financial services
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Comprehensive Updates to its DLT Regulations
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) has updated its guidance notes for distributed ledger technology (DLT) providers in the country.
Fidelity’s Crypto Arm Given the Green Light by the New York State Department of Financial Services
Fidelity Digital Assets Services (FDAS), the cryptocurrency arm of Fidelity Investments has been granted a license by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), allowing the company to offer cryptocurrency trading and custody services.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency Has Officially Chosen a New Commissioner, Himono
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) confirmed its plans for hiring Ryozo Himono as the new commissioner of the financial watchdog group.
Japan Appoints Crypto-Friendly Leader as New Financial Services Agency Commissioner
Japan’s government seeks to appoint crypto-friendly leader Ryozo Himino as the next commissioner of the country’s Financial Services Agency.
Australian Senator Andrew Bragg: Blockchain Can 'Rebuild Confidence' in Financial Services
Australian Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg has expressed optimism on the potential of blockchain technology to help ‘Rebuild Confidence’ in the financial services sector
Concerns Arise as North Korea’s Financial Services Commission Unsure of Its Cryptocurrency Mandate
The Financial Services Commission of North Korea, which is supposed to be in charge of the supervision of cryptocurrencies, asked which ministry is responsible.
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission to Ban Privacy Coins from Exchanges
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) will ban privacy-centric digital assets or “dark coins” from exchanges as they present a high money laundering risk.
Chinese Central Bank Approves the City of Chengdu for its FinTech Innovation Pilot
The Chinese central bank, People’s Bank of China has recently approved the city of Chengdu to carry out fintech innovation supervision pilots.
Meta's Digital Assets Expansion: A Scrutiny by Maxine Waters
Congresswoman Maxine Waters scrutinizes Meta's trademark applications, filed in March 2022, suggesting the company's continued involvement in the digital assets ecosystem, despite previous assurances of no ongoing projects in this area.
Genesis Agrees to $21 Million SEC Settlement in Bankruptcy Resolution Effort
Genesis Global settles with the SEC for $21 million over unregistered securities sales allegations, aiming to mitigate legal challenges and focus on repaying customers amid bankruptcy proceedings. The agreement, pending a February 14 hearing, marks a significant step towards resolving the company's financial and legal hurdles.
UK Watchdog Proposes Tougher Advertising Rules
If the UK Government approves the FCA's plan, crypto businesses from abroad may have to meet additional conditions to advertise to UK clients.
Fidelity Envisions Metaverse NFT Marketplace And Financial Services
Fidelity Investments has applied for US trademarks for a nonfungible token (NFT) marketplace, metaverse financial investing, and crypto trading services. Fidelity might provide mutual funds, retirement funds, investment management, and financial planning in virtual environments. The company may develop a digital media marketplace online, but specifics are few.
SBI Holdings to Launch Investment Fund for Emerging Companies like Web3, AI, and Metaverse Startups
SBI Holdings plans to invest 100 billion yen in startups focusing on Web3, AI, and metaverse, with financial institutions supporting Japan's goal to nurture its startup ecosystem and enhance its Asian startup hub position.
Japan's FSA Warns Binance and Others for Operating Without Registration
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has warned several foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, of conducting business in the country without proper registration, violating the nation's fund settlement laws. The FSA has been cracking down on unregistered crypto exchanges since 2020, and this warning signifies that the cryptocurrency industry in Japan and other nations is facing greater regulatory scrutiny.
Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas to Speak at Barclays Global Financial Services Conference
Alesia Haas, chief financial officer of Coinbase Global, will participate in a fireside discussion at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference on September 12, 2023. The event will cover Coinbase's financial performance, strategic goals, and insights on the cryptocurrency industry, highlighting its significant influence in the cryptoeconomy.
Rep. French Hill Eyes Financial Services Committee Leadership Amid Crypto Focus
Arkansas Rep. French Hill is poised to assume leadership of the House Financial Services Committee, bringing a crypto-savvy perspective to the role.
Crypto Exchange bitFlyer Implements Travel Rule for Crypto Asset Transfers
BitFlyer, a leading Japanese crypto asset exchange operator, announced the implementation of new regulations known as the travel rule, aimed at preventing criminal activities and enhancing security in the crypto industry.
Stablecoins Could Bolster U.S. Dollar and Economic Competitiveness: Circle CEO
In a compelling testimony delivered to the House Financial Services Committee, Jeremy Allaire, CEO and Co-Founder of Circle, underlined the significant role stablecoins, such as the U.S. Dollar Coin (USDC), could play in strengthening the global position of the U.S. dollar.
South Korea's FSC to Submit Two Crypto-Related Acts to National Assembly
According to Newsis on July 13, the People's Power Party and the Financial Services Commission of South Korea are planning to submit amendments to the Electronic Securities Act and the Capital Market Act to the National Assembly within this month.
Fujitsu Files Trademark for Crypto Brokerage Services
Japanese tech giant Fujitsu has filed a trademark application for a new branding that aims to offer financial services, including cryptocurrency brokerage services, to customers. Fujitsu has been showing growing interest in Web3 technology and launched a Web3 acceleration platform in February to support startups and partner companies in creating a diverse ecosystem of Web3 applications. The move comes as financial regulators in Japan call for stricter banking rules for the crypto sector.
SEC Chief to Testify Before House Committee on Crypto Oversight
SEC chief Gary Gensler will face questioning from the House Financial Services Committee on April 18 regarding his approach toward the crypto ecosystem. The committee will focus on Gensler's rulemaking and approach toward crypto assets and lay down a regulatory sphere for digital assets.
US House Committee to Discuss Stablecoin Regulation
The US House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services will conduct a hearing on stablecoin regulation on April 19th, following the introduction of a draft bill on stablecoin regulation. The hearing will include testimonies from experts, including Austin Campbell, a managing partner at Zero Knowledge Consulting and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, who believes stablecoins will expand the reach of the US dollar and increase financial inclusion.
Japan Advances LLC-Type DAOs: Easing Tokenized Membership Rights Regulations
Japan proposes amendments to ease regulations on tokenized membership rights for Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), aligning tokenized rights with traditional company memberships, marking a significant step towards fostering DAO operations.
US House Committee to Probe Crypto Crimes in November Hearing
The US House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing today, November 15, 2023, to examine illicit cryptocurrency activities, including money laundering and terrorist financing, and discuss the Department of Justice's focus on these crimes.
Unchained Capital Raises $60M in Bitcoin Funding
Financial services provider Unchained Capital has raised $60 million in a Series B funding round led by Valor Equity Partners. The company uses multi-signature technology to provide a more secure way to hold Bitcoin, allowing clients to share control of their funds between private keys they hold themselves and those held by Unchained or other financial services companies. The funding will be used to expand Unchained's reach and suite of services.
ASIC Appeals Federal Court Ruling on Finder Wallet's "Earn" Product
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has appealed a federal court ruling that found Finder Wallet's "Earn" product compliant with Australian financial laws, raising concerns about consumer protections.
Breaking: Key US House Committee Leaders Challenges Federal Reserve on Stablecoin
The House Financial Services Committee is concerned about the Federal Reserve Board's recent regulatory actions on payment stablecoins, arguing they could hinder Congress's digital asset framework, impose additional regulatory burdens, and potentially cause financial repercussions.
Laser Digital Secures In-Principal Approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market
Laser Digital, Nomura's digital asset subsidiary, has received In-Principal Approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The approval allows the company to offer broker-dealer and asset management services in the UAE, subject to fulfilling specific conditions.
Japanese Based Cryptocurrency Exchange BitFlyer Reports $6.9Million Loss in 2019
bitFlyer, a Tokyo based cryptocurrency exchange reported a loss of $6.9 million after suffering a loss in customers amidst regulatory issues with the financial services agency of Japan. The company is doing all it can to stand strong and successfully survive this downtime.
The UK's New Digital Securities Sandbox: A Step Forward for Crypto Innovation
The UK government's Digital Securities Sandbox, set to launch on January 8, 2024, allows crypto firms to test products and services, promoting financial technology innovation and consumer protection.
Next House Committee Chair Reintroduces Crypto Innovation Bill
Representative Patrick McHenry has proposed legislation to establish innovation offices in financial services institutions. Companies might request enforceable compliance agreements with federal financial agency offices under the law. In 2018, the SEC opened FinHub, while LabCFTC, the CFTC's fintech research branch, began in 2019.
South Korea May Reconsider Stance on Bitcoin ETFs
South Korea's Presidential Office has urged the Financial Services Commission to reconsider its stance on Bitcoin ETFs, indicating a potential shift in the country's cryptocurrency regulation, following initial warnings against U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs.
The Federal Home Loan Banks System is lending to cryptocurrency
The FHLB is lending billions to two of the top bitcoin banks. According to WSJ, FHLB loans might minimise cryptomarket outflows.
UK's Bank Regulator to Propose Rules for Digital Asset Issuance
The Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) in the United Kingdom is set to propose rules for issuing and holding digital assets, according to Vicky Saporta, executive director of the Prudential Policy Directorate at the Bank of England. The rules will be developed in compliance with the Basel III rules and the Financial Services and Markets (FSM) bill currently being considered by Parliament.
Unchained Forms Strategic Alliance with Bakkt to Enhance Bitcoin Custody Network
Unchained and Bakkt have partnered to enhance their Collaborative Custody Network, enhancing their capacity to secure over $3 billion in bitcoin assets.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: A Pivotal Decision by SEC Awaits
The SEC is nearing a decision on approving spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market and investor sentiment, with discussions focusing on minor amendments.
Chairman McHenry Sharply Criticizes U.S. Treasury and IRS Over Digital Asset Reporting Proposals
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry expresses concerns over proposed digital asset reporting requirements, urging the Biden Administration to collaborate with Congress to establish clear regulations and protect market participants' privacy.
Square to Build a New Open Developer Platform Focusing on Bitcoin
Square CEO Jack Dorsey announced on Twitter that the company is actively creating a new decentralized financial services business platform, mainly focusing on Bitcoin and other mainstream virtual currencies.
Will Hong Kong's Status as an International Digital Financial Hub be Affected by the National Security Law?
2020 has been quite a year for Hong Kong, marked by months of political unrest, the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a sweeping new national security law that China imposed on the city. The national security law, unanimously passed by China’s ruling Communist Party, sets up against secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.
Bank of England halts Silicon Valley Bank UK branch operations
The Bank of England has ordered the Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch to halt its operations as it has limited presence and no critical functions supporting the financial system. The bank will be placed into a Bank Insolvency Procedure, and eligible depositors will be paid out by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the protected limit of £85,000, with the remaining assets and liabilities being managed by bank liquidators. UK venture capitalists and a nonprofit organization have expressed concern as several startups and investors have significant exposure to the SVB UK, including prominent blockchain VCs who have over $6 billion in assets at the bank.
South Korea Grants Central Bank More Power Over Crypto
The Bank of Korea (BoK) has been given more power to investigate cryptocurrency service providers, including the ability to request transaction data from crypto exchanges. The move comes amid ongoing discussions on virtual asset legislation in South Korea, with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) holding the final say on the regulation of the digital asset sector. The two institutions have been at odds for several years over crypto regulations.
UK Cryptocurrency Exchanges Adapt to Enhanced Regulatory Standards
The UK is intensifying regulatory standards for crypto exchanges under the Financial Services and Markets Act, aiming for parity with traditional financial services. Exchanges must comply with stringent risk assessments and finance tests, impacting both domestic and offshore entities.
Nasdaq Embraces AI to Spearhead Financial Crime Prevention
Nasdaq is investing heavily in AI technology to combat financial crime, strengthening its position as a technology-driven financial services company and addressing sophisticated financial crimes.
Crypto Debit Card Services Hit Hard as UK Financial Watchdog Suspends Wirecard Subsidiary
United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has suspended Wirecard Card Solution Ltd, the Wirecard’s subsidiary responsible for the issuance of Visa crypto debit cards.
Government-Owned Swiss Bank to Provide Custodial Services for Cryptocurrencies
With the readiness of government-backed Swiss bank, bank Basler Kantonalbank (BKB) to offer crypto custodial services, the financial service sector is an inch closer to driving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology
Germany’s Federal Financial Regulator Warns Investors Over Bulgarian Crypto Broker
Bulgarian crypto broker, 5 Capital, has been offering financial services to investors without being approved by the Germany financial watchdog, federal financial supervisory authority (BaFin).
Banks Are Increasingly Starting to Offer Cryptocurrency Services in 2020
Banks have increased their interest in cryptocurrencies. Many of them have decided to join the cryptocurrency market, either by offering investments in cryptocurrency or by exploiting the capabilities of blockchain technology, which is already used in various areas with financial services.
Democrats Critical of OCC's "Excessive Focus" on Crypto and Stablecoin Financial Services
Democrat members of the United States Congress led by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) have criticized the OCC's focus on crypto and stablecoins.