Media OutReach
Bitcoin’s surge & beyond: An Octa broker forecast
Following the spring pullback, when the price of the world’s major crypto currency dipped below $75,000 in early April, BTC rallied 65% and was trading slightly above the $123,000 level by mid-July. The major drivers for such an impressive rally include renewed investor optimism, rising institutional flows, a favourable regulatory environment, and skewed BTC supply. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker comments: ‘In many ways, the stars have aligned for Bitcoin holders, with significant improvements in risk sentiment and supportive regulatory news truly propelling its ascent’.
Indeed, the rally kicked off on 22 April, sparked by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s suggestion of a potential de-escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions. The following day, President Donald Trump further boosted sentiment by hinting at lower tariffs for China and retracting threats to dismiss Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell. This news improved risk appetite and sent BTCUSD up by 6.82% on 22 April alone. Optimism for global trade was further fueled on 8 May, when Donald Trump unveiled a new trade deal with the United Kingdom (UK)—the first since the ‘reciprocal’ tariff pause—propelling BTCUSD higher by an additional 6.38%.
Apart from positive headlines, deeper structural transformations—notably, a mismatch between supply and demand—have also played a key role. It is no secret that Bitcoin’s total final emission is limited to 21 million coins. Additionally, bitcoin undergoes a “halving” event approximately every four years, which cuts the reward for mining new blocks in half, thus limiting the daily average supply of new bitcoins. Following the most recent halving, a new Bitcoin block is now mined roughly every 10 minutes, and the reward per block is 3.125 BTC. Therefore, the daily issuance of new Bitcoin currently stands at just around 450 coins per day. This is how it is calculated:
(6 blocks/hour×24 hours/day)×3.125 BTC/block = 144 blocks/day×3.125 BTC/block = 450 BTC/day.
This daily issuance has been vastly outpaced by demand from exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have been absorbing up to 10,000 BTC per day. A mismatch between natural supply and ETF-driven demand has created a severe shortage in available coins, fueling aggressive upward price momentum. The imbalance has been exacerbated by continued investor preference for bitcoin vs other, less liquid, and less developed coins. Institutional flows into crypto investment vehicles have further amplified the rally, signalling growing mainstream adoption. BlackRock reported a 366% quarter-over-quarter surge in crypto ETF inflows in Q2 2025, with allocations rising to $14 billion, now comprising 16.5% of its total ETF flows. Similarly, U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs posted their second consecutive $2 billion inflow week in mid-July.
This growing supply-demand imbalance has coincided with significant regulatory milestones in the U.S. Specifically, the Republicans have pushed forward three pieces of legislation (the Genius Act, the Clarity Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act) aimed at creating a regulatory framework for the growing cryptocurrency market. The Genius Act, which focuses on stablecoins, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for their issuance and oversight, has already been signed into law by President Trump, while the Clarity Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act are yet to be passed by the Senate.
Overall, the increasing crypto interest and adoption drove the crypto market capitalization to hit $4 trillion on 18 July, reflecting its strength and maturity with bitcoin in particular becoming a central part of the global investment landscape.
BTC Rally Outlook: A Burning Topic
With so many factors working in Bitcoin’s favour, it seems reasonable to infer that its price will likely continue to go higher in the long term. And while this may be true, it is still important to highlight major risks that lie ahead. Kar Yong Ang, comments: ‘Technically, Bitcoin looks like it is preparing for a major downward correction. BTCUSD failed to hold above the 0.618 extension level of the bullish trend, which commenced in early April. The price has formed a long wick on the daily chart, signalling an exhaustion of the bullish trend. A decline towards the 112,000 level is now highly likely. A break below 112,000 would open the way towards the 105,000 level.’
Indeed, the failure to hold the 121,500 level on 14 July and the subsequent correction on 15 July occurred on very strong volume, meaning that traders are uncertain about the next big move and doubt that a rally can be sustained in the short term. Furthermore, fundamentals have turned sour lately. After a 0.1% increase in May, U.S. consumer prices rose 0.3% in June, a roughly 3.5% annual rate, which is uncomfortably above the Fed’s target rate. This renewed inflationary pressure diminishes the likelihood of a September interest rate cut by the Fed and may exert bearish pressure on equity and crypto valuations. A similar scenario is evident in other major economies. For example, UK CPI rose to 3.6% in June from 3.4% in May and also undermined the widespread anticipation of a rate cut by the Bank of England (BoE). In other words, the global monetary policy may not be as accommodative as investors had hoped for previously, making them reluctant to purchase in risky assets
Three BTC price action scenarios
Kar Yong Ang of Octa Broker has come up with three potential scenarios for BTCUSD.
The most optimistic scenario envisions a continued upward climb beyond current highs, driven by persistent institutional inflows and favourable regulatory developments. However, given signs of short-term overextension and waning upside momentum on the daily chart, this outcome appears less likely in the short term.
There is the risk of a deeper, prolonged correction, particularly if macroeconomic headwinds or regulatory setbacks dampen sentiment. While not impossible, this scenario is seen as less probable for now, given strong underlying fundamentals such as limited BTC supply and sustained demand from ETFs.
A more probable, base-case scenario is a modest correction toward support levels, followed by a resumption of the broader uptrend. Such a pullback would allow the market to consolidate and establish a stronger foundation, ultimately preserving the bullish structure while shaking out weak hands.
Kar Yong Ang comments: ‘Bitcoin looks a little stretched right now, and you can see it struggling to punch clean through resistance at the highs. A pullback into the $112,000–105,000 area would actually be healthy—that’s where smart money will likely step back in. The fundamentals are still stacked in Bitcoin’s favour: supply is tight, ETFs money keeps flowing, and regulatory progress is finally breaking through’.
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Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
Media OutReach
ICONSIAM’s ‘THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026’ to Immerse Bangkok with Thailand’s Most Spectacular Water Festival
A UNESCO-Recognized Festival Reimagined Through Immersive Cultural Experiences, Iconic Entertainment, and Thailand’s Most Breathtaking Chao Phraya Riverfront Setting from April 10–15, 2026
BANGKOK, THAILAND –
A Global Celebration Driving Thailand’s Festival Economy
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “Songkran remains one of the most significant drivers of Thailand’s festival economy, particularly across the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year’s Songkran period is projected to generate over 30.35 billion baht in domestic economic circulation—an increase of 6% from the previous year, with approximately 500,000 international visitors expected to travel to Thailand, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore Songkran’s growing status as a truly global festival and one of Thailand’s most powerful attractions for international travelers.
As a leader in creating iconic, world-class experiences, ICONSIAM continues to elevate ‘ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026′ as a landmark celebration that showcases the rare and enduring beauty of Thai cultural traditions. Under the concept of ‘Splashing Fun, Joyful Celebrations, and Auspicious Thai New Year,’ the event brings together the very best of Thailand into one extraordinary riverside experience along the Chao Phraya River. More than a celebration, this festival is a powerful expression of national pride and cultural identity, reinforcing ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Experiential Destination. We are confident that this year’s event will further strengthen Bangkok’s reputation as one of the world’s most compelling cultural destinations, while driving tourism growth and stimulating economic momentum throughout the second quarter of the year.”
Highlights of the “4 THAICONIC Experiences – The Ultimate Songkran Journey”
- THAICONIC WATER FESTIVAL – The Ultimate Riverside Water
ExperienceExperience Songkran like never before with an extraordinary water playground inspired by Thailand’s beloved national symbol, the elephant. At its heart stands a spectacular 9-meter-tall water-spraying installation created in collaboration with Dee SweetDrug Studio. The vibrant space also features a dedicated Kids Zone for family-friendly fun, alongside solar-powered drying zones —reflecting ICONSIAM’s commitment to sustainability.
- THAICONIC ENTERTAINMENT – A Festival of Modern Icons
Immerse in an electrifying lineup of Thailand’s top artists and rising stars through dynamic mini concerts and live performances throughout the six-day celebration. Artists include Tle–Firstone, TeeTee–Por, Auau-Save, Daou–Offroad, KT Kratae, New Country, Sornram Namphet, and more.
- THAICONIC HERITAGE – A Living Showcase of Thai Identity
Witness a magnificent Songkran parade that brings Thailand’s cultural legacy to life through elaborately designed floats inspired by historical eras. For the first time, cultural icons LingOrm, a popular Thai actress duo, and 4EVE, Thailand’s leading T-pop girl group, embody the Songkran Goddess “Rakshasadevi,” reinterpreting Thai tradition through a contemporary global lens. Visitors can further explore authentic Thai culture through traditional performances and regional culinary delights at SOOKSIAM, alongside over 170 dining options across ICONSIAM.
- THAICONIC BLESSED BEGINNINGS – A Sacred Start to the Thai New Year
Embrace the spiritual essence of Songkran through a revered Buddha bathing ritual at River Park. Enhanced with holy water from nine esteemed temples across Thailand, this sacred ceremony symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead.
A Must-Visit Songkran Destination in Bangkok
Seamlessly blending cultural authenticity, rich traditions, and large-scale entertainment, ICONSIAM continues to redefine Songkran as a truly global celebration.
Join us at “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026,” where Thailand’s most cherished tradition is brought to life in an unforgettable riverside experience of water, culture, and joy—set against the iconic Chao Phraya River from April 10–15, 2026, with free entry for all visitors. As part of the celebration, international visitors dressed in traditional Thai attire will receive a 300-baht gift card, adding a special touch to their cultural experience.
For more information, please call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.
Hashtag: #ICONSIAMSongkran #ICONSIAM #SongkranFestival2026 #GlobalFestival #Thailand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Money20/20 Asia Elevates Its 2026 Agenda with the Launch of The Intersection Stage, Featuring the Industry’s Most Influential Voices
Industry Leaders, Regulators, and Innovators to Convene in Bangkok at the Intersection Where Digital Assets and Traditional Banking Enter a New Era of Collaboration
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced the introduction of The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia happening on April 21-23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok bringing together the region’s most powerful voices across banking, payments, digital assets, and financial innovation.
This year’s theme, “From Infrastructure to Impact – Where Technology Meets Humanity,” underscores how the Intersection Stage will explore the real-world outcomes of Traditional Finance and Decentralized Finance convergence across APAC, addressing how banks, fintechs, and emerging technologies are reshaping the global financial ecosystem. The stage brings together leaders from major financial institutions and well-known fintech companies to discuss how innovation, regulation, and new financial infrastructure are transforming areas such as digital assets, trust and cybersecurity, and cross-border payments. [1]
Siva Kumar, APAC Legal Director, Sumsub, said, “The convergence of TradFi and DeFi can only succeed if trust, identity, and compliance evolve alongside technology. Asia is leading this shift by adopting regulatory models that enable innovation without compromising security. At Sumsub, we’re witnessing institutions accelerate digital identity and verification standards at unprecedented speed. The Intersection Stage brings these critical stakeholders together to turn regulatory progress into real‑world impact.”
Speakers include Siddharth Gupta of Bank of America, Dhiraj Bajaj of Standard Chartered Bank, Fangfang Jiang of the International Finance Corporation, Ran Goldi, SVP Payments & Network, Fireblocks and Kaushik Sthankiya of Kraken, who will share insights on regulatory innovation, digital asset adoption, developments in stablecoin, tokenization, blockchain‑enabled settlement, and how new payment rails are enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.
For decades, Traditional Finance aimed to protect the system while Decentralized Finance wanted to reinvent it. Today, these two worlds are converging where digital money moves faster than ever, said Danny Levy, EVP & Managing Director for APAC & the Middle East at Money20/20. The Intersection Stage brings together the regulators and innovators driving the frameworks that will guide the next decade of global finance.”
The broader 2026 program also features keynote speakers such as Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of Hong Kong SAR; Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Maybank; and Sunita Kannan, Global Head of AI Product & Strategy at Microsoft, underscoring the calibre of leadership shaping the future of finance across the region.
From Asia’s pioneering regulatory sandboxes and CBDC initiatives to the Genius Act in the US to MiCA in Europe. Regulated institutions like AMINA Bank are at the forefront of this transformation, particularly in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape across key markets.
Cora Ang, Head of Legal & Compliance APAC, AMINA Bank said, “Asia is demonstrating what responsible innovation truly looks like. As digital assets, tokenization, and new payment rails gain momentum, strong legal and compliance frameworks are essential to scaling them safely. At AMINA Bank, we see the region embracing this balance with clarity and ambition. The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia is the perfect forum to advance these conversations and align the industry on what the next generation of financial infrastructure should be.”
Key Sessions on The Intersection Stage
- Day 1: Tuesday 21 April, at 15:40 – Banking on Digital Transformation 101
By Barbaros Uygun, Chief Executive Officer, Mox Bank Limited, Jessica Lam, Group Chief Strategy Officer, WeLab, Vivien Tan, Senior Vice President, Alliance Bank Malaysia, Andy Wu, General Manager, Hong Kong, Yusys Technologies, Rupa Ramamurthy, Senior EVP, Banking Operations, TP
- Day 1: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 12:00 – Building the Golden Record for Tokenised Asset Markets
By Etelka Bogardi, Partner, Reed Smith Singapore, Aaron Gwak, CEO & Founder, Libeara, Alvin Chia, Head of Digital Assets Innovation APAC, Northern Trust, moderated by Tanzeel Akhtar, Journalist, Morley Sterling LLC
- Day 2: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 10:00 – The Rise of Blockchain and Stablecoin Payment Rails
By Tran Hung, CEO, Uquid, Paul Veradittakit, Managing Partner, Pantera Capital, Maggie Wu, Co-Founder & CEO, VelaFi, Facilitated by Amanda Pecanha, Chief Compliance Officer, Trace Finance
- Day 2: Wednesday 22 April, 15:45 – How Digital Asset Ecosystems Will Redefine Money
By Dhiraj Bajaj, Global Head of FI, Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, Julia Zhou, Chief Operating Officer, Caladan, Giorgia Pellizzari, Chief Product Officer & Head of Custody, Hex Trust, Dr. Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President, KASIKORNBANK & Chairperson of the Board, Orbix Group
- Day 3: Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 10:25 – Money’s Next Evolution, Stablecoins, CBDCs and the New Payment Stack
By Rahul Advani, Global Co-Head of Policy, Ripple, Lissele Pratt, Founder, Capitalixe, Bhau Kotecha, Co-Founder, Paxos Labs, Maria Oldham, COO, Yellow Card, moderated by David Birch, Global Ambassador, Consult Hyperion
Alongside the Intersection Stage, Money20/20 Asia will feature three additional stages: The Radiant Stage, uniting Asia’s most influential industry voices; The Inner Forum Stage for deep‑dive sessions and workshops; and The MoneyPot Stage that also includesfor live podcasting and networkingexperiences, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for learning, debate, and collaboration.
The show brings together leaders from more than 120 banks and the world’s largest payment providers, including Standard Chartered, Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Maybank, and J.P. Morgan to name a few. Experts from leading payment providers including Visa, Nium, Thunes, Mastercard, Razorpay, PayPal, and Fiserv will discuss the evolution of payments across the region.
The show will also host the Startup & Investor Park, where 20 standout APAC startups will connect with global investors, enterprise partners, and decision‑makers, and compete for the Golden Ticket to the 2026 Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator. [2]
Attending media can register for a press pass: HERE and the full agenda HERE.Hashtag: #Money20/20
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Sanya, China Deepens Tourism Ties with Malaysia - Exclusive Benefits Launched for Malaysian Tourists, Ushering in a Tropical Island Getaway at a Moment’s Notice
In addition, the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau has entered into cooperative exchanges with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association (MBHA) to strengthen synergy in tourism management, product development, and visitor exchange. The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion (Malaysia) Liaison Office will serve as a one-stop information and booking platform for Malaysian travelers, reinforcing Sanya’s position as a preferred gateway to China.
Seamless Entry, Fully Upgraded Travel Convenience
Visa-free access with zero barriers
Under China’s visa-free policy for Hainan, Malaysian citizens may enter with only a passport and stay for up to 15 days—no prior visa, financial proof, or invitation letter is required, allowing for truly spontaneous getaways.
Faster flights, greater efficiency
Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sanya take just about three hours, with high occupancy rates during peak seasons reflecting strong demand. Plans to launch direct flights from Penang and Kota Kinabalu to Sanya are under discussion, promising greater accessibility and cost-effective travel options.
Streamlined clearance procedures
Efficiency is prioritized with paperless self-declaration at both Phoenix Cruise Port and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, significantly reducing clearance time. International arrival halls support payments via all major international credit cards, ensuring seamless transactions.
Comprehensive multilingual support
Multilingual support is in place across Sanya—from bilingual signage at attractions and hotels to a dedicated foreign-language service line via the 12345 hotline. The multilingual official website visitsanya.com provides comprehensive information, guaranteeing smooth communication for Malaysian tourists.
Exceptional Value: Exclusive Promotions for Malaysian Visitors
To offer a more value-packed holiday experience, Sanya has prepared tailored benefits and significant discounts, from customized packages to special Asian Beach Games offers, demonstrating its warm hospitality.
The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion Liaison Office, in collaboration with the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, will launch specially curated travel packages that align with local preferences.
On Trip.com, the “Travel with the Asian Beach Games” promotion features discounted Sanya tourism products, covering hotels, attractions, and holiday packages, with exclusive offers for the Malaysian market.
The 2026 Asian Beach Games bring additional surprises: popular attractions like Wuzhizhou Island and Atlantis Sanya offer tickets at up to 73% off . Hotel rooms across categories—family, couples, and resort suites—enjoy discounts of up to RMB 5,899. Local delicacies and international cuisines are available at discounts of around 48% , promising a delightful culinary journey.
Moreover, 118,000 Asian Beach Games tickets are now on sale globally. With just a few clicks online, visitors can secure their seats to experience the excitement of the 6th Asian Beach Games up close.
Diverse Experiences for Every Traveler
Sanya offers far more than just sun and sand. Whether traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, everyone can find their ideal way to enjoy the destination.
For families :
Atlantis Sanya Water Park, ranked among the “2026 Global Top 20 Water Parks” and tied for seventh place worldwide with Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, offers endless aquatic fun for children, while parents can explore the adjacent world-class duty-free complex for shopping and leisure.
For Adventure Seekers:
Wuzhizhou Island, known as “China’s Premier Diving Base,” features crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 27 meters and abundant coral reefs. A variety of water sports, including diving, parasailing, and jet skiing, deliver an adrenaline-filled coastal experience.
For Culture and Wellness:
The 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue at Nanshan and immersive Li and Miao ethnic cultural experiences provide a harmonious blend of spiritual reflection and cultural discovery.
For Luxury and Retail: Sanya’s world-class duty-free complex brings together international brands, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences, creating a high-value shopping and lifestyle destination.
Sanya’s commitment to visitor convenience, diverse offerings, and tailored benefits continues to strengthen its appeal among Malaysian travelers. Since the beginning of this year, Hainan has welcomed a remarkable 204% increase in Malaysian tourist arrivals, making Malaysia one of the fastest-growing Southeast Asian source markets for Sanya.From visa-free access and direct flights to enhanced services and multifaceted experiences, Sanya is positioning itself as a leading gateway for Malaysian tourists to China.
As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to develop, tourism cooperation between Sanya and Malaysia is poised to deepen, evolving from one-way attraction to mutual engagement.For those planning their first trip to China, Sanya offers an ideal starting point—where azure seas, golden shores, modern amenities, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create the perfect tropical escape.
Hashtag: #SanyaTourismDevelopmentBureau
https://www.visitsanya.com/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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