virtual assets
FATF Virtual Assets Guidelines for Cryptosphere Review
With the growing concern of virtual assets/cryptocurrencies being used as a medium for the financing of illegal activities, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issues revised guidance from time to time to combat money laundering and terrorist financing involving virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
Is Blockchain-Based Virtual Reality the Future?
For years, advocates of virtual reality have struggled to overcome several major barriers to mass adoption — centralised corporations controlled user accounts, hackers eliminated digital assets, and developers lacked incentives to create quality VR content. Now, blockchain is changing the game.
HKSFC Guidance on Virtual Asset Fund Managers: The 4 Key Takeaways
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC) released the latest guideline “Proforma Terms and Conditions for Licensed Corporations which Manage Portfolios that Invest in Virtual Assets”, providing further guidance on fund dealing and virtual asset fund management.
Hong Kong IFEC Warns Against Trading on Illegal and Foreign Platforms for Virtual Assets
The investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), a public organisation under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), has issued a warning regarding the potential risks connected to unlicensed and foreign virtual asset trading platforms.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Explores Virtual Asset Regulation in UAE and Highlights Converging Global Standards
According to a report by Ming Pao, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) recently visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the regulation of virtual assets (cryptos) with the local central bank.
Hong Kong's Crypto Rise: Harbinger for China?
Hong Kong's rising status as a crypto hub amidst regulatory amicability sparks speculations on China's evolving stance towards digital assets. The significant crypto activity in Hong Kong, combined with its thriving Over-The-Counter market, reflects a conducive environment for both institutional and retail crypto engagements. As Hong Kong continues to bolster its crypto market, it might be hinting at China's exploratory approach towards understanding and possibly embracing digital assets in the long term.
HashKey Launches Wealth Management Platform for Institutional Investors
HashKey Group has launched a wealth management platform for professional and institutional investors in response to growing demand for virtual assets. The Hong Kong-based digital asset firm is expanding its over-the-counter trading service and increasing its liquidity coverage to 24/7.
Hong Kong to Submit Virtual Asset OTC Trading Licensing Scheme Bill
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Christopher Hui, plans to introduce a licensing scheme for virtual asset OTC trading platforms to combat crime and promote transparency in digital transactions.
Over 220 Web3 Companies Settle in Hong Kong, Boosting Virtual Asset Development
Hong Kong has welcomed over 220 Web3 companies from 20 countries and regions, focusing on sectors like virtual asset exchanges, blockchain infrastructure, network security, and payment services, aiming to balance development with regulatory frameworks.
HK to Issue Tokenised Green Bond, Open Market for Virtual Assets ETFs Trading
HKFTW2022: In the latest policy statement published in Hong Kong, regulators disclosed issuing tokenized green bonds this year and actively developing virtual assets trading.=
UAE's Ras Al Khaimah to Launch Free Zone for Virtual Asset Companies
Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE is launching RAK Digital Assets Oasis, a free zone for digital and virtual asset companies. The purpose-built zone will support emerging technologies in the virtual assets sector, including blockchain, NFTs, and DApps. The free zone is set to open for applications in Q2 2023.
South Korea Top Four Crypto Exchanges Launch Joint Venture To Abide By AML Regulations
The heads of Bithumb, Korbit, Coinone, and Upbit signed a memorandum to form a company with a system, which will enable them to adhere to anti-money laundering regulations.
Signum Digital Receives Approval for Security Token Offering Platform
Signum Digital, a joint venture of Coinstreet and Somerley, has received approval-in-principle from Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for its security token offering platform called CS-Pro. The platform will allow investment in tangible assets such as private equities, real estate, art, and collectibles.
Bitfinex CTO: Keeping Crypto Safe with State-of-the-Art Cyber Security
Paolo Ardoino, the CTO of Bitfinex and Tether tells us why safety and security should always be a top priority for crypto exchanges.
CBDCs Require Balance between Data Access & User Privacy Protection, HashCash CEO Says
CBDC would need a delicate balancing act between data access and user privacy protection in terms of taming illegal activities, according to HashCash Consultants CEO Raj Chowdhury.
Hong Kong's SFC Sets 2024-2026 Agenda: Emphasis on Tokenization and Virtual Asset Innovation
The SFC’s Strategic Priorities for 2024-2026 focus on enhancing Hong Kong's financial sector by maintaining market resilience, boosting global competitiveness, embracing financial innovation, and improving institutional resilience.
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission Sets New Regulations for Crypto Exchanges
The Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong’s financial regulatory has set out new regulations for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges on Oct. 6. Announced by Ashley Alder, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SFC made an announcement in his speech at the Hong Kong FinTech Week 2019. Following his speech, the SFC also published a new regulatory approach to “virtual asset trading platforms,” on its website.
Europe's Watchdog MONEYVAL Sees Crypto as a Threat to AML
European regulator MONEYVAL has published a report that considered cryptocurrencies a major threat to regulators' efforts to fight money laundering activities.
South Korea May Have to Postpone Crypto Taxation, Lawmaker Declares
A push from one of the South Korean top lawmakers may stir the postponement of the crypto taxation billed to commence on January 1, local media reported.
United States CFTC Issues Advisory on Digital Currencies for Futures Commission Merchants
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has released an advisory to futures commission merchants clarifying how to hold digital currencies in segregated accounts.
South Korean Stakeholders Opposes the Proposed "Know-the-Sender" Rule
Some stakeholders are pushing back against the proposed Know-the-Sender (KTS) rule that the South Korean parliament is looking to pass into law.
FATF Assessment Finds Majority of US Exchanges are Compliant with Virtual Asset Guidance
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has published an assessment of the US’s compliance with its revised criteria for anti-money laundering (AML) and terrorist financing (CTF) through virtual assets and found that most virtual asset providers are compliant.
Mastercard Launches Virtual Platform to Help Governments Test CBDCs
Payment giant Mastercard has unveiled a virtual platform that will enable central banks to assess and explore Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
China Declares Bitcoin as Virtual Property with Monetary Value
China has taken a new step with an important legal precedent regarding Bitcoin in a property dispute case in Hangzhou. Read more about how this case affirmed the legal status of Bitcoin as a virtual property with protection under Chinese law.
Russian Banking Giant Sberbank and S7 Airlines to Streamline Air Ticket Purchase with Virtual Tokens
Sberbank, Russia’s biggest bank, and S7 Airlines are set to revamp the sale of air tickets with virtual tokens, smart contracts, and a blockchain platform.
CFTC Committee to Hold Virtual Meeting on Digital Currencies and Blockchain
The CFTC has scheduled a virtual meeting for Thursday, July 16th where its Technical Advisory Committee will discuss matters around on cryptocurrencies and DLT.
Fidelity Digital Assets Demystifies Common Misconceptions Surrounding Bitcoin
Fidelity Digital Assets, the US-based crypto arm of Fidelity, has taken it upon itself to debunk common misconceptions revolving around Bitcoin.
The Cayman Islands Creates Regulatory Framework to Attract Virtual Asset Business
The Ministry of Financial Services of the Cayman Islands announced that it is building regulatory frameworks for individuals and entities that offer digital assets in business.
Why Upland’s Virtual Land NFTs Are The Future Of Crypto
The asset class of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is quickly growing and coincides with the rise of parallel worlds where people are spending more of their time and money.
Leaked EU Commission Draft on Crypto Assets Law: How Will Cryptocurrency be Regulated?
A leaked European Union legislative draft on digital assets reveals the country's plans for cryptocurrency trading and issuance across the nation.