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Japanese crypto exchange hit by estimated $94 mln hack

London-based blockchain analysis firm Elliptic said digital addresses identified by Liquid as belonging to the thief had totalled over $94 million , including $45 million in tokens connected to the Ethereum blockchain.

The hacker or hackers is converting these tokens to the ether cryptocurrency via so-called decentralised – peer-to-peer – exchanges, Elliptic said, adding that it was aiding Liquid in tracking the stolen funds.

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China’s planned anti-sanctions law for Hong Kong unsettles financial sector

Under the planned law, if financial institutions in Hong Kong implement U.S. sanctions, they may be exposed to legal risk in Hong Kong for doing so, financial sector executives and lawyers said.

“Many foreign multinational companies are asking about the impact of the anti-foreign sanctions law, especially international banks and financial institutions,” said Shaun Wu, a Hong Kong-based partner at law firm Paul Hastings.

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Japanese general insurance industry to reach $133.1bn in 2025, forecasts GlobalData

Motor insurance is the largest segment in the Japanese general insurance industry with 51.5% of GWP in 2020. It is forecasted to grow by 1.4% in 2021 against the decline of -3.6% in 2020, backed by improved vehicle sales. According to the Japan Auto Manufacture Association (JAMA), new vehicle registrations during January-April 2021 increased by 4.2% as compared to same period in 2020.

The segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.7% during 2020-2025. The launch of fully autonomous vehicles targeting local and global markets as well as expansion of electric car market is expected to drive growth of the motor insurance segment during the forecast period

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China passes sweeping data privacy law, toughens regulation on tech companies

Xinhua also reported that the law will create stronger regulation of China’s public surveillance system, requiring the disclosure and labelling of hardware used in identifying people in public places. Collected data can only be used for maintaining public safety, the news agency said. China operates a vast network of cameras, backed by advanced facial recognition and AI-driven technology, to control crime but also to check identities in subways, schools and office buildings.

The law also stipulates that companies cannot use personal data to target individuals for marketing, according to state broadcaster CCTV. And firms must provide easy ways for users to opt-out of targeted marketing, reported CNN. CCTV also reported that sensitive personal information — such as biometrics, health care and financial accounts — should only be processed with the individual’s consent.

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Nearly 1Bln children at ‘extremely high risk’ globally because of climate change: UNICEF

“Approximately one billion children, nearly half the world’s 2.2 billion children – live in one of the 33 countries classified as ‘extremely high-risk’,” UNICEF said. The risk factors considered in the study included flooding, cyclones, heatwaves, water scarcity, air pollution, lead pollution, and infectious diseases.

“Climate and environmental shocks are undermining the complete spectrum of children’s rights, from access to clean air, food, and safe water; to education, housing, freedom from exploitation, and even their right to survive. Virtually no child’s life will be unaffected,” UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said.

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Natural disasters spurred by climate volatility remain a focus area for Asian reinsurers:Fitch

The protection gap signals vast potential for reinsurance growth, but Asian reinsurers face challenges in enhancing their risk mitigation capability and managing premium pricing adjustments in light of the frequent catastrophe losses.

The Covid-19 pandemic has dampened Asia’s economic growth and development, but it has also raised the importance and demand for reinsurance.

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Extreme heat growing health issue; killed 356,000 people in 2019: Study

“The effects extreme heat exposure can have on the body present a clear and growing global health issue,” said Ollie Jay, a professor from the University of Sydney, and a co-author of the Heat and Health report.
The findings echo another report, a two-part series called “Heat and Health” that was also published in The Lancet this week. It calls for global warming to be limited to 2.7 degrees F, in line with the Paris Climate Accords, to reduce heat-related mortality in the future. Otherwise, deaths will increase further and extreme heat will also lessen worker productivity and exacerbate other environmental challenges, such as wildfires, researchers said.

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