Latest news with #Hashed
Nahar Net
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Iraq divided over future of pro-Iran armed alliance
by Naharnet Newsdesk 08 August 2025, 14:53 A bill in Iraq that would further formalize the role -- and perhaps, the autonomy -- of a powerful coalition of pro-Iran former paramilitaries has sparked a heated debate, fanned in part by U.S. pressure. Few details of the bill that could decide the future of the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance have been made public. Formed in 2014 when Iraqis were urged to take up arms against the jihadists of the Islamic State group, the Hashed is a powerful force with major military and political clout. The bill aims at regulating and restructuring the alliance of a myriad of armed groups, which together have more than 200,000 fighters and employees. Not mincing words, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the proposed legislation "would institutionalize Iranian influence and armed terrorist groups undermining Iraq's sovereignty". An Iraqi government official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said opponents of the bill say it "seems to establish something similar to the Revolutionary Guards" in Iran -- a powerful military force imbued with the Islamic republic's ideology. The aim, according to political scientist Renad Mansour, is to integrate the Hashed "even more into the state". "Some argue that this is an important first step, because it's better to have them in this system than outside the system, where they could be spoilers," said Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House think tank. But others, he added, "argue that this is a further way for the Hashed to consolidate its power", giving the alliance "access to greater funds, greater intelligence, and other kind of equipment and technology". - 'Not a coherent institution' - The debate around the bill comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and upheavals, as the Gaza war reverberates across the Middle East. Iranian allies and proxies have been weakened in wars with Israel, which has Washington's backing. In Lebanon, Tehran-backed group Hezbollah faces a government push to disarm it by the end of the year. In recent years, the Iraqi armed factions have seen their clout grow, with some gaining seats in parliament and in government, even as several group leaders -- including the Hashed's top commander -- have been subjected to US sanctions. In 2022 the coalition was granted a public works enterprise, Al-Muhandis, with capital worth tens of millions of dollars. Responding to Washington's concerns, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has defended the proposed bill as "part of the government's broader security reform agenda". The Hashed "is an official Iraqi military institution operating under the authority of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces", Sudani said. A 2016 law already affords the Hashed the status of a public body. But some factions face accusations of collecting government salaries for their fighters on the one hand, but acting entirely independently of the state on the other. Some of the factions within the Hashed are aligned with Baghdad, while others pledge their allegiance first and foremost to the Tehran-led "Axis of Resistance". The latter have in the past launched rockets and explosive-laden drones at US troops stationed in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. Mansour said the Hashed was unlikely to morph into something that resembles Iran's Guards. It "isn't a coherent institution", he said. "It has many different groups, many different factions, many different leaders, and they're still fighting with each other." - 'Patronage' - Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source close to the armed factions told AFP that Shiite Muslim political parties seek a "special law" that would guarantee the Hashed remains "an independent military institution, on the same level as the interior or defense ministry". Sunni Muslim and Kurdish politicians oppose any such move, and even among the Shiites there is no consensus, said the government official. Deputy parliament speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi said the proposed legislation "contributes to enhancing the combat capabilities" of the Hashed and to "creating new formations concerned with developing this security institution", according to the official Iraq News Agency. If approved, it would pave the way for the creation of a special military academy and secure the Hashed's "financial independence", according to a parliament report published by state media. According to the report, the Iraqi state council noted the "bloating" of administrative structures, and opposed the creation of such an academy for the Hashed instead of using existing defense ministry facilities. But with legislative elections coming up in November, the former paramilitaries may seek to seize on the chance to gain institutional recognition. The Hashed "needs something to reinvigorate its base", said Mansour. "The more the Hashed is institutionalized, the more access it has to Iraq's wealthy state coffers," he added. "This could become another mechanism for patronage."
Business Insider
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
EastPoint:Seoul 2025 Brings Together Industry Giants in Capital Markets, Crypto, and National Assembly Members
Global blockchain investment firm Hashed, Korea's leading digital asset media platform Bloomingbit, and Korea Economic Daily have revealed the first wave of confirmed speakers and participants for EastPoint:Seoul 2025, a high-level, invitation-only gathering that brings together the top leaders and institutions across Web3, institutional finance, and policy making, on September 22, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. EastPoint:Seoul 2025 serves as the forum for senior leadership from a wide spectrum of financial institutions, government, and the digital asset ecosystem to discuss strategic developments across stablecoins, tokenized securities (STO), and the integration of blockchain technology into Korea's financial markets. The summit comes at a pivotal time as Korea moves forward with its Digital Asset Basic Act, and exploring institutional frameworks for KRW-backed stablecoins, spot crypto ETFs, and tokenized securities. In a rare bipartisan appearance, lawmakers from across Korea's political spectrum will join, with confirmed participants including Min Byung-deok (Democratic Party), Kim Jae-seop (People Power Party), and Lee Jun-seok (Reform Party) partaking in regulatory roundtables and a joint policy panel on the future of Korea's digital asset framework. Participation from leading financial institutions further cements the event as the forum where legacy finance and emerging infrastructure meet. Participants include Korea's major financial groups, KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Hana Bank, Woori Bank, top securities firms NH Investment & Securities, Shinhan Investment & Securities, Hana Securities, and Meritz Securities, as well Institutional investors such as Hanwha Asset Management, NH Venture Investment, Kakao Ventures, and Lotte Ventures. Some of the biggest institutions within Web3 are attending, Binance, alongside Korea's five licensed exchanges — Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX. Additionally Temasek, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, and SMBC Nikko Securities from Japan will join. Major technology companies such as Google Cloud, LG CNS, LINE NEXT, and NCSoft will also participate, showcasing the summit's relevance across infrastructure, policy, and commercial adoption. The first wave of speakers announced includes: Arthur Hayes, Co-founder, Maelstrom Ashok Venkateswaran, VP & APAC Head of Digital Assets & Blockchain, Mastercard Bryan Pellegrino, CEO, LayerZero Yat Siu, Co-founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands] Alan Du, Partner, PayPal Ventures Sidney Powell, CEO, Maple Finance Anthony Apollo, Executive Director, Wyoming Stable Token Commission Guy Young, Founder & CEO, Ethena Labs 'EastPoint:Seoul is designed to foster meaningful collaboration between policy, financial institutions, and technology leaders at a time when these domains must converge to build the future of digital finance,' said Simon Kim, CEO of Hashed. 'We aim to create a platform where digital assets transition from speculative markets to regulated, institutional-grade financial infrastructure.' The program features keynote presentations, panel discussions, closed-door roundtables, and B2B matchmaking. Participants will also engage in at least one private roundtable. Content tracks will explore Korea's regulatory roadmap, the role of KRW-backed stablecoins in local commerce, innovations in market infrastructure for digital assets, and enabling programmable payments within traditional financial systems. Sanha Kim, CEO of Bloomingbit, stated that 'the summit was built to go beyond surface-level discussions and create an environment where industry growth strategies and regulatory frameworks are shaped through direct dialogue.' Sponsors for EastPoint:Seoul 2025 include Sui Foundation, LayerZero, Aptos, Avalanche, Anchorage Digital, and BitMEX Research. Leading outlets TechCrunch and CoinDesk will attend, and Bitman is the community partner. Hashed, established in 2017, is a web3 venture capital that focuses on investment and research in global startups and decentralized protocols. Hashed team operates offices in Seoul, San Francisco, Singapore, Bangalore, and Abu Dhabi. Hashed has been the earliest supporter of many pioneering blockchain teams globally. Hashed supports its portfolio companies as a 'second team,' helping web3 founders build global mass adoption. Contact Community Lead Hashed
Malaysian Reserve
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Protocol Camp Announces Upcoming New Edition to Empower Web3 Innovators Across Asia
SEOUL, South Korea, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Protocol Camp, Asia's leading Web3 bootcamp originally launched in South Korea, is returning with a unified, expanded format. The upcoming edition merges the Korea and Southeast Asia programs into a single initiative aimed at delivering greater impact for blockchain developers and entrepreneurs across the continent. Originally hosted by Hashed and Hanwha Life – Korea's second-largest life insurer – Protocol Camp has steadily grown across Asia. The Southeast Asia edition, launched in 2024, was led by ShardLab, Hashed's innovation arm, in collaboration with SCBX. These partnerships reinforced the program's strategic relevance and reach. With this integration, Protocol Camp is positioned to scale its influence as a pan-Asian launchpad for Web3 talent. Proven Track Record of Web3 Talent Development Since its inception, Protocol Camp has run six cohorts in Korea, producing 69 graduates and incubating 21 blockchain products. Alumni have joined top Web2 companies such as Hanwha Systems, AWS and BCG, and Web3 organizations including Solana, TON, Hashed Open Research, Modhaus, and more — demonstrating the program's ability to nurture high-caliber talent. In 2024, the program expanded to Southeast Asia, welcoming over 10 alumni from 5 countries and supporting the creation of new products on the Aptos blockchain. Across both regions, Protocol Camp has built a dynamic builder community shaping the decentralized ecosystem through startups and major blockchain teams. A New Chapter Led by ShardLab ShardLab, the innovation arm of Hashed, led Protocol Camp's Southeast Asia expansion and will now oversee the unified pan-Asian program. This marks a strategic step to broaden the camp's regional reach and deepen its focus on high-impact Web3 talent. 'By unifying the program, Protocol Camp becomes a true pan-Asian initiative that supports builders wherever they are,' said Hojin Kim, CEO of ShardLab. 'Our mission is to empower the next generation of Web3 leaders through education, mentorship, and real-world experience.' 'Through diverse partnerships — from global foundations to regional conglomerates — we're building a collaborative platform where innovators can thrive,' Kim added. ShardLab ultimately envisions Protocol Camp evolving into a full-fledged Web3 academy, offering continuous education and resources to help founders scale decentralized innovation. Shaping the Future of Web3 in Asia With Web3 adoption on the rise, Protocol Camp remains committed to empowering builders through education, community, and global partnerships. The unified program is set to lead Asia's next wave of decentralized innovation. Applications opening soon at Media Contact:Rachel Kim (rachel@
Business Insider
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Protocol Camp Announces Upcoming New Edition to Empower Web3 Innovators Across Asia
Protocol Camp, Asia's leading Web3 bootcamp originally launched in South Korea, is returning with a unified, expanded format. The upcoming edition merges the Korea and Southeast Asia programs into a single, integrated initiative aimed at delivering greater impact for blockchain developers and entrepreneurs across the continent. Originally hosted by Hashed and Hanwha Life–Korea's second-largest life insurer–Protocol Camp has steadily grown its footprint across Asia. The Southeast Asia edition, launched in 2024, was led by ShardLab, the innovation arm of Hashed, and held in collaboration with major regional conglomerate SCBX and global blockchain platform Aptos. These partnerships have reinforced the program's strategic relevance and regional reach. With the integration of both tracks, Protocol Camp is now positioned to scale its influence as a true pan-Asian launchpad for top Web3 talent. Proven Track Record of Web3 Talent Development Since its inception, Protocol Camp has successfully delivered six cohorts in Korea, producing 69 graduates and incubating 21 blockchain products. Its alumni have gone on to join top-tier Web2 companies such as Hanwha Systems, AWS, and BCG, as well as leading Web3 organizations including the Solana Foundation, TON Foundation, Hashed Open Research, Modhaus, and more. This strong track record highlights the program's ability to nurture high-caliber talent and prepare them for impactful roles across the evolving technology landscape. In 2024, Protocol Camp expanded to Southeast Asia, welcoming over 10 alumni from 5 countries, and supporting the creation of new decentralized products built on the Aptos blockchain. Across both regions, the program has cultivated a dynamic and engaged builder community, many of whom are now shaping the decentralized ecosystem through startups and major blockchain teams. A New Chapter Led by ShardLab ShardLab, the innovation arm of Hashed, first led Protocol Camp's Southeast Asia expansion and will now helm the newly merged program. This transition marks a strategic move to extend the bootcamp's reach across Asia, while deepening its focus on high-impact talent development in the blockchain space. 'By unifying the program, Protocol Camp is evolving into a true pan-Asian initiative that supports builders wherever they are,' said Hojin Kim, CEO at ShardLab. 'Our goal is to empower the next generation of Web3 leaders through education, mentorship, and real-world application.' 'Protocol Camp is committed to growing talents and cultivating innovation across borders,' Kim added. 'By partnering with a diverse network of ecosystem players–from global blockchain foundations to regional conglomerates–we aim to create a collaborative platform where aspiring builders can thrive and shape the decentralized future.' Looking forward, ShardLab envisions Protocol Camp growing into a full-fledged Web3 school–offering ongoing technical education and to equip founders with the tools, insights, and networks needed to scale decentralized innovation. What to Expect from the New Protocol Camp Edition Expanded Curriculum: In-depth training on blockchain fundamentals, protocol design, smart contracts, and decentralized app deployment. World-Class Mentorship: Access to technical experts, founders, and investors from top-tier blockchain protocols and VC firms. Demo Day Exposure: Graduates will pitch their products to a curated audience of investors, ecosystem leaders, and potential collaborators across Asia. Cross-Border Collaboration: A dynamic community fostering team-based projects, open-source contributions, and multi-market innovation. Shaping the Future of Web3 in Asia As Web3 adoption accelerates globally, Protocol Camp reaffirms its mission to educate and empower serious builders committed to shaping the decentralized future. With its unified format, global partnerships, and alumni success stories, the program is well-positioned to drive the next wave of Web3 innovation across Asia. Applications for the upcoming edition will open soon. Developers, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners are invited to learn more and apply at ShardLab ShardLab is the innovation arm of Hashed, a leading global Web3 venture capital firm based in Asia. Under the strategic partnership between Hashed and SCBX(the mothership of Thailand's leading financial technology group and the parent company of Siam Commercial Bank), ShardLab is having various innovative activities, such as Web3 R&D, venture building, and ecosystem building. Our vision extends to fostering mass adoption of Web3 in Southeast Asia, making technology accessible and empowering communities in this dynamic digital frontier.
Saba Yemen
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Hashed condemns Zionist piracy against "Madeleine" aid ship
Gaza – Saba: The International Committee for Supporting the Rights of the Palestinian People (Hashed) has vehemently condemned a piracy crime committed by Israeli enemy forces against the ship "Madeleine." The vessel, carrying 12 international peace and human rights activists and humanitarian aid, was en route to the Gaza Strip. In a statement seen by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), Hashed confirmed that Israeli enemy warships besieged "Madeleine" at dawn on Monday in international waters. Communications were jammed, a white substance was dropped from a drone, and forces stormed the ship, demanding activists surrender. These events were captured in the last photos and videos transmitted before contact was lost. Hashed expressed hope for the safety of the activists, whom it described as embodying "humanitarian commitment to rejecting the crimes of blockade, genocide, and starvation." The committee stated the activists acted "on behalf of the world" to deliver a message against international silence, despite Israeli threats of arrest and towing the ship to Ashdod. The committee called on global countries and international organizations to take action to protect the activists, ensure their fate is revealed, and secure their release. It urged the international community to condemn this act of maritime piracy, which it views as a war crime violating international humanitarian law and human rights standards. Hashed emphasized the need for continued serious action to stop the genocide, open humanitarian corridors (land, sea, air), boycott and sanction Israel, and hold its leaders and soldiers accountable before international courts. It concluded by reiterating that the Israeli enemy army, with American and European support, has been committing genocidal crimes in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 54,927 Palestinian martyrs and 126,615 injured, with thousands still unaccounted for. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
