Animoca Brands Reports US$402 Million Bookings for 2022

Animoca Brands, a leading figure in the realms of digital entertainment and blockchain technology, has unveiled its financial performance for the year ending 31 December 2022, providing a comprehensive insight into its achievements and future prospects.

The company’s financial health appears robust, with bookings escalating to a commendable A$594 million (approximately US$402 million). This figure represents a significant uptick from the A$428 million (around US$291 million) reported in the previous year. Such bookings are not just mere numbers; they encapsulate the company’s diverse ventures, including token sales, NFT (Non-Fungible Token) sales, and other activities that don’t necessarily fall under the blockchain umbrella.

Diving deeper into their financial reservoir, Animoca Brands has showcased a strong liquidity position. Their cash and stablecoin reserves are pegged at A$286 million (approximately US$191 million). Furthermore, the company’s liquid digital assets, which comprise reserves of the SAND utility token used predominantly in The Sandbox platform, are valued at a substantial A$690 million (roughly US$469 million). Such figures not only highlight the company’s financial prowess but also underscore its strategic investments in digital assets, which are becoming increasingly pivotal in today’s digital age.

Another noteworthy mention is the off-balance sheet token reserves associated with Animoca Brands’ majority-owned Web3 subsidiaries. These reserves have reached a staggering A$2.4 billion (about US$1.6 billion). This includes an array of tokens such as PROS, ASTRAFER, QUIDD, PRIMATE, REVV, TOWER, GMEE, and several others, reflecting the company’s diversified approach in the rapidly evolving blockchain space.

In terms of business expansion, 2022 was a landmark year for Animoca Brands. The company strategically acquired six firms, broadening its portfolio and fortifying its position in the market. These acquisitions include industry players like Grease Monkey Games, known for its prowess in game development, and PIXELYNX, a unique music metaverse gaming platform. Such acquisitions are a testament to Animoca’s vision of integrating diverse digital platforms to offer unparalleled user experiences.

The introduction of Web3 services by Animoca Brands in 2022 is a significant stride towards bridging the gap between traditional web platforms (Web2) and blockchain-based platforms (Web3). With this venture, the company aims to guide other businesses in seamlessly integrating tokens and NFTs into their existing models. This initiative alone contributed a whopping US$120 million to the total bookings for the year, underscoring its success and potential for future growth.

On the leadership front, the company has infused fresh talent into its senior management. The induction of industry stalwarts like Alan Lau, Minh Do, and Jared Shaw is expected to steer the company towards newer horizons.

Product development has also been in the limelight, with Blowfish Studios’ “Phantom Galaxies” making waves by securing US$19.3 million from its Planet Private Sale.

In conclusion, Animoca Brands, with its recognition from industry giants like Deloitte and the Financial Times, continues to shape the digital landscape. Its vast portfolio, strategic acquisitions, and focus on innovation position it as a formidable player in the digital property rights domain and the burgeoning open metaverse.

Binance Announces Cessation of The Sandbox NFT Staking and Polygon Network Support

Binance NFT announced critical changes to its platform. As of September 26, 2023, at 06:00 (UTC), the platform will halt The Sandbox NFT Staking Program. This move results from a strategic decision to optimize the Binance NFT Marketplace’s product line-up.

According to the details provided:

Staking LAND NFTs, currently hosted on the Polygon Network, for daily SAND rewards will be suspended from 2023-09-26 06:00 (UTC).

All LAND NFTs staked on the platform will undergo an automatic unstaking process on September 27, 2023 (UTC). Users can expect the return of their staked LAND NFTs to their Binance accounts by September 28, 2023, at 02:00 (UTC). Furthermore, the final distribution of daily SAND rewards will transpire post this time.

Binance NFT also revealed another significant update concerning the Polygon Network. Starting from September 26, 2023, at 06:00 (UTC), the platform will cease support for the Polygon Network. Consequently, Binance NFT Marketplace users holding NFTs on the Polygon Network are advised to complete their withdrawals by December 31, 2023, at 23:59 (UTC). More specific guidance for affected users will be dispatched subsequently.

Post this deadline, activities such as buying, depositing, offering, or listing NFTs from the Polygon Network on Binance NFT Marketplace will be restricted. Simultaneously, any existing listings linked to the Polygon Network will be automatically nullified at 2023-09-26 06:00 (UTC), with the related NFTs being returned to the users’ accounts by September 28, 2023, at 02:00 (UTC).

While Binance NFT extended its apologies for any potential inconvenience, users seeking further clarity can direct their queries to Binance’s Customer Support or consult the platform’s guides.

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HKMA Initiates Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox Program

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has officially unveiled its stablecoin issuer sandbox arrangement, marking a significant move in the burgeoning sphere of fintech. Announced on March 12, 2024, this development is set to propel Hong Kong to the forefront of stablecoin innovation while ensuring a controlled environment for risk assessment and regulatory compliance.

The new program aligns with the HKMA’s ongoing consultation on a legislative proposal that aims to set up a comprehensive regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers. Through the sandbox arrangement, the authority seeks to establish clear supervisory expectations and gather valuable feedback from industry participants regarding the proposed regulatory framework.

In order to join the sandbox, applicants must demonstrate a sincere interest in establishing a stablecoin issuance business in Hong Kong, backed by a plausible business plan. The operations carried out within the sandbox are to be kept within a defined scope and executed in a manner that ensures manageable risks. Details concerning the sandbox framework are outlined in an annex made available by the HKMA.

The HKMA will maintain and regularly update a list of sandbox participants on its website, ensuring transparency and openness in the process. Mr. Eddie Yue, the Chief Executive of the HKMA, emphasized the sandbox as a crucial conduit for dialogue between the regulatory body and industry stakeholders. The goal is to create regulatory requirements that are both effective and risk-sensitive, fostering a stable yet dynamic environment for stablecoin issuance.

This initiative by the HKMA is a part of a broader global trend where financial authorities are working to strike a balance between fostering technological innovation and ensuring financial stability and consumer protection in the digital assets space. The sandbox approach has become a popular tool among regulators, providing a practical platform for real-world testing of new financial technologies under regulatory supervision.

The announcement follows a series of measures by global financial centers to accommodate the growing interest in cryptocurrencies and related financial services, while guarding against the risks that these new technologies pose. The move by the HKMA is expected to attract fintech entrepreneurs looking for a supportive and clear regulatory environment to develop their stablecoin projects.

As stablecoins continue to gain traction due to their potential to improve payment efficiency and reduce volatility compared to traditional cryptocurrencies, regulatory bodies are taking note. The HKMA’s sandbox initiative will not only support innovation but also ensure that such developments occur within a framework that protects the integrity of the financial system and its participants.

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