecorp's treasury management platform, Grapes Finance, to seamlessly access Balance's institutional grade custody solution, Balance Custody.
- Grapes offers its users a powerful platform for treasury management which provides access to foreign exchange and global payments systems in digital assets and fiat currencies and select access to yield and credit products via an integrated portal built on blockchain rails enabling enhanced transparency and control.
- Through this partnership, Grapes Finance users can now seamlessly onboard with Balance Custody and establish digital wallets in their own name while retaining control over these wallets through Grapes Finance's front end.
See: Crypto Payments Report 2022: How digital currencies are revolutionizing commerce, corporates and culture
- Pilot User: As an early adopter in the space, law firm Wildeboer Dellelce LLP has opened a Grapes Finance account and enabled integration with Balance Custody, empowering them to accept payments for legal services in select digital assets.
- These payments settle directly into the firm's wallet, secured by Balance's SOC 2 certified infrastructure, and can be held natively as digital assets or converted into fiat through Grapes' fiat offramp engines.
Alex McDougall, CEO of Stablecorp:
We believe this partnership ushers in a new standard for custody for both individual and small to medium-sized business users that is desperately needed in the market. Currently, opaque commingled arrangements, complicated self-custody, or high monthly minimums for dedicated custody infrastructure are the only options available. Having access to zero monthly minimums, retaining full legal title, and having one-click access to treasury management functionality as offered through this partnership will be a complete game changer for these users, and more broadly, for the entire industry. While 'not your keys, not your crypto' might not be realistic to achieve in onboarding the next generation of scaled digital asset users, 'not your legal title, not your crypto' most certainly is.
See: SWIFT Partners With Chainlink to Help Bridge TradFi Institutions with Digital Assets
George Bordianu, CEO of Balance:
Traditionally, end-user assets are held at the custodian in the name of an intermediary such as a broker-dealer. Users do not retain the legal title, nor can they directly access their assets independent of such intermediaries. There's no reason to keep doing that in this day and age. We're extremely excited to introduce this new model in partnership with Stablecorp, and to enable Wildeboer Dellelce and hopefully many others to take direct ownership and control over their digital assets.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Having Safe CEX: CZ and Brian Armstrong Support Vitalik’s Idea for Transparency
Daily Hodl | | Nov 21, 2022
CEOs from two of the biggest crypto firms in the world are giving a nod of approval to Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin’s idea for how exchanges can maintain transparency for their customers.
- Buterin suggested a system where users can verify their personal balances through a Merkle Tree, protected with the privacy of a zk-SNARK (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive argument of knowledge).
- Merkle Trees help encode blockchain data more efficiently and securely and can assist in quickly verifying information without revealing an entire data set. KZGs are a type of polynomial commitment scheme that allow verifiers to confirm claimed evaluations.
- Responding to Buterin’s proposal, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong thanked the Ethereum co-founder and said on-chain accounting will be important for the industry moving forward.
- Meanwhile, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao says he is working on Buterin’s new ideas.
See: Grayscale Won’t Share Proof of Reserves | Bitvo Escapes FTX | (Some) DeFi Platforms Benefit from CEX Exodus
Vitalik Buterin:
“In the longer-term future, my hope is that we move closer and closer to all exchanges being non-custodial, at least on the crypto side. Wallet recovery would exist, and there may need to be highly centralized recovery options for new users dealing with small amounts, as well as institutions that require such arrangements for legal reasons, but this can be done at the wallet layer rather than within the exchange itself.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Grayscale Won’t Share Proof of Reserves | Bitvo Escapes FTX | (Some) DeFi Platforms Benefit from CEX Exodus
The Block | Stephanie Murray | Nov 20, 2022
Crypto investment firm Grayscale won't show proof of reserves after bitcoin and ether products fall to new all-time lows.
- The firm acknowledged its decision to keep its reserve information private would be a “disappointment” to some investors.
- Crypto firms are being pressed to show more information about their reserves after crypto behemoth FTX filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this month.
See: CB Insights: FTX ‘Bagholders’ — Investments and M&A Portfolio Map
- Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) hit a record low on Thursday, as did its ETHE product. The firm’s parent company, Digital Currency Group, has brushed off contagion fears after the shocking collapse of FTX. At the same time, however, another entity affiliated with Grayscale recently halted withdrawals. Genesis Global Capital is linked to Grayscale through Digital Currency Group.
“Due to security concerns, we do not make such on-chain wallet information and confirmation information publicly available through a cryptographic Proof-of-Reserve, or other advanced cryptographic accounting procedure,” Grayscale said Friday afternoon on Twitter.
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Global News | Canadian Press, Staff | Nov 15, 2022
Calgary-based Bitvo Escapes FTX Acquisition
- Canadian crypto trading platform Bitvo Inc. says its deal to be acquired by FTX, the crypto-exchange giant that collapsed last week and filed for bankruptcy, will not go ahead. The company says that “in light of recent events” that its shareholder, Pateno Payments Inc., terminated its agreement with FTX Canada Inc. and FTX Trading Ltd.
- Bitvo said Tuesday it has no material exposure to FTX or any of its affiliated entities.
- It noted that it operates on a full reserve basis, meaning it does not lend customer funds, a requirement of its regulatory status.
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The Tyee | David Climenhaga | Nov 15, 2022
Calgary’s Winter of Crypto-Despair
- [In February 2022], who can forget the United Conservative Party government’s throne speech that month? “New legislation will solidify Alberta’s position as a modern electricity powerhouse and a magnet for investment in emerging technology like data storage and cryptocurrency,” it promised.
- In March, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Doug Schweitzer bragged that companies operating in the “crypto space” had shown “immense interest” in the government’s big ideas.
See: Alberta-based Binance Canada expects to return to Ontario by 2024
- In April, the Financial Innovation Act received royal assent. The act, the government boasted, created a “regulatory sandbox” for crypto bros — that is, “a ‘safe space’ in which companies can test innovative products or services, without immediately meeting all regulatory requirements.”
- “Alberta’s regulatory sandbox signals that Alberta is willing to work with and support innovators with cutting-edge products, like blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies,” the government’s description went on.
- And in June, Premier Kenney tweeted enthusiastically about a Calgary-based crypto company launch.
It’s always the best of times in Alberta; it’s always the worst of times.
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Cointelegraph | Prashant Jha | Nov 18, 2022
A new report from Delphi Digital suggests DEX platforms gained 24% volume in the wake of the FTX collapse whereas CEX basket is down 2%
- Decentralized perpetual exchanges see increased trading volume
- Combined with the migration away from centralized exchanges (CEXs), the volatile crypto market has users trading in record numbers.
- While trading volume increased, the total value locked in DeFi lags
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Designing 3D Games Using the Latest Game Creation Software Tools
Guest Post | November 21, 2022
Image: Kevuru Games
The 3D game and level design is one of the most complex fields in game development. It requires a lot of skills and knowledge to produce a top-notch product.
The 3d game design and level design is an art. It requires a lot of creativity, decision making and experience to get it right. 3D game design is a highly complex and challenging art. In order to create a game that will attract the attention of the players, the designers must take into account all the aspects of game development. This includes not only the graphics but also its gameplay, audio, and even its story. These are some of the most important factors that need to be taken into account in order to create an exciting gaming experience.
Game design is a complex and multidimensional process. It needs to be done in a way that the game can be played by multiple people, but at the same time it should be something that would keep players engaged for long enough to make them feel like they are winning. With the use of 3D modeling software, designers can create 3D models for a game.
3D Modeling Software and Design Studio
3D modeling software is a very popular tool for game designers. There are many 3D modeling software options available for game developers. Some of them provide feature-rich tools that make it easy to create high quality 3D models at a low cost. They can use it to create 3D models of objects and characters for their games. The software provides a lot of features that can be used to create more realistic and beautiful models, such as lighting, shadows, textures and materials.
Game creation software tools like Construct2, GameMaker Studio and Unity are used to create games. These tools help users to create a game in the real world and on any device or platform. A platform called "3D Game Creator" is the first tool that comes with support for both PC and mobile platforms. The platform allows users to create their own 3D games and share them on Facebook, Twitter or any other social network. This tool was released in March 2018. The 3d character designer is a browser-based, open source game creation tool that allows you to create and share your own 3D games. It's easy to use and fun to play!
GameMaker Studio 2 will be released soon which will be the most powerful tool for creating 3D games ever. It will allow you to create your own worlds and characters with just a few clicks of your mouse.
See: Future of Web3 Gaming: Play-to-Own (Ecosystems)
3D game creator is a new cutting edge technology that can create 3D graphic assets in your browser. It's the first step towards the future of game creation.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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CB Insights: FTX ‘Bagholders’ — Investments and M&A Portfolio Map
CB Insights | Nov 18, 2022
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Building Comprehensive Digital Identities in the Metaverse
VentureBeat | Dmytro Spilka, Solvid | Nov 12, 2022
How vast amounts of data will shape our online profiles of the future
- As the metaverse matures, it appears likely that avatars will represent our metaverse “selves,” and direct-to-avatar (D2A) purchases will facilitate a sense of individualism while maintaining a degree of anonymity.
- Although avatars will make users appear anonymous to other metaverse users, regulators are already exploring the challenges that may surround identity and anonymity in virtual spaces. The many avatars and digital currencies that operate within virtual landscapes will be linked back to digital profiles and properties that will be attached to a user’s real identity. Factors like Know Your Customer (KYC) and security will play a central role in ensuring that identities are protected in the challenging new landscape of the metaverse.
See: Digital Identity Protection is Critical for Metaverse Innovation
- Vast quantities of data that a user will produce within the metaverse can help to build a more comprehensive identity online — which ultimately can work to reate a digital footprint that can act as identity within more complex sectors like decentralized finance (DeFi).
- Necessity of trust: Biological readings like blood pressure, eye tracking, breathing rates and even more intimate factors can be used to generate information that can be exploited for marketing or political purposes.
- Selling personal data to advertisers the way social media companies do must be managed more robustly in the age of Web3. Failure to appropriately regulate access to big data could risk rotting the metaverse from the inside out before the technology has a chance to flourish.
- Self-sovereign Identity (SSI) can help to solve data security and privacy issues by removing the necessity of storing personal information in a central database, and allowing users to choose the data they store and share.
Sebastien Borget, co-founder and COO of The Sandbox:
Users will want to bring more than just the visual appearance of their avatar from one virtual world to another. They will also want to carry their online reputation, progression and achievments with them.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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SBF Resigns and FTX Files for Bankruptcy
CBC News | Peter Evans | Nov 11, 2022
Cryptocurrency trading company FTX is formally seeking protection from its creditors and entered bankruptcy proceedings. The company's founder, chair and CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, has also resigned, the company announced.
- Bankrupt: About 130 other companies associated with FTX, including Bankman-Fried's investment firm Alameda Research, have also commenced voluntary proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code," the company said.
- Gone from one of the largest cryptocurrency trading platforms in the world with $16 billion in assets, to insolvency, frozen customers accounts, regulatory and judicial investigations and rumblings of fraud.
See: Binance vs. FTX: Clash of the Titans | CZ Selling FTT Tokens | The Story of SBF’s Backroom Binance Deal and Lessons Learned | Binance Drops Bid to Save Rival | Developing…
- Smoke and mirrors: About a year ago, one FTT token was worth about $80 US. On Monday morning, each one was worth about $22. By Friday morning, they were changing hands for less than $3.
- That's a major red flag, says Charley Cooper, a former chief operating officer with commodity regulator the CFTC, because it means the company is "valuing itself based on something that they invented. The first problem is much of their balance sheet was in the very token they created, which no one really knew how much it was valued at," he said.
- The 30-year-old Bankman-Fried was born in Silicon Valley and lives in the Bahamas, but his crypto empire stretched all the way to Canada. The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan participated in a funding round for FTX as recently as 2021, with a stake of roughly $95 million.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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