Solana’s Largest DeFi Protocol Blocks UK Users

Hi NoRamp Community,

Daily News:

Ready Player Me to Launch Branded Character Skins

Marinade Blocks UK Users

Worldcoin Rotates Reward Token Scheme

Ready Player Me to Launch Branded Character Skins:

• Ready Player Me is launching a Premium Skins Catalog, featuring branded character skins in collaboration with major brands like Rovio, Warner Music Group, and Virtual Brand Group, which licensed "The Voice" IP. This platform enables game developers to create and sell custom skins directly to users.

• The digital avatar platform aims to connect with younger audiences through these collaborations, offering a range of virtual fashion items and accessories. Sales in digital worlds have been particularly successful among younger demographics, generating significant revenue.

• This initiative is part of a broader trend of major brands exploring digital assets and NFTs, with several participating companies having previous experience in the space. Ready Player Me's move signifies the increasing intersection of gaming, music, and digital merchandise.

Solana’s Largest DeFi Protocol Blocks UK Users:

• Marinade Finance, the largest decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol on the Solana blockchain, has started blocking access for users in the United Kingdom due to compliance concerns with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations. This move follows similar actions by other crypto businesses in the region, including Bybit, PayPal, Luno, and Binance.

• Despite the restrictions, UK users of Marinade Finance are still able to withdraw liquidity, claim delayed tickets, or delay unstake via the platform's SDK. This indicates a partial access model rather than a complete shutdown for existing users.

• The situation highlights the tension between decentralized platforms, which traditionally operate without stringent identity validations, and regulatory bodies that are working to implement clearer and stricter rules for the digital asset sector. This development signifies the increasing pressure on DeFi protocols to comply with evolving regulatory landscapes.

Worldcoin Rotates Reward Token Scheme:

• Worldcoin is transitioning its operator rewards from USDC stablecoins to its native WLD tokens starting from the next month. This shift aligns with the company's original plan, concluding the temporary phase of USDC-based rewards following its launch. The change is expected to increase the circulation of WLD tokens.

• Since its launch on July 24, the circulating supply of WLD tokens has increased from approximately 100 million to over 134 million, with over 800,000 Orb-verified users claiming about 34 million WLD in free grants. The circulating supply also includes tokens used for loans to market makers and a small portion earned as operator rewards.

• Worldcoin, founded by tech entrepreneur Sam Altman, aims to create a universal basic income system using a device called the “Orb” to scan individuals' irises, ensuring that each crypto grant goes to a unique person. Despite its goal of financial equality and broad access to digital assets, the project has faced global scrutiny and privacy concerns due to its collection of biometric data.

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Proof of Work Podcast:

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