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PayPal Acquires UK Crypto License
PayPal has secured a cryptocurrency license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, marking a strategic move amid post-Brexit adjustments, and transitioning UK clients from PayPal Europe to a new UK-based entity.
Singapore Financial Regulator Says Crypto Rules Must Be Strict but Clear
Singapore Central Bank calls for clarity but maintains strict crypto regulations.
Hong Kong Embraces Virtual Asset Spot ETFs
Hong Kong is set to become the first market in Asia to allow Virtual Asset Spot ETFs, with around ten fund companies preparing for launch. This move signifies a major shift in the region's approach to virtual assets.
Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Buys 5,000 Blockchain ATMs Despite Authorities' Plan to Ban Crypto
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is purchasing more contactless ATMs that are powered by blockchain. The banking giant is making such a move despite an upcoming bill that aims to penalize individuals and firms that use and trade cryptocurrencies in financial transactions. Sberbank’s ATMs have nothing to do with cryptocurrencies as they do not act as BTMs (Bitcoin ATMs). The banking institution just intends to cut the need for physical contact associated with the use of bank debit/credit cards amid the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, Sberbank has been preferring to cut down the use of plastic cards because of health concerns.
UK's Tax Authority Ready to Invest Up to $130,000 in Blockchain Analytics Tool to Track Crypto Cybercriminals
The UK tax authority HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), is looking for an analytics tool using blockchain to enhance the process of identifying criminals who are trading in cryptocurrencies online.
Crypto Adoption in Latin America: A Tool Against Economic Woes and Authoritarianism
The cryptocurrency landscape in Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Venezuela, is evolving as a mechanism to counter economic and political adversities. While Argentina sees crypto as a bulwark against economic instability, Venezuela is utilizing it as a tool for humanitarian aid and resistance against authoritarianism. The divergent crypto adoption narratives in these nations underscore the asset class's potential to address complex societal challenges.
Coinbase's Intention to Sell Blockchain Analytics Software to US Government Watchdogs Created Backlash from Crypto Community
Leading American cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase plans to sell its blockchain analytics software called "Coinbase Analytics" to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This decision is not sinking in well with the crypto community because the software will offer identity attribution for domestic and international cryptocurrency addresses to the US government agencies.
FTX Apparently Has Three More Months To Cease Business In Japan
Local authorities have authorized FTX Japan to resolve withdrawal difficulties. Kanto Local Finance Bureau commented on FTX Japan activities. Japanese authorities extended FTX's suspension date to March 9, 2023. After purchasing Liquid, FTX started in Japan in June 2022.
SEC Files Application to Compel Elon Musk's Compliance with Subpoena
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed an application to compel Tesla CEO Elon Musk to comply with an administrative subpoena. The SEC is investigating Musk's 2022 Twitter stock purchases and his related statements and SEC filings. Despite initially agreeing to testify, Musk later refused to comply with the subpoena, prompting the SEC to seek court intervention.
MAS Proposes Open and Interoperable Framework for Digital Asset Networks
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has unveiled a comprehensive report introducing a framework for the design of open and interoperable networks for digital assets.
Crypto Exchange Refuses to Give Up Dissident Names to Belarus Government
Belarus government officials have demanded that a Kuna.io crypto exchange disclose the names of potential dissidents that have leveraged their services.
Bangladesh Cashing in into the Blockchain Bandwagon Ahead of the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution'
Blockchain technology has seen an increasing amount of adoption, from large conglomerates researching its uses and testing it out, to officials such as President Xi Jinping, endorsing and seizing the opportunities that it may bring. Dr. Mohammad Saifur Rahman, the US-based blockchain expert, said that blockchain can have applications in financial industries, including remittance, credit, and payment industries, as well as e-governance in Bangladesh.
UK Embraces Crypto Innovation with Groundbreaking Financial Services Act
The UK government has taken a bold step forward in the financial services sector, embracing the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with the passing of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.
Ripple Gains Major Payments Institution License from Singapore's Monetary Authority
Ripple, a leading enterprise in blockchain and crypto solutions, has secured a Major Payments Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This follows the in-principle approval granted to Ripple in June 2023. The license will enable Ripple to continue offering regulated digital payment token services in Singapore, a key market for the company.
European Securities and Markets Authority Calls for Input on New EU Crypto Rules
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets regulator, has initiated its first consultation package under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The authority is seeking stakeholder comments until September 20, 2023, marking a significant step towards establishing concrete rules for crypto markets in the EU.
Crypto Fund Managers Infuriated with UK Watchdog's Recent Ban on Crypto Derivatives
Crypto fund managers have released an angry response to the UK financial regulator's recent ban on the sales of crypto derivatives to retail consumers.
VeChain Reaches Record-High, Soaring by 12%
VeChain (VET) set a new all-time high today, touching a high of $0.1911.The cooperation with Salesforce has contributed to the surge in prices.
UK Regulator Examines AI Impact
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is examining the impact of AI on consumers and the economy, with a focus on foundation models. The regulator plans to examine their usage against key principles, including transparency and accountability. The review aims to help develop AI in ways that ensure open, competitive markets and effective consumer protection, with guiding principles for consumer protection and healthy competition to be produced. The findings are set to be published in September 2023.
Binance to Launch UK Crypto Exchange to Meet Client Demand
Binance, the leading cryptocurrency exchange has announced that it will launch a regulated crypto trading platform in the UK, in the coming months. Binance.UK is planning to create a trading platform to allow retail and institutional investors to sell and buy cryptocurrencies using euros and pounds.
$27M USDT Theft Linked to Binance Deployer Address
A 27 million USDT cryptocurrency theft, linked to Binance's deployer, has raised security concerns and highlighted the risks of cryptocurrency holdings and recovery challenges.
Singapore Regulator Considers Strengthening Safeguards on Crypto Access to Retail Trading
Singapore Central Bank considers updating its crypto regulations to strengthen system safeguards that financial firms must put in place to protect users.
THORChain Pauses Network Amid Reports of Vulnerability
THORChain has temporarily halted trading due to a potential network vulnerability, causing its native token, Rune, to fall 5% in value.
SEC Accuses Thor Token Developers For 2018 ICO With Unregistered Securities
Through the sale of its Thor (THOR) cryptocurrency between March and May of 2018, Thor Technologies was able to raise a total of $2.6 million from 1,600 investors. According to the SEC, the coins did not have any application in the real world at the time of the sale. The company went out of business in 2019 as a result of its inability to establish a customer base and achieve financial success. It is the most recent in a string of similar allegations that the SEC has filed against those involved in the cryptocurrency industry.
BitGo Secures MPI License Approval in Singapore
BitGo has received in-principle approval for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from Singapore's MAS, allowing it to expand its crypto services in the region. This aligns with Singapore's robust regulatory standards and BitGo's commitment to security in digital asset transactions.
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.
Unizen (ZCX) enters a strategic partnership with THORChain (RUNE)
The team at Unizen, operating the Web3 ecosystem found at zcx.com, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the team at THORChain. Specifically, Unizen has integrated the THORChain settlement layer to enable swaps between ETH (Ethereum) and AVAX (Avalanche C-chain) to BTC (Bitcoin) and vice versa.
Chinese Authorities Crack Down on 54.8 Million USDT Money Laundering Scheme
Chinese authorities crack a major USDT-linked money laundering case, arresting 21 suspects and seizing over 1M yuan.
MAS Announces Project Ubin’s Successful International Settlement Network in its Final Phase Report
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and government-owned conglomerate Temasek released the final report of the Singaporean CBDC project, Project Ubin. The report is the fifth and final phase of Project Ubin, Singapore’s blockchain-based multi-currency payments network prototype that was built for the financial industry and blockchain ecosystem.
FTX's $477 Million Heist: A Trail of Blockchain Clues Unearthed
The FTX hack in November 2022 saw $477 million vanish, with the elusive thief later laundering assets through decentralized exchanges and cross-chain bridges like RenBridge and THORSwap. As the trial of FTX's CEO Sam Bankman-Fried commences, the thief, still unidentified, resumed moving the stolen assets, converting Ether to Bitcoin. Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic sheds light on this crypto mystery, unraveling the blockchain trail and revealing the thief's laundering tactics.
Financial Conduct Authority, on the 2 Key Initiatives to the Era of Open Finance
Following the Part 1 interview of the Financial Conduct Authority, Maha El Dimachki, Head of Payments of the FCA reveals some of her key initiatives in the FCA, including the significance of the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) among the EU countries and the rationale of the Stronger Customer Authentication. As Co-Chair of Spectrum, the BAME Network Group at the FCA, El Dimachki also provided some advice for women in FinTech!
THORSwap Resumes Operations with Enhanced Security Measures to Combat Illicit Funds Transfer
THORSwap, a decentralized exchange (DEX) leveraging the THORChain protocol, resumed operations on October 13, following a temporary shutdown to address concerns of illicit funds transfer. The platform has enhanced its security measures, updated its terms of service, and partnered with an industry leader to prevent the movement of illicit funds. Although the move was met with mixed reactions from the community, it underscores THORSwap's commitment to providing a secure trading environment amid rising regulatory pressures in the DeFi sector.
Coinbase Secures Major Payment Institution License from Singapore's Monetary Authority
Coinbase has obtained a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the Asian market. The license will enable Coinbase to offer digital payment token services to both individual and institutional clients in Singapore. This move aligns with the company's strategy to tap into Singapore's growing crypto and Web3 ecosystem.
Block.one Settles with SEC to the Tune of $24 Million
Blacksburg startup Block.one has agreed to pay $24 million (HK$ 188 million) in fines to settle the allegations of unlawfully selling its ICO (initial coin offering) to US investors. The blockchain company had raised several billion dollars between 2017 and 2018 by selling its own digital currency.
Financial Conduct Authority, the Pacemaker of the UK FinTech Revolution
We arranged an interview with Maha El Dimachki, Head of Payments of the FCA during Singapore FinTech Festival, which El Dimachki shares with us the contribution of the FCA for UK as the thriving FinTech hub, opportunities and threats of e-money firms from the current digital disruption.
MAS Completes CBDC Project Ubin Phase 5, Blockchain Sector Sees Major Growth Despite COVID-19
Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief FinTech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced that Phase 5 of Project Ubin has been completed, and partners of the project are already working on a production in the payments space. A new report is to be expected in the next few days, which will “articulate the last phase of experimentation of Project Ubin.” He hinted that the production is related to exchange, settlement, and will be working on releasing production inspired by Project Ubin Phase 5.
UK’s Financial Watchdog Warns of Fraudsters Impersonating Blockchain.com
The FCA has raised the alarm about fraudsters who want to lure the public using a cloned version of Blockchain.com, a crypto wallet and trading company.
Norwegian Tax Authorities Want Investors to Voluntarily Declare their Crypto Earnings
The Norwegian Tax Administration wants people to voluntarily report their cryptocurrency earnings ahead of the April deadline for filing tax returns.
Binance Collaborates with Tajikistan Authorities in Counterterrorism Efforts
Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has helped arrest key members of the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), an affiliate of ISIS. The operation was a joint effort between Binance, the National Bank of Tajikistan's Financial Monitoring Department, and blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs. Binance's proactive approach in monitoring transactions and crypto-related discussions has led to increased collaboration between platforms and law enforcement.
Monero (XMR) Hits a Three-Year High
With the rapid development of the decentralized market, Monero has received widespread attention and has hit a 3-year high to celebrate the 7th anniversary.
THORChain (RUNE) Price Soars After Multicoin Capital’s Heavy Investment
Multicoin Capital has made an unusual move by betting big on THORChain (RUNE), a digital currency that is not widely acclaimed like BTC
Sygnum Singapore Secures MPI License from MAS
Sygnum Singapore’s acquisition of a Major Payment Institution Licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore comes amidst a wave of similar regulatory approvals by entities like Coinbase, Blockchain.com, and Crypto.com. This development broadens Sygnum's service offerings and positions it strongly in a competitive yet regulated digital asset market landscape in Singapore, thereby potentially attracting a wider segment of institutional clientele.
US authorities consider expanding credit line for banks
US authorities are considering expanding an emergency credit line for banks to provide First Republic Bank with a time buffer to address balance sheet concerns, according to Bloomberg sources. The bank is deemed stable enough to operate without immediate intervention.
Coinbase Becomes First Custodian to Pass Two Major Security Evaluations
Coinbase Custody has become the first cryptocurrency custodian to obtain bot SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 evaluations.
MetaMask Developer ConsenSys Responds to European Banking Authority's Consultation on Anti-Money Laundering Measures
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has closed its public consultation on revising guidelines for money laundering and terrorist financing risk factors, extending the scope to include crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). ConsenSys, MetaMask's development lead, defended the EBA's approach, stating self-hosted wallets should not be considered a risk factor and praised the EBA's recognition of blockchain analytics' role in risk mitigation.
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.
UK’s Financial Watchdog Raises the Alarm on BitMEX Being Unauthorized
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK mandated with regulating financial markets and service firms in the nation has blown the whistle on Seychelles-based crypto exchange BitMEX for not being authorized.
Singapore's Central Bank Paves the Way for Regulatory Oversight of Cryptocurrency Derivatives Trading
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has revealed regulatory plans to permit the trading of cryptocurrency derivatives on select platforms. This oversight strategy is being fronted because investors are considerably favoring these products.
Thailand to Revive the Tourism Sector by Attracting Wealthy Crypto Holders
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is going an extra mile of targeting crypto holders, especially those from Japan as it seeks to revamp the nation’s tourism sector in the post-pandemic era
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Emphasizes AI and DLT in Fintech Roadmap
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has released a Fintech Promotion Roadmap, aiming to promote fintech adoption in the financial services industry. The roadmap includes key fintech sectors like Wealthtech, Insurtech, and Greentech, and introduces AI and DLT. It aligns with HKMA's "Fintech 2025" strategy.
EU Proposes Cap on Anonymous Crypto Transfers
The European Union is proposing a 1,000 euro cap on anonymous crypto transfers to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The limit would apply to transfers when a customer cannot be identified, and the proposal also caps cash transactions at 7,000 euros. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism package is expected to be confirmed in April.
Bitfinex Tackles Phishing Incident: No Customer Funds Affected
Bitfinex has resolved a phishing incident causing partial customer information exposure, confirming no loss of funds or sensitive data compromise, and ensuring ongoing security measures.
GSR Secures Major Payment Institution Licence from Singapore's MAS
GSR, a global cryptocurrency trading firm, has received In-Principle Approval for a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The approval allows GSR's Singapore subsidiary, GSR Markets Pte. Ltd., to better serve the cryptocurrency community. The news comes a day after Coinbase Singapore announced its full licence, highlighting the competitive yet regulated crypto landscape in Singapore.
Upbit Singapore Acquires Preliminary MAS Approval for Major Payment Institution Licence
Upbit Singapore has received an in-principle approval for a Major Payment Institution licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, a significant step towards establishing a stronger digital asset business in Singapore. This provisional approval will enable Upbit Singapore to continue offering regulated Digital Payment Token services as per the Payment Services Act 2019 while awaiting the full license.
Coinbase and Binance Amongst the 70 Crypto Firms Awaiting Licensing, Said by MAS
American cryptocurrency trading platform, Coinbase and Binance exchange, two of the world’s largest digital currency brokerages are notably amongst the few platforms awaiting license approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Monetary Authority of Singapore Sets Up New Institute of Digital Finance for Boosting Fintech and Digital Asset Research
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has teamed up with the National Research Foundation, and the National University of Singapore to set up a research institute that will develop and support the needs of digital financial services in Asia.
Singapore’s Financial Regulator Puts Binance On Investor Alert List
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has placed Binance exchange on investor alert list, a measure that aims to tell consumers that the exchange is not authorized to offer trading services in the country.
Fetch AI's Discord Server Hacked Through Unauthorized Access
Fetch AI's Discord server was compromised on Aug 12, 2023, via unauthorized access. Users are urged to remain vigilant.
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.
CEO Jack Dorsey On Why the Future of Twitter Lies in Blockchain
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey discussed Bitcoin and how blockchain technology can be leveraged to counter security breaches in an increasingly digital world.
Microsoft, Eidos, and Fable Plan Blockchain Revival of 'Way of the Tiger'
Microsoft is teaming up with major game developers Eidos and Fable to revive the popular 1980s card game, 'Way of the Tiger' using blockchain technology.
Reebonz Tracks Provenance of its Luxury Products Using a Vechain-Powered Digital Certificate
Reebonz, the biggest luxury e-commerce company in Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, has incorporated blockchain technology into its ecosystem to determine the provenance of its products.
What is VeChain?
VeChain was founded in Shanghai in 2015 by the former CIO of Luis Vuitton China, Sunny Lu, as a blockchain to improve business processes and supply chain management.