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Nigerian Securities Commission to Release Official Guidelines on Crypto Regulations
The Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission has announced a proposed crypto regulation guideline.
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.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Legalizes Digital Asset and Crypto Trading
Malaysia’s Securities Commission, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with Islamic laws in finance, has allowed trading of digital assets.
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.
India’s Election Commission Proposed Using Blockchain for Remote E-Voting
India’s Election Commission proposed using blockchain technology as a solution for bringing transparency for remote voting in a discussion on addressing geographical voting issues.
European Commission Eyes Crypto Regulatory Framework with New Digital Finance Package
The European Commission (EC) has unveiled a digital finance package that highlights legislative proposals on crypto assets and digital resilience.
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.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Touts Cryptocurrency’s Potential Amid a COVID-19 Digital Normal
The Securities Commission of Malaysia backs cryptocurrency use and says it has great potential, despite a lack of understanding regarding digital assets in the country.
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.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission Drafts New Crypto Regulations
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission drafts crypto regulations for 2023, focusing on anti-money laundering, token issuance, asset segregation, and transparent trading. Overseas platforms face advertising restrictions.
HK SFC: Sentencing Adjourned in Market Manipulation Case
Sentencing in a significant market manipulation case has been postponed, according to the Securities and Futures Commission.
Three Ramp-and-Dump Cases Transferred to District Court
Three sophisticated ramp-and-dump cases have been transferred to the District Court, according to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Tse Tsun Wai Convicted and Fined for Unlicensed Activity
Tse Tsun Wai has been convicted and fined for engaging in unlicensed financial activities, according to the Securities and Futures Commission.
Bitfarms Adopts New Shareholder Rights Plan Amid Tribunal Decision
Bitfarms Ltd. has adopted a new shareholder rights plan following a decision by the Ontario Securities Commission's Tribunal to cease trade the former plan.
Crypto Mom Hester Peirce Officially Sworn in as SEC Commissioner
Crypto Mom and blockchain forward SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has been sworn in for a second term at the US SEC.
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.
European Commission Unveils Strategy to Lead Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds
A new strategy for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds has been unveiled by the European Commission in an effort to steer the next technological revolution and guarantee a safe, open, and welcoming online environment for individuals, organizations, and government agencies across the EU.
SEC to Regulate Binance Chain With Blockchain Analytics Firm CipherTrace
The US Securities and Exchange Commission plans to award CipherTrace blockchain analytics firm with a contract pertaining to Binance Chain.
Signature Bank Under Investigation by US Government Bodies
Signature Bank is reportedly under investigation by both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice over concerns that the bank did not take adequate measures to detect potential money laundering by its clients. The bank was closed on March 12 as part of a series of bank closures that also included Silvergate Capital and Silicon Valley Bank.
Allison Herren Lee Steps Down as US SEC Commissioner
Commissioner Allison Herren has departed the SEC. Her departure gives Biden more room to fill the role at the agency.
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.
Ripple’s First Court Date for SEC Lawsuit of XRP Tokens Set for February 2021
The official pre-trial court date for the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple for the sale of XRP tokens has been set.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission in Exploratory Phase for Crypto ETFs
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission is cautiously considering the introduction of cryptocurrency ETFs, focusing on self-regulation and gradual liberalization in the digital asset market.
Animoca Brands to Focus on Markets Outside U.S. after SEC Labels Sand Cryptocurrency an Unregistered Security
Hong Kong-based blockchain giant, Animoca Brands, has announced its plans to shift its focus to markets outside the U.S.
Microsoft's OpenAI Investment Faces EU Merger Regulation Scrutiny
The European Commission is investigating Microsoft's investment in OpenAI, a significant partnership since 2019, under the EU Merger Regulation, as part of a larger plan to control tech giants' influence in the AI field, focusing on potential anti-competitive impacts.
Thailand SEC Eases ICO Restrictions
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to lift restrictions on retail investment in initial coin offerings (ICOs). The SEC aims to permit bigger investments in asset-backed ICOs, including those backed by real estate and infrastructure.
European Commission Launches Research Unit to Investigate Algorithms Used by Big Tech
The European Commission has launched a new research unit called the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) to investigate the impact of algorithms used by prominent online platforms and search engines such as Facebook and Google. The team will analyze and evaluate the AI-backed algorithms used by Big Tech firms to identify and address any potential risks posed by these platforms.
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.
European Commission Moves to Tighten Rules on Cryptocurrency Transfers
The European Commission has announced that firms transferring Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies must collect details of payers and payees to help regulators prevent the flow of dirty money.
Crypto Scams Have Swindled At Least $1B From Nearly 50,000 People Since 2021 - FTC
Despite crypto penetrating the masses from Bitcoin ATMs to Super Bowl ads, scams in this sector have been going through the roof because more than $1 billion has been lost since 2021, according to a study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Regulatory Pressure and Operational Challenges: Huobi Faces Penalties, Hotbit Suspends Operations
In an unexpected turn of events in the crypto industry, two cryptocurrency exchanges - Huobi Global and Hotbit - face substantial roadblocks.
IOSCO Releases Landmark Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), a leading international body of securities regulators, recently published an influential report titled 'Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets Consultation Report.'
Hong Kong SFC Warns Against Crypto Entities HongKongDAO and BitCuped for Suspected Fraud
The SFC of Hong Kong warns against HongKongDAO and BitCuped for suspected fraud, blocking their websites and extending caution to other virtual asset platforms.
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.
Taiwan's Major Crypto Exchanges Form Association to Align with Upcoming Regulations
Taiwan's major crypto exchanges form an industry association to align with upcoming regulations by the Financial Supervisory Commission. The association aims to serve as a unified voice for the industry and facilitate effective communication with the government.
Could Twitter Bitcoin Hack Have Been Prevented? Twitter Faces Heat From SEC
There is ongoing speculation that the massive Bitcoin hack that overtook Twitter on July 15 could have been prevented if Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and his multi-billion dollar social networking company had taken matters into their own hands and addressed the security concerns outlined by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2015.
Worldcoin (WLD) Investigated by South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission
Amidst privacy concerns, South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission has launched an investigation into Worldcoin's data collection practices.
BlackRock and SEC Discuss iShares Bitcoin Trust Listing on Nasdaq
The SEC is reviewing multiple proposals for iShares Bitcoin Trust's listing as a spot Bitcoin ETF on Nasdaq, marking a significant step in mainstream cryptocurrency acceptance.
The Likelihood that Ripple Will Win the Legal Battle against the SEC over XRP May Be Promising
As the pretrial court date between Ripple and the Securities and Exchange Commission is rapidly approaching, the outcome of XRP still remains uncertain.
Bittrex Faces Potential Legal Action from US SEC
Bittrex, a US-based cryptocurrency exchange, may face legal action from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over alleged violations related to investor protection, despite preparing to shut down its local operations.
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.
Commissioners Dissent on SEC's NFT Enforcement Action on Stoner Cats 2, LLC
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dissented on its enforcement action against Stoner Cats 2, LLC's non-fungible token (NFT) settlement. The Commissioners argue that the Howey investment contract analysis lacks a limiting principle and could stifle artists' creativity due to legal uncertainties. They call for clear guidelines for artists and creators using NFTs to support their creative endeavors and engage with fan communities.
Democratic Party of Korea Pushes for Reconsideration of Spot Bitcoin ETFs
The Democratic Party of Korea plans to request the Financial Services Commission to review its stance on the legal status of spot Bitcoin ETFs, following opposition to its previous statement.
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.
SEC Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda Disagree on Impact Theory Enforcement Action
The US SEC has launched its first enforcement action against Impact Theory, LLC, for raising $30 million through an unregistered offering of NFTs disguised as securities, despite Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda arguing for clearer regulations.
SEBA Bank Secures SFC License, Expanding Crypto Services to Hong Kong
Swiss cryptocurrency bank SEBA Bank has been granted a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission license to offer trading, distribution, advisory, and asset management services in the Asia Pacific region.
Bitcoin Futures Exchange BitMEX to Block Ontario Crypto Traders
Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange BitMEX announced today that it planned on removing its trading platform services from a Canadian province.
First Crypto Fund Approved by Hong Kong’s Financial Regulator Aims to Pass $100M in its First Year
Hong Kong’s first approved cryptocurrency fund, Arrano Capital, the blockchain arm of Venture Smart Asia announced its rollout of a new Bitcoin fund in Hong Kong.
Twitter Says Bitcoin Hack Originated From Phone Phishing Attack
On Thursday, Twitter provided an update addressing the massive Bitcoin hack that overtook its platform earlier this month.
UK Launches Global Crypto Law Review as it Considers Legal Reforms
The Law Commission of England and Wales will explore legal proceedings from other countries to create its own crypto-based legal reforms
Beijing Releases Web 3.0 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023) at Zhongguancun Forum
On May 27, 2023, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Management Committee unveiled the "Beijing Web 3.0 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023)" at the parallel forum of the Zhongguancun Forum titled "Web 3.0: Future Development of the Internet Industry."
EU Lawmakers Urged to Speed Up Passage of Crypto Law
Controversial provisions of the MiCA framework aim to simplify the rise of crypto businesses across the EU's 27 member nations.
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.
Malaysian Authorities to Extend Crypto Regulations to Wallet Providers
The Malaysian Securities Commission plans to extend crypto regulations to wallet providers in the country owing to their importance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
SEC Commissioner & ‘Crypto Mom’ Hester Peirce Suggests Plan to Determine Whether an Asset is a Security
“Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce is not the biggest fan of using the Howey Test to determine whether crypto assets are securities.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler Asks Congress to Regulate Crypto Exchanges
Gary Gensler, the chairman of the SEC, has urged US Congress to create a regulatory framework for crypto exchanges in the United States.
ASIC Bans BitConnect National Executive for His Part in Multi-Billion Dollar Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has officially banned a former National Representative of BitConnect from providing financial services for seven years.
Fidelity Investments Seeks Approval for a US Bitcoin ETF
The US asset management giant, Fidelity Investments, applies for a Bitcoin ETF in the U.S.
Feeling Left Out? EU Establishes Approximately €400m Blockchain & AI Fund
The European Commission and European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched a €2B fund to be invested in fundamental technologies. Nearly €300-€400M will be invested in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) amid fears that China and the US are setting a precedent in these areas.
FTX EU Launches Website for Customer Withdrawal Requests
FTX EU has launched a website for European customers to submit withdrawal requests following the global trading platform's collapse and bankruptcy in November 2022. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission reportedly approved the new website domain name, which will only be used to pay back impacted customers and will not offer any products or services.
Co-Founder of AirBit Club Sentenced to 12 Years for Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
Pablo Renato Rodriguez, co-founder of AirBit Club, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a global cryptocurrency pyramid scheme. Co-defendants await sentencing, and the group has been ordered to forfeit approximately $100 million in assets.
Taiwan's Legislature Considers Virtual Asset Management Bill to Protect Consumers
The Taiwanese Legislature is deliberating on a new Virtual Asset Management Bill aimed at fostering better consumer protection and industry oversight. The bill, seen as moderate, outlines pragmatic mandates for VASPs while leaving room for further regulatory fine-tuning, marking a significant step in Taiwan’s evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
European Commission Takes Aim at AI-Generated Disinformation Ahead of Elections
The European Commission mandates major tech platforms to detect AI-generated content to shield European elections from misinformation, highlighting a robust approach towards maintaining democratic integrity.
Hong Kong Security Chief Vows to Hunt Down JPEX Crypto Scam Ringleaders
Hong Kong authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the key operators behind JPEX, a cryptocurrency platform implicated in the city's largest alleged financial fraud. The police have arrested 15 individuals and seized assets worth HK$85 million ($10.8 million). Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the need for a proper regulatory framework for Web3-related businesses.
US SEC Chair Gary Gensler: Coinbase and Other Crypto Exchanges Must Register with Agency
After raising concerns over Coinbase’s lending product, US SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has once again reiterated that cryptocurrency exchanges should register with the commission.
UK's ICO to Investigate OpenAI CEO's Worldcoin Project
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) announced on July 25, 2023, that it plans to initiate an investigation into Worldcoin, a project overseen by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The investigation is set to commence shortly after the announcement. ICO is the data regulator in the United Kingdom.
Malaysia’s Financial Regulator Says Binance is Not Authorized to Operate in the Country
The Securities Commission (SC) of Malaysia, the country’s financial regulator, has announced that Binance cryptocurrency exchange is not unauthorized to operate in the country. The financial watchdog has, therefore, put the crypto exchange on the list of unlicensed companies.
Canada Security Regulator Approves Three Ethereum ETFs In A Single Day
The Ontario Securities Commission has made history again by approving three Ethereum exchange-traded funds in one day.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Confirmed for Second Term By US Senate, Crypto Mom Will Remain Until 2025
The United States Senate has voted in Commissioner Hester Peirce of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a second term that will see her remain with the regulator until 2025.
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.
China Has Kickstarted the Experimentation of a Blockchain Pilot in its Equity Trading Industry
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has kickstarted the experimentation of a blockchain pilot for the equity trading industry in the country. Announced by the Beijing Local Financial Supervision and Administration, CSRC will be assisting the Beijing Equity Trading Center for the blockchain pilot.
Crypto Mining May be Sacrificed as EU Continues to Battle Energy Crisis
With the energy crisis in the EU, member countries may be mandated to halt crypto-mining activities
Coinbase CEO Criticizes Chase UK’s Crypto Transaction Ban
Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, condemns Chase UK's restrictive stance on cryptocurrency transactions, urging UK crypto holders to close their Chase accounts. This move by Chase UK could potentially impede Coinbase's expansion plans in the UK and Europe.
What Will Gary Gensler’s Confirmation to The Role of SEC Chair Mean for The Crypto Industry?
SEC chairman nominee Gary Gensler testified before the Senate Banking Committee as part of his confirmation hearing.
Canadian Regulator Charges Coinsquare Executives For Crypto Market Manipulation
Coinsquare executives have resigned following a settlement with the Ontario Securities Commission.
Couple Charged by the SEC for Defrauding 500 Investors in Fraudulent Water-Backed Cryptocurrency Scheme
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has persecuted a former Texan pastor and his spouse for allegedly conning hundreds of innocent investors. The SEC said that the Texas couple used alkaline water-backed crypto, TeshuaCoin, to con the investors.
Thai SEC Bars Crypto Staking & Lender Services after Zipmex’s Bankruptcy
Thai regulator has banned digital asset operators from offering crypto depository services that pay returns to depositors to protect traders and the public from service providers’ business risks.
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.
Largest Weekly Inflows in Digital Assets in Over a Year, Led by Bitcoin
In a significant shift of sentiment, digital asset investment products experienced their largest single weekly inflows since July 2022, totaling a substantial $199 million, according to CoinShares report. This surge effectively corrected almost half of the prior nine consecutive weeks of outflows, signaling renewed investor confidence in the market.
Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce Signs a Blockchain Alliance Proposal to Foster Trade And Finance
Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce had signed a written proposal giving the Shanghai government departments and six financial companies an opportunity to establish an E-port area blockchain alliance with the sole aim of fostering international trade and financial services.
PayPal Confirms Its Plan to Develop Cryptocurrency Capabilities in its Letter to the European Commission
In a letter to the European Commission in March 2020, payment giant PayPal has now confirmed that has it is actively working to bring cryptocurrencies capabilities on its platform. In the detailed letter, PayPal said that it has taken tangible and unilateral steps to further develop its capabilities in the cryptocurrency space.
SEC Chair Jay Clayton to Leave the Commission by Year End—Implications for the Future of Crypto
SEC's Jay Clayton is set to leave the commission by year-end after three and a half years in office. What could this mean for the crypto industry?