cft
Utah Man Ordered to Settle Over $2.5 Million for Bitcoin Fraud by CFTC
Utah-based Jacob Orvidas has been ordered by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to pay over $2 million and face a $500,000. The order revealed Orvidas deceived at least four individuals into investing in a leveraged Bitcoin commodity pool, claiming significant profits and monetary safety. He also failed to register as a commodity pool operator.
US Treasury to Increase DeFi Regulation
The US Treasury conducted a risk assessment of DeFi, finding it lacking in AML/CFT compliance, and reported money laundering, scammers, and North Korean hackers benefiting from the sector. The Treasury response to Biden's executive order suggests more regulation for DeFi, including compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act.
CFTC Commissioner Clarifies the Agency's Sweeping Rights to Regulate Crypto Derivatives
CFTC Commissioner Dawn D. Stump has given several clarifications that show the agency has powers to regulate cryptocurrencies.
Lawsuit against Ooki DAO Takes New Twist as CFTC Commissioner Dissents Ruling
The regulator said Ooki DAO offered digital asset margin trading, which they’re not permitted by law to do.
What the U.S. Congress Decides on Crypto Will Ultimately Overstepping their authority
Jake Chervinsky, the Blockchain Association's chief policy officer, criticized the SEC's enforcement-based regulation and urged Congress to regulate the sector.
CFTC Charges Four Individuals Behind Alleged Bitcoin Fraud Scheme "Global Trading Club"
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has charged four people for allegedly soliciting funds from clients to speculate in Bitcoin price movements.
CFTC Commissioner Questions VCs' Due Diligence
Investor due diligence in the failing crypto-exchange FTX has sparked concerns from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTCP). VCs had to write down their multimillion-dollar investments to practically nothing, raising "serious doubts" about their responsibility.
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel Grants Request to Defer civil cases
On Feb. 13, Manhattan District Judge Kevin Castel granted the applications to suspend the civil proceedings "without prejudice" until the DOJ's trial against SBF begins.
Crypto Risk Platform Solidus Labs Hires Former CFTC Commissioner Dawn Stump as Strategic Advisor
Solidus Labs seeks to transform financial risk monitoring. Dawn Stump will help solidus Labs pursue its mission to enable a safe and regulated crypto market.
The Number of Crypto-Related Enforcement Actions in the United States Grows
Blockchain risk monitoring business Solidus Labs predicts a significant rise in US federal and state enforcement actions in 2022.
US CFTC Holds Meeting on Stablecoins Joined by Paxos, MakerDAO and JPM Coin Executives
The United States Commodity and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) held a meeting earlier this week to study the potential impact of the stablecoin industry. The derivatives regulator met with stablecoin industry experts to understand its future implications.
LedgerX Co-Founders Put on Leave Following US CFTC Scrutiny
Ledger Holdings face trouble surrounding Bitcoin Futures trading markets. The CFTC has come forward to make it clear that any trading in the USA must be certified and then released to the public.
FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried Urges 'Federal Oversight of Crypto'
FTX co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Bankman-Fried said some tokens could be classified as securities and those that are not, urging a federal oversight of the crypto industry.
Binance Crypto Withdrawals Spike Before CFTC Accusations
Almost a billion dollars in cryptocurrency was withdrawn from Binance shortly before the US CFTC accused the exchange of regulatory violations. The total amount withdrawn from multiple platforms in the 12 hours preceding the indictment was almost $1.5 billion, with over half of that amount coming from Binance. Despite the withdrawals, Binance still holds over $63 billion worth of cryptocurrency assets.
CFTC’s New Chief Supports Blockchain Technology
The Commodity Futures and Trading Commissions, CFTC appointed a new chief who is also pro-crypto. Just as his predecessor J. Christopher Giancarlo, appears to have supported the established pro-crypto/pro-blockchain approach. In a recent interview, the newly appointed chief, Heath Tarbert gave a favorable opinion of blockchain technology.
SEC to Amend Reporting Standards for Hedge Funds Alongside CFTC
The United States SEC is looking to amend the reporting standards for Form PF, the confidential reporting form for certain SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds.
US CFTC Commissioner Says Crypto Derivative Contracts Had an Enormous Positive Impact on the US Economy
United States Commissioner of the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Brian Quintenz spoke about the current and future regulation in Fintech at the Singapore Fintech Festival held last week.
LedgerX “Not Yet Approved” by CFTC to Launch Physical Bitcoin Futures
The United States Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) confirmed that LedgerX has not yet been approved to offer physically-settled Bitcoin futures in contrary to previous announcements.
CFTC Report Underscores DeFi Risks and Calls for Action
The CFTC report on DeFi underscores significant risks to the U.S. financial system, national security, and consumer protection, emphasizing the need for increased understanding, regulation, and collaboration in the sector.
CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam Continues Calls for Non-Security Tokens Regulations
Chair Rostin Behnam said the CFTC was "ideally positioned" to solve crypto regulatory shortcomings, but legislators needed to provide it power.
CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam Urges Congress for Regulatory Action on Digital Commodity Markets
Rostin Behnam, the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), recently urged the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture to take legislative action to regulate the digital commodity market.
The Digital Dollar Continues to be Pushed by Former CFTC Chair
The former US Commodity and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman continues to fight for the U.S Dollar to become a digital global force.
Embattled BitMEX Co-Founders to Pay $30M in Civil Fine
The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) has pronounced a combined Civil monetary fine of $30 million for the three embattled BitMEX exchange co-founders indicted for violating the US Bank Secrecy Act
CFTC Whistleblower Program Gains Traction with $16 Million Awarded in 2023
The CFTC's Whistleblower Program in 2023 awarded $16 million to whistleblowers, contributing to over $3 billion in enforcement sanctions. Recognizing their role in combating financial fraud, the program now focuses on environmental fraud through a task force.
US CFTC Approves Clear Markets For Operating Crypto Derivatives
The U.S. Commodity and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) confirmed it has approved the U.S. subsidiary of electronic trading platform developer Clear Markets to offer physically settled crypto derivatives, according to Clear Markets shareholder SBI Holdings.
Ex-CFTC Boss Christopher Giancarlo Joins CoinFund as Advisor
Christopher Giancarlo, the former Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has joined CoinFund as a strategic advisor.
CFTC Nabs 2 Crypto Fraudsters Involving in a $44M Ponzi Scheme
Two suspected cryptocurrency fraudsters Sam Ikkurty of Portland, Oregon, and Ravishankar Avadhanam of Illinois have been charged by the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for illegally soliciting as much as $44 million through Ponzi-like scheme
CFTC's Stern Warning to Crypto Exchanges Following Binance Case
The CFTC has significantly heightened its regulatory actions against non-U.S. crypto entities, indicating a significant shift in the U.S. cryptocurrency market's regulatory landscape.
U.S. House of Representatives to Create Crypto Task Force Joining SEC and CFTC Members
The US House of Representatives passed a bill dubbed “Eliminate Barrier to Innovation Act of 2021” (H.R. 1602).
XRP is not a Security: Former CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo Says
Christopher Giancarlo said he believes XRP does not qualify as security as the SEC is alleging, a claim made based on earlier research he has done as the chairman of the CFTC.
US CFTC Rounded Up Over $1.3B in Regulatory Penalties in 2019, 40% More Than the Previous Year
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the derivatives regulator in the US has collected over $1.3 billion in regulatory and administrative penalties in the fiscal year of 2019, including funds collected from cryptocurrency businesses, which ended on Sept. 30.
LabCFTC to Announce the Winner of Project Streetlamp at Fintech-Focused Virtual Events Series Later This Year
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced that its FinTech research wing, LabCFTC will be hosting a series of interactive virtual events during autumn 2020.
CFTC Commissioner Calls for Reduced Cryptocurrency Anonymity
CFTC Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero has proposed reducing the anonymity of cryptocurrencies as a means of managing associated risks. Romero spoke at City Week 2023 in London, stating that market integrity, national security, and financial stability cannot be compromised.
AI's False Promises: CFTC Warns of Soaring Crypto Scams
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) alerts the public about the surge in AI-driven crypto scams, emphasizing the technology's inability to predict market trends and the dangers of misleading claims about high returns.
CFTC sues Avraham Eisenberg for Mango market manipulation
Avraham Eisenberg is charged with two counts of market manipulation for using decentralized finance platform Mango Markets. On January 9, the CFTC sued self-described digital artist for commodities fraud and manipulation. Eisenberg was detained on December 27.
Binance faces investor backlash and Bitcoin withdrawals following CFTC lawsuit
Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao, denies market manipulation allegations made by the CFTC. However, investors withdrew over 3,400 BTC from Binance within 24 hours of the lawsuit announcement, leading to a decrease in Binance's total Bitcoin balance while competing exchanges saw an increase.
Bitcoin Could ‘Double in Price’ Under CFTC Regulation, Says Chairman Behnam
CFTC-led regulation has the potential to bring confidence and stability to the crypto market, according to Chairman Behnam.
BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes Resigns, Following Criminal Charges by CFTC and DoJ
BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes has stepped down from his position, alongside Samuel Reed, the company's CTO.
Exclusive: Gerard Dache, on the Two Contradictions of Facebook Libra
In part 2 of the interview, Gerard walked us through some of the recommended bills to the government in fostering blockchain innovation, such as the “Blockchain Promotion Act”. He then shared his views on the nature of Bitcoin and two contradictions of Facebook’s Libra.
CFTC Demands $572 Million in Penalty and Restitution for Bitcoin Scam, Defendant Nowhere to be Found
US CFTC demanded that the founder of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency scam company Control-Finance pay $572 million in penalty and restitution fees for Bitcoin fraud.
US Government Creates Cyber Fraud Task Force to Put an End to Crypto Crime
The US Secret Service is hoping to put an end to the increasing money-laundering cases that have erupted with the rise of COVID-19, by creating a special division, dubbed the Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF).
Mersinger feels crypto regulation is needed
Commissioner Summer Mersinger suggested that the time to act on cryptocurrency regulation may have arrived. "We are getting to the point that maybe we are past the education stage and now it's the action [stage]," she said. She dissented from the commission's treatment of Ooki DAO, calling it regulation by enforcement. Real-time proof of reserves may be part of digital asset regulation in the future.
Exclusive: LabCFTC's Melissa Netram Talks Advancing Policy and Regulation in FinTech and Blockchain Through Times of Crisis
The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) established LabCFTC as an initiative under the General Counsel’s office in 2017 aimed at promoting FinTech innovation and competition. The office has been very active with over 400 different private meetings held with innovators in the last three years. In addition, LabCFTC has published three primers in the marketplace based on their understanding of smart contracts, artificial intelligence, and crypto-assets.
Debiex Accused of $2.3M Romance Scam by CFTC
The CFTC has charged Debiex and Zhāng Chéng Yáng with conducting a romance scam, misleading customers to invest $2.3 million in a fraudulent scheme.
CFTC's New Enforcement Action Raises Jurisdictional Concerns Over Crypto Derivatives
CFTC Commissioner Caroline D. Pham criticizes the latest enforcement action for potentially overstepping into SEC’s territory and undermining investor protection laws
XRP Status Classified as Unclear, Meanwhile Analysts Say XRP Price Could Jump to $0.30
The US Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Heath Tarbert indicated in an interview that the status of XRP has been classified as unclear. He said, “It’s unclear. Stay tuned I’d say. Part of the issue is that our jurisdiction we share with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). If it’s a security, it falls under their jurisdiction. If it’s a commodity, it falls under ours.”
Binance is Reportedly Under Investigation by the CFTC, Involving Inside Trading
Binance cryptocurrency exchange has come under the regulatory radar again. Reportedly, it is with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
US Senate Bill Proposes to Empower CFTC to Oversight Tokens & Digital Assets
Top U.S. Senators have introduced a bill that seeks to give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) the sole responsibility of overseeing the biggest cryptocurrencies.
Binance Trims Employee Benefits and Faces Regulatory Challenges Globally
According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance has reduced several benefits for its employees, including reimbursements for mobile phone usage, fitness, and work-from-home expenses.
What are the Top 5 Blockchain Market Events to Watch in Q2 2020?
Looking ahead to Q2 2020, what are the top 5 blockchain market events to watch? This article provides a simple guide for you!
Binance Becomes First Exchange to Join Cybercrime Fighting Alliance
Binance cryptocurrency exchange has joined the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA), becoming the first digital currency trading platform to make such a move.
Binance and Changpeng Zhao Seek Permission to File Excess Pages in Response to CFTC Complaint
Binance, Changpeng Zhao seek court's permission for extended response to CFTC complaint amidst increasing scrutiny from US regulatory agencies.
Judge Directs CFTC To Sue Ooki DAO Creators
The Commodities Future Trading Commission (CFTC) must serve its complaint to the Ooki decentralized autonomous organization's two founders, according to a federal court. The DAO was first served a lawsuit through a support chat box, but a federal court ordered the regulator to "serve at least one identified Token Holder". After discovering Bean and Kistner were Oki DAO token holders, Judge Orrick evaluated the CFTC's litigation service. The CFTC and amicus brief filers appeared before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on Dec. 7. "Illegally providing leveraged and margined retail commodities trades in digital assets" via bZeroX led to Bean and Kistner's CFTC settlement. It sued Ooki DAO, claiming it used bZerox's software after taking control.
US CFTC Charges New York Crypto Trader with Fraud Involving Digital Asset Ponzi Scheme
A New York native has been charged with fraud for allegedly scamming $5 million from more than 175 investors using a crypto Ponzi scheme.
Ex-US CFTC Chair Advocates Building Financial Infrastructure with Blockchain
Former Chairman of the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Christopher Giancarlo slammed handlers of the economy for taking a back seat in financial innovation related to blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes Surrenders to US Authorities
Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes has surrendered to authorities in Hawaii to face pending charges relating to AML compliance failure.
VanEck Announces Launch of Ethereum Futures ETF (EFUT)
VanEck announces the launch of VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF (EFUT), targeting Ethereum futures contracts for capital appreciation. EFUT, listed on CBOE, complements VanEck's Bitcoin ETF (XBTF) with a tax-efficient structure.
CFTC Chairman Calls For Principle-Based Not Rules-Based Regulation For Crypto
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Heath Tarbert has stated his preference for the financial governance to be principle based rather than a strictly enforced set of rules. This extends to cryptocurrency and digital assets.
Agency Needs to Prepare Regulating Crypto, Says CFTC Chair
Rostin Behnam, the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) noted that he has directed members to start preparing to be the major regulator in the crypto industry.
New US CFTC Regulatory Framework to Have a Major Impact on Digital Assets
The new regulation by the CFTC is designed to benefit digital currencies in the era of the growing involvement of cryptocurrencies in the derivative market
Budget to Provide for Fulfilling Expanded Crypto Surveillance Goal: CFTC
The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has requested a robust budget for its Fiscal Year 2023 in order to expand its digital assets or cryptocurrency surveillance targets.
CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz: US SEC Has No Authority Over Cryptocurrencies
The recent heated debate between the US SEC officials and the CFTC over who should police crypto tokens highlights the difficulty in applying existing regulations to the nascent sector.
US Court Orders Binance and Changpeng Zhao to Pay $2.7 Billion in Settlement with CFTC
A US court has imposed a $2.7 billion fine on Binance and a $150 million fine on Changpeng Zhao for violating the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.
US Congress Plans New Provisions for Cryptocurrency Derivatives Markets
The US Congress aims to pass a new bill deciding on data collection for digital commodities contracts and swaps.
BitMEX Agrees to Pay $100M in Settlements to the CFTC of the US
BitMEX has reached a settlement with the CFTC and FinCEN on charges bordering on illegal exchange operation.
Binance Expects Fines in U.S. Investigations
Binance intends to pay U.S. authorities for past compliance inquiries and crimes.
Former Voyager Digital CEO Faces Fraud Charges Amid CFTC and FTC Crackdown
The CFTC and FTC have levelled fraud charges against former Voyager Digital CEO Stephen Ehrlich, spotlighting the case as a notable instance of regulatory enforcement within the digital asset sector. The charges underscore the market's inherent risks and the imperative for robust regulatory compliance to ensure investor protection.
India's Crackdown on Crypto Exchanges: Binance, Kraken, Mexc, and Kucoin Delisted from App Store
India's FIU removes apps of major crypto exchanges, including Binance and Kraken, from the App Store, enforcing compliance with anti-money laundering laws amid new crypto tax policies.
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.
CFTC Chair Suggests Ether is Commodity, Let Congress to Regulate Crypto
Crypto regulation is inevitable. That is the message coming from both CFTC and SEC. But this has led to a political conflict between the top U.S. financial regulatory agencies.
CFTC Receives DeFi Crash Course
Crypto executives provided a DeFi crash course to the CFTC during their first Technology Advisory Committee meeting. Topics included blockchain technology, decentralization, digital identity, and exploits and vulnerabilities.
Former CFTC Commissioner Joins FTX.US Board
FTX.US, the United States subsidiary of FTX Derivatives Exchange, has announced the appointment of Jill Sommers to its Board of Directors
Cyprus Tightens Crypto Regulations with Hefty Penalties for Non-Compliance
Cyprus is tightening its cryptocurrency regulations by introducing hefty penalties for non-compliance. The government aims to align with international AML/CFT standards and has submitted a legislative amendment for review. All crypto service providers must register with CySEC, facing fines or imprisonment for non-compliance.
Trading firms identified as Binance VIP clients in CFTC lawsuit
Three trading firms, Jane Street Group, Tower Research Capital, and Radix Trading have been identified as Binance's VIP clients in the CFTC lawsuit. The firms allegedly received preferential treatment from Binance, including lower transaction fees and faster trading services, while providing liquidity to the exchange.
Heads of SEC, CFTC and FinCEN Jointly Warn Crypto Industry to Follow Regulations
The heads of the three major US financial regulators have issued a joint statement warning the cryptocurrency industry to adhere to banking regulations in the development of digital assets.
Peter Kambolin Sentenced for Fraudulent Scheme in Cryptocurrency Futures Trading
Peter Kambolin, former CEO of Systematic Alpha Management LLC, was sentenced for a fraudulent "cherry-picking" scheme in cryptocurrency futures, underscoring the need for stringent regulatory oversight in crypto trading.
CFTC Slams Kraken with $1.25M for Illegal Market Operations
The CFTC says Kraken has been fined and is required to pay the sum of $1.25 million for illegally offering margined retail commodity transactions in digital assets
Missing lawsuit response date, Ooki DAO faces default judgment.
The CFTC is seeking a default judgment against Ooki DAO. DAO missed the lawsuit response deadline. The record of default will show that the DAO did not appear in court. The court issues a default judgment if the defendant fails to defend a case.
Teenage Twitter Hacker Mastermind of Bitcoin Scam Pleads Not Guilty
17-year old Graham Ivan Clark, the alleged teenage mastermind of the notorious Bitcoin hack involving high profile individuals has pleaded not guilty
More Than $400 Million in Bitcoin Withdrawn from BitMEX Following CFTC Charges
$400 million have been withdrawn from Bitmex in less than 24 hours after the US CFTC filed a legal enforcement action against the exchange’s owners.
California Crypto Bill Seeks to Measure the Consumer Impact of Digital Assets
California’s Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee has unanimously passed Assembly Bill 2150 which will help define digital assets as well as to measure its potential impact on the state and consumers
Stakeholders in the Crypto Ecosystem Want US Regulator to Increase Bank's Crypto Capabilities
Stakeholders including the Silvergate Bank have responded to the OCC call recommending the regulator to improve US bank’s crypto capabilities.
SEC Chair Says Lummis-Gillibrand Bill Could ‘Undermine’ Market Protections
The legislation bill provides a framework that develops clear standards and defines appropriate jurisdictional boundaries.
Approach to Crypto Regulation is More Proactive: CFTC Chair
Rostin Behnam, the Chairman of the CFTC, has revealed that the commission is more than ready for regulatory oversight of the digital currency ecosystem as the industry evolves.
Former BitMEX Executives to Appear in Court in March 2022
The court trial for former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes and other indicted executives has been set for March 28, 2022.
Heath Tarbert Joins Circle as Chief Legal Officer and Head of Corporate Affairs
Circle Internet Financial has appointed Heath Tarbert as its new chief legal officer and head of corporate affairs, effective from July 1, 2023.
CFTC Chairman Heath Tarbert Announces He Will Step Down Early Next Year
Heath Tarbert, the chairman of the U.S CFTC, has announced that he will leave the agency, thus setting the stage for Biden to choose another chairperson.
The ETF Approval Process Can Improve Transparency in Trading Platforms- Former CFTC Chair
Former CFTC Chair Timothy Massad has advocated for the approval of a Bitcoin ETF product on a conditional ground
Ooki DAO Seeks Legal Defence against CFTC Drawing on Community Support
With the lawsuit from the CFTC now filed, the DAO has opened a public forum for discussion such that its members will explore the best avenues to respond to the lawsuit.
CFTC Charges Fundsz and Individuals for Fraudulent Cryptocurrency and Precious Metals Solicitation
CFTC files complaint against Fundsz and individuals for fraudulent crypto and precious metals trading. Assets frozen; hearing set for August 23.
FTX Exchange's Proposal Becomes the Focus of CFTC Chair's Hearing in Congress
Rostin Behnam, the chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) was at a hearing, one of the core subjects of discussion was a proposal from FTX Derivatives Exchange.
CFTC FinTech Research Wing Welcomes Innovators to Discuss with Regulators With its New Office Hours
LabCFTC, the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s FinTech research wing, is planning to host office hours during the New York FinTech Week.
US CFTC Charges BitMEX For Operating Illegal Crypto Derivatives Exchange
The United States CFTC has charged operators of BitMEX for operating an unregistered trading platform and violating anti-money laundering procedures.
US CFTC Charges Crypto Futures Exchange Digitex for Registration and Trading Violations
The CFTC has filed civil charges against Digitex exchange and its CEO for running a fraudulent crypto futures platform and over other multiple violations.
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.
US CFTC Reaches Clarity on Interpretive Guidance on the Physical Delivery of Traded Cryptocurrency
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced that the Commission has voted unanimously and has clarified the guidance on the question of the physical delivery of digital assets.
Digitex CEO Adam Todd Ordered to Pay $16 Million in CFTC Case
A federal court in the United States has mandated that Adam Todd, the CEO of the digital asset exchange Digitex, pay almost $16 million in disgorgement and penalties.
Crypto & the FATF Travel Rule: FinCEN Suggests Challenges in Governance, Not Technology
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule has been in the center of attention lately, which concerns crypto transactions above a certain amount must be accompanied by identifying information.The rule is an update to the existing FATF Recommendation 16, regarding cross-border and domestic wire transfers, and is intended to address the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) challenges as crypto adoption increases. The FATF Travel Rule could mean implications for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), including cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet providers, and custodians.
ECB Report: Striking the Balance Between Allowing Privacy and Ensuring Compliance with CBDC
The European Central Bank has recently developed an “anonymity voucher” to safeguard potential central bank digital currency (CBDC) users’ privacy for low-value retail transactions, while ensuring that high-value transfers are subject to anti-money laundering (AML) approvals.
Crypto Exchange CEX.IO Receives Temporary Registration Status with UK FCA
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has granted crypto exchange CEX.IO a temporary registration status to operate until July 9, 2021.
MAS Proposes New Regulations to Tighten Crypto Business Activities
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has published a consultation paper proposing a new set of regulations that may stiffen the emergence and activities of crypto industries in the country. Despite the proactive strides of the MAS towards the development of the country’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), the apex bank is set to reinforce its regulations on digital currencies.
Hong Kong SFC Agrees in Principle to License Fidelity Backed OSL Crypto Firm
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has agreed in principle to license the cryptocurrency firm OSL Digital Securities.
Hong Kong's 2020 Budget: Digital Assets May be Incorporated into Regulatory Framework but not Blockchain
Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, Paul Chan been under intense pressure from lawmakers to dip into the government’s fiscal reserves to help the city get out of an economic slump. After months of anti-government protests and the emergence of the coronavirus epidemic, Hong Kong residents aged over 18 will receive a cash handout of HK$10,000. The budget also highlighted the forecast of an all-time high deficit of HK$139 billion for the coming fiscal year.
Matrixport's Evolved Enterprise-Grade Cactus Custody and Holistic Approach to KYT and AML Compliance
Matrixport is a Singapore-based cryptocurrency startup which was launched by former Bitmain CEO Jihan Wu. Established in July 2019 with the goal to offer over-the-counter trading, lending and custody services for crypto, Matrixport boasts a systematic security model, global distributed infrastructure and business-focused security innovation capability to assure the security and reliability of users' assets.
Russian Cybercriminals Sanctioned by DoJ for Crypto Laundering Scam Generating More than $16.8M
TheDoJ has sanctioned two Russian nationals for their cybercrimes, where millions in cryptocurrency were accumulated through scamming and phishing schemes.
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.
Why Hong Kong is Still Not Ready to Become Asia's Leader in Crypto and Blockchain
During a live webinar, as part of the UK FinTech Week, Clara Chiu, the Head of Fintech Unit & Director of Licensing at the SFC explicitly stated that Hong Kong does not have the mandate to create a large regulatory regime for cryptocurrencies or to attract more investors or players in the crypto field. Rather than promoting the crypto sector, Hong Kong is rather focused on protecting investors and promoting new regulations for the same reason. Is focusing on licensing enough for the city?
Private Firms Can Boost Innovation of Central Bank Digital Currency, says IMF
A synthetic Central bank digital currency (CBDC) could create new pathways for innovation according to a senior member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
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.