CLAUDE
Spain Strengthens Crypto Oversight to Settle Tax Debts
Spanish Ministry of Finance is implementing legislative reforms to increase cryptocurrency monitoring, enabling seizure of digital assets for tax debt resolution, aligning with EU regulations.
ESMA Launches Key Consultations on Crypto-Asset Regulations under MiCA
ESMA conducts consultations on reverse solicitation exemptions and classifying crypto-assets as financial instruments, aiming to harmonize EU regulations with MiFID II.
EBA Issues Updated Guidelines for Crypto Asset Service Providers
The European Banking Authority (EBA) extends Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing measures to include crypto firms, aiming to harmonize regulatory approaches and mitigate financial crime risks in the EU.
Atomicals Market Addresses Security Breach and Announces Compensation Measures
Atomicals Market has implemented measures to restore user trust and enhance platform security following a significant security breach, emphasizing community engagement's crucial role in protocol's future.
Kraken Amplifies European Footprint with BCM Acquisition
US-based cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken, has announced its plan to acquire Dutch crypto broker BCM as part of its European expansion strategy. This move aligns with the new MiCA regulatory framework, promoting a favorable investment climate in the region. The acquisition will enhance Kraken's service offerings and market position in the Netherlands.
Crypto Exchange Binance Withdraws Crypto License Application in Germany
Binance has withdrawn its application for a crypto license in Germany. The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) advised the exchange to withdraw its application.
Danish FSA Orders Saxo Bank to Divest Crypto Holdings, Indicating Tightening Regulation
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) on July 4, 2023, issued a directive to Saxo Bank, instructing the financial institution to divest its holdings in cryptoassets. This move is based on the current legal framework, which prohibits banks from trading cryptoassets for their own account.
Kraken Irish Subsidiary Awarded VASP Authorization by Central Bank of Ireland
Payward Europe Solutions, Kraken's Irish subsidiary, has been granted VASP authorization by the Central Bank of Ireland. This authorization comes at a critical time as the EU is set to vote on the MiCA regulation, which requires all companies operating as a crypto assets service provider in the EU to register with an authorized regulator.
European Crypto Startups See Record VC Investment in 2022
Despite a challenging year for the crypto industry in 2022, VC investment in European crypto startups reached an all-time high of $5.7 billion, with decentralized finance startups seeing a 120% increase in investments. Europe is also home to the highest number of crypto startups, but lags behind the US in unicorns and startups with over $1 million in funding. Investment in financial service-based startups declined by 19% compared to 2021, while infrastructure grew by 24%. The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulations are set for a final vote in April 2023.
Coinbase warns of losing crypto industry leadership
The U.S. SEC has issued a Wells notice to Coinbase. As a result, Coinbase warns that the U.S. government’s regulatory approach to crypto has created an uncertain and unstable environment. Meanwhile, other countries, such as France, the U.K., and the European Union, are building friendlier crypto regulation ecosystems and becoming crypto hubs, causing the U.S. to lose its status as the leading hub of the crypto sector.