Australia
Australian Traders Favor Stocks and Crypto, TradingView Survey Shows
Cryptocurrency was beaten as the top investors' choice by stocks, but only by 3%.

Australian Securities Exchange May Launch First Crypto ETF This Year: Report
The ASX said it is “spending an enormous amount of time” on digital assets.

ASEAN+1 Pledge to Advance Blockchain; PayPal to Launch Wallet in China
Blockchain and fintech groups in five ASEAN countries and Australia sign memos to advance blockchain innovation together. The consortium hopes to engage regional regulators as blockchain draws more attention from institutions. PayPal announces plans to launch a new domestic wallet in China, with a focus on cross-border payments.

Major Australian Fintech Firm May Offer Crypto Trading: Report
Zip's co-founder did not specify when the offering would launch or whether services for stocks would be released before cryptocurrency.

Aussie Beer Can Now Be Exchanged for Excess Solar in New Program Involving Blockchain
The program has been developed in partnership with Victoria Bitter, retailer Diamond Energy and blockchain startup Power Ledger.

First Crypto Fraud Case in Australia Involving $800K in Stolen Assets Filed to Federal Court
A French national is accusing Modern Assets of failing to perform the necessary research before connecting him with a mysterious seller who made off with his cash and crypto.

Crypto.com Expanding Payment Card to Australia After Becoming Visa Principal Member
Crypto.com is now a principal member of Visa's Australia network.

Australia Considering a Blockchain-Based Digital Currency
Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Phillip Lowe said the central bank is considering a blockchain-based digital currency. "The Hash" panel weighs in on the state of crypto investing in Australia and what kind of impact an Australian central bank digital currency (CBDC) would have on the market and economy.

Australia's Government Allocates $5.3M for Blockchain Pilot Projects
The money will be spent on two pilot projects intended to show how cost reductions in regulatory compliance are possible with the use of blockchain.

Australian Bitcoin Mining Firm Iris Energy Doubles Pre-IPO Fundraising Target
The Sydney-based data center provider now aims to raise investment of AUS$40 million (US$31 million).
