financial
US National Security at Risk Due to China’s Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
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.
Bitcoin Can’t Drive Financial Inclusion for Unbanked But CBDC Can says Mastercard CEO
Ajay Banga, the CEO of Mastercard believes Bitcoin is unable to function as an inclusive currency for the world’s unbanked due to volatility, CBDCs are a different story.
UK Media Mogul Calls DeFi a Revolution Against Corrupt Global Banking System
Alexander Lebedev, the billionaire UK media mogul and former banker has endorsed the revolutionary power of DeFi against a corrupt global banking system.
Taiwanese Singer Chen Lingjiu Implicated in JPEX Cryptocurrency Fraud Case
Taiwanese singer Chen Lingjiu faces fraud case involving JPEX, highlighting potential pitfalls of celebrity endorsements in cryptocurrency investments and the need for robust regulatory measures.
Jim Rogers Predicts Economic Bailout Meltdown, Wall Street Investors will turn to Bitcoin Safe Haven
Chairman of Roger Holdings and prolific American investor Jim Rogers warns that the trillion-dollar bailout will lead to an economic meltdown.
Hong Kong Embraces Web3 Despite Crypto Market Volatility
Hong Kong's financial secretary, Paul Chan, has emphasized the need for the city to embrace Web3 technology, despite the fluctuations in the crypto market. Chan has proposed a strategy that focuses on proper regulation and promoting development to facilitate Web3's steady growth. He also noted that Hong Kong plans to prioritize financial security, prevent systemic risks, and focus on investor education and protection. The region's approach to crypto regulation contrasts with that of the United States, which has adopted a more hardline response to the industry.
Ripple and Onafriq Forge Alliance for Blockchain-Enabled Payments in Africa
Ripple and Onafriq are collaborating to introduce blockchain-powered cross-border payments, aiming to improve transaction efficiency and financial inclusion in Africa, the GCC, the UK, and Australia.
FTX Seeks Court Approval to Sell $175M Genesis Claim Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings
FTX has filed a motion in Delaware court to sell a $175 million claim against bankrupt Genesis Global Capital, aiming to optimize returns from the sale. The move is part of FTX's broader strategy to manage its financial recovery post-collapse, with the proposed sales procedure designed to ensure maximum value from the claim amidst Genesis's ongoing legal and financial challenges.
Matrixport Launches New Crypto Products with Fixed Income Investment and the Flexi-Term Investment Product
SINGAPORE - On 18th May 2020, Matrixport will introduce the Fixed Income Investment Product and the Flexi-Term Investment product, where asset security is protected by a risk control mechanism by real crypto assets guaranteed by excess pledge.
DCG Completes Payment of Short-Term Debts to Dissolved Crypto Lender Genesis
Digital Currency Group paid up all short-term loans to Genesis, a previous bitcoin lending platform, as promised. DCG repaid $700 million in 2023 despite crypto sector woes. Genesis filed for bankruptcy in early 2023 after a withdrawal halt due to obligations of over $3.5 billion to its principal creditors. The bitcoin market is changing significantly with this development.
FTX Bankruptcy Legal Costs Hit $118.1 Million in Three Months
FTX's bankruptcy lawyers and advisers earned an average of $118.1M in fees between August and October, with Alvarez and Marshall leading the charges.
New Money Theory Research: Blockchain to Usher in the New Age of Monetary and Financial Freedom
New Money Theory Research: Blockchain to Usher in the New Age of Monetary and Financial Freedom
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.
Bakkt's Strategic Expansion Leads to Significant Revenue Growth Amid Crypto Market Recovery
Bakkt Holdings forecasts a substantial revenue increase and a 70% decline in operating cash flow usage for FY 2024, following a robust year of strategic advancements.
G20 Discusses Crypto Regulations Under India Presidency
G20 members reviewed technological advancements and dangers during the FMCBG conference on Feb. 24–25.
Wave Financial Acquires Swiss-based Criptonite Asset Management
A US-based regulated digital asset investment management firm makes its first acquisition in Europe. The acquisition paves the way for Wave Financial to make further expansion globally.
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.
Kraken Is the First Cryptocurrency Exchange to Become a US Bank
Kraken San Francisco-based crypto exchange was approved yesterday by the Wyoming Banking Board and is now the first exchange to become a US bank.
IRS Expects Surge in Crypto Tax Crime Cases as Tax Season Concludes
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is bracing for an increase in crypto tax crime cases as taxpayers file their returns on April 15. IRS criminal investigation chief Guy Ficco predicts a rise in charged Title 26 crypto cases this year and beyond. While crypto has been associated with various financial crimes in the past, Ficco anticipates a surge in "pure crypto tax crimes" in the future.
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.
US National Security at Risk Due to China Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
U.S. Justice Department Seizes $9M in Crypto from Romance Scam Ring
The U.S. Justice Department successfully seizes $9M in crypto from a scam ring targeting over 70 victims, showcasing the government's commitment to combating cyber-enabled financial fraud.
May 31: Everyone Wants to be the Broker in Crypto
BTC has managed to get into my sell zone with ETH clearly leading the charts with the triangle breakout getting quite a few technical guys excited. Contrary to this spike, 20k+ ETH Dec 120 puts traded at $8.4 yesterday. So who's gonna be right?
Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB): 0.20% Management Fee, Pledges 10% Profits for Bitcoin Development
Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) is a low-cost, regulated ETF for U.S. investors, offering a traditional route to investing in bitcoin. With a 0% management fee for the first six months, BITB could pave the way for more cryptocurrency-based investment products.
Cybersecurity Firm Kaspersky Warns of New Ransomware Devised by Notorious North Korean Ransomware Group
Multinational cybersecurity provider Kaspersky has announced that the notorious North Korean crypto criminal group, Lazarus, is planning on releasing a new ransomware.
National Bank of Georgia Enhances Sanction Monitoring, Includes Virtual Asset Service Providers
The Acting President of the National Bank of Georgia, Archil Mestvirishvili, stated that the bank has not only been monitoring the observance of financial sanctions but also expanded its oversight to virtual asset service providers.
Blockchain Experts Discuss: Will Blockchain Be the Missing Piece to Financial Inclusion?
The Singapore Fintech Festival rounded up blockchain discussions on the last day of the festival, focusing on one of the main themes of the event, financial inclusion.
Tripling of Bitcoin Millionaire Wallets in 2023: A Deep Dive into the Crypto Wealth Explosion
In 2023, the number of Bitcoin wallets with over $1 million increased by 237%, indicating a significant shift in cryptocurrency wealth and market dynamics.
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.
Upbit Singapore Secures MAS's MPI Licence
Upbit Singapore receives a Major Payment Institution license from MAS, marking a key step in its expansion and compliance with Singapore's regulatory standards in the digital asset sector.
DFA Bill Passed, But Central Bank of Russia Still Thinks Cryptos Are Criminal
Despite the Digital Financial Assets bill being passed by the State Duma, Russia’s Central Bank has nevertheless argued that crypto transactions are not deemed as legitimate investments.
Cboe Digital Set to Launch Bitcoin and Ether Futures Trading in January 2024
Cboe Digital, the first US-regulated crypto native exchange, will launch Bitcoin and Ether futures trading, enhancing capital efficiency and market liquidity.
CoinSmart Is on the Hunt to Buy Distressed Crypto Assets
The recent market crash is the latest in global financial events that have created unique opportunities for buyers like CoinSmart and FTX wanting to acquire distressed crypto firms at a bargain valuation.
Bitget Becomes the First Centralized Exchange to Offer Financial Transparency Through Space and Time
Bitget, the largest crypto copy trading platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Space and Time (SxT), a leader in decentralized data warehousing. The partnership will enable Bitget to offer users unparalleled transparency of exchange operations with a verifiably tamperproof audit trail of data and computation.
Binance Rolls Out Crypto Education Tour in 5 French-Speaking African Nations
To propel blockchain adoption and financial accessibility on African soil, crypto exchange Binance has launched a crypto education tour in five french-speaking countries.
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.
Bank of China Achieves Groundbreaking $14 Million e-CNY CBDC Settlement in Gold
The Bank of China's Shanghai branch successfully settled a $14 million e-CNY CBDC for gold, marking a significant advancement in digital currency's role in international trade.
Japan Accelerates Digital Yen Plans Amidst Global CBDC Race
Japan is advancing its plans for a digital yen, with the Bank of Japan set to pilot a CBDC program and the finance ministry preparing an expert panel to address legalities, signaling a significant shift in Japan's traditional cash-centric economy.
Proposal to Amend Cryptocurrency Leverage Regulations in Japan
JCBA has proposed to JVCEA to amend the leverage ratio regulations in cryptocurrency margin trading, advocating for the application of corporate leverage calculation methods to individual transactions as well. The proposal aims to align the crypto market's leverage regulations with other derivative markets and possibly re-attract users who shifted to overseas exchanges for higher leverage.
WhaleFin is being sued by Atletico Madrid for unpaid sponsorship
Atletico Madrid is suing WhaleFin for €20 million over a terminated €40 million sponsorship deal, claiming financial losses and potential reputational damage.
IMF Emphasizes Digitalization in Financial Inclusion Agenda
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasizes the role of digitalization in expanding financial inclusion. She calls for a balanced approach that includes regulation to ensure financial stability. The IMF has also been active in digital finance, recently presenting a crypto-risk assessment tool.
Solana's SOL Price Predicted to Surpass $3000 in Bullish Scenario by 2030
VanEck's analysis suggests Solana could reach significant valuation by 2030 due to its technical innovations and user-focused applications. However, challenges like financial sustainability, technical stability, and developer adoption need to be addressed for this potential.
Goldman Sachs Predicts Booming Blockchain Asset Trading in Coming Years
Goldman Sachs predicts a substantial increase in blockchain-based asset trading in the next 1-2 years, indicating a transformative shift in financial markets and growing interest in digital assets.
BIS Conference Addresses Cybersecurity in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)
Agustín Carstens, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) during a conference in Basel, Switzerland, emphasizing the need for secure, user-friendly, and adaptable systems.
Vitalik Buterin's Insightful Financial Advice for a Prudent Portfolio
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin advises on prudent financial strategies, emphasizing diversification, savings for financial safety, a conservative portfolio, and caution against over-leveraging, blending traditional and modern investment insights.
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.
Ant Group Partners with Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo to Enable Access for its New Blockchain Solution—AntChain
Ant Group, formerly known as Ant Financial, the payments arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has launched a new blockchain solution, AntChain. Ant Group has signed an agreement with Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo to enable accessibility of IT leasing services for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) through the AntChain blockchain solution.
Block's AUD$3M Investment Boosts Indigenous Business Sector in Australia
Block Inc. invests AUD$3 million in First Australians Capital's new fund, supporting Indigenous businesses in Australia, aiming to empower entrepreneurs, foster economic growth, and create community wealth.
China's Central Bank and Watchdogs Meet with Jack Ma and Ant Group Execs following Regulation Criticism
Ant Group founder Jack Ma and the firm’s top executives met with PBoC and three financial regulators as China published new draft rules for online micro-lending.
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.
Pan-African Crypto Exchange Yellow Card raises $40M in Series B Funding Round
The round was led by Polychain Capital. The significance of the funding raise, especially in the ongoing market downturn, reflects the level of business confidence expressed by new and existing investors.
ECB Advances Digital Euro Project into Preparation Phase
The ECB's progression into the preparation phase of the digital euro project marks a pivotal step towards modernizing Europe's financial infrastructure. The digital euro, envisioned as a secure, accessible, and private means of digital payment, holds the promise of fortifying the European monetary system in the digital age.
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.
BC Technology Group Shares Drop 30%, Company Clarifies OSL Sale Rumor
BC Technology Group Limited refutes rumors of considering selling its virtual asset trading platform, OSL, following a Bloomberg report, amidst a significant drop in its share prices on 17 October 2023. The company clarified there's no ongoing negotiation or consideration regarding the OSL sale, urging investors to exercise caution.
Fonbnk and Tanda Partner to Launch Airtime Trading Marketplace in East Africa
Fonbnk and Tanda have partnered to launch an airtime trading marketplace in East Africa, allowing micro-entrepreneurs to earn revenue and store their profits in dollarized stablecoins. The partnership increases liquidity in the marketplace through the buying and selling of prepaid airtime for profit, providing more earning opportunities and creating a growth flywheel effect through improved liquidity and marketplace efficiency.
Mastercard VP On Blockchain, Digital Assets and CBDC: “Everything Ends in Transactions and Payments”
Ashok Venkateswaran, Mastercard’s Blockchain and Digital Assets Lead, Asia Pacific shares insights on the payment giant's new blockchain and digital initiatives.
FSB 2024 Agenda: Strengthening Crypto Regulation and Embracing AI"
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has announced its 2024 Work Programme, focusing on crypto regulation, AI, and digital innovation, aiming to enhance global cooperation and stability in finance.
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.
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.
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.
Alibaba to Bring Blockchain Technology to Chinese Shipping Ports
China is tapping into the potential of blockchain technology like none other; the country’s entrepreneurs and local governments alike have already started implementing blockchain-based projects while most of the globe grapples with legality issues.
Global Microfinance Market Projected to Reach $506 Billion by 2030
The global microfinance market, valued at $200 billion in 2022, is expected to grow to $506 billion by 2030, according to a new report by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market is set to expand at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2022 to 2030. Microenterprises are identified as a vital growth driver for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). The report also highlights the role of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain in shaping the industry.
The Bahamas Becomes First Country to Launch its CBDC, the ‘Sand Dollar’
The Bahamas has launched the Sand Dollar, making it the first country in the world to officially release a central bank digital currency (CBDC) beyond the testing phase.
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.
Financial Stability Board Finalizes Global Crypto Asset Regulatory Framework
FSB finalizes a global regulatory framework for crypto assets, aiming for consistent regulation. The framework includes high-level recommendations for crypto-asset activities and stablecoins.
Tether Criticizes UN Report for Overlooking USDT Traceability and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Tether rebuts a UN report accusing USDT of facilitating illicit activities, underscoring its traceability and law enforcement collaboration, and highlighting USDT's positive impact on developing economies.
Ant Group's IPO Delay Bigger Concern for Asia Tech than US Election
Could the suspension of Ant Group’s $34.5 billion IPO have a greater impact on Asia’s FinTech ecosystem than the United States election?
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.
Senator Warren Focuses on Crypto Scam Risks for Seniors, Advocates New Legislation
Senator Warren emphasized the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, gaining bipartisan support to regulate crypto activities and protect vulnerable populations from financial fraud.
Ant Financial Launches OpenChain for China's Small Businesses to Leverage its Enterprise Blockchain Consortium
Ant Financial, the parent company of AliPay, has launched OpenChain, a new blockchain platform that gives developers and small and micro enterprises (SMEs) the power to leverage the Chinese blockchain giant’s proprietary blockchain consortium and efficiently and cost effectively deploy smart contracts and create decentralized apps (DApps).
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.
NBG Georgia Shortlists Ripple Among Tech Firms for CBDC Pilot
The National Bank of Georgia progresses with its Digital GEL Pilot Project, focusing on the exploration of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) technology. Nine technology firms, including Ripple Labs, Inc., have been shortlisted for potential collaboration. The initiative mirrors global trends in modernizing financial infrastructures to meet the digital economy's evolving demands.
IMF Proposes Framework to Assess Crypto Asset Risks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a working paper that delves into the macrofinancial risks tied to crypto assets. The paper, part of the IMF's Working Papers series, proposes a framework aimed at aiding policymakers and regulatory authorities in understanding and tracking systemic risks from the crypto sector. This framework is crucial as traditional financial tools are not well-suited for assessing crypto-related risks.
Bitwise and ETF Trends : 64% of US Financial Advisors expect Bitcoin Price to Appreciate Over Next 5 years
Around half of all wealth in America is managed by financial advisors, but how much of that wealth are they comfortable allocating to cryptoassets?
SEC Gains Upper Hand: Ripple Ordered to Disclose XRP Sales Data
A US district judge has ordered Ripple to disclose XRP's financial and institutional sales data, a significant victory for the SEC amid allegations of unregistered sales.
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.
Orange Financial To Launch Innovative Yield Farming Treasury - Stablecoin Rewards for NFT Holders
Orange Financial, a multi-chain yield farming treasury, is excited to announce its public mint date on February 1st, 2023. As the only NFT project to offer stablecoin rewards through yield farming to its holders, Orange Financial will revolutionize the world of yield farming and NFTs.
Facebook Calibra Digital Wallet Gets a New Name – Novi
Facebook has renamed its digital wallet, Calibra, as Novi. Calibra was the digital wallet that the social media giant has been building to access Libra digital currencies. In a blog post, the company explained that the new name was inspired by the Latin words “novus” and “via,” meaning “new” and “way.” The digital wallet company, a subsidiary under Facebook will now be named Novi Financial. As previously reported by Blockchain.News, Libra has abandoned its original plan of a widely accessible permissionless digital currency aimed to solve financial inclusion issues, due to ongoing regulatory backlash.
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.
SoFi Unveils 1% IRA Match to Spur Early Retirement Amid Millennial and Gen Z Aspirations
SoFi announces a 1% IRA match to accelerate members' retirement plans, aligning with Millennials and Gen Z's strong inclination towards early retirement, as revealed in a recent survey. The initiative forms part of SoFi Invest's broader suite of resources aimed at financial independence and long-term financial planning.
5% Global Business Transactions Expected to Utilize Blockchain Technology by 2028: SkyQuest
At least 5% of worldwide business transactions are expected to utilize blockchain technology by 2028, thanks to heightened activity in the fintech blockchain market, according to a report by research firm SkyQuest.
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.
Celsius Crypto Lender's Bankruptcy: Large Withdrawals Clawbacks
Celsius Network is imposing bankruptcy proceedings on account holders with $100,000 or more liabilities, and is taking legal action against those who withdrew large amounts pre-bankruptcy.
EBA Issues Updated Guidelines for Crypto Asset Service Providers
The European Banking Authority (EBA) extends Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing measures to include crypto firms, aiming to harmonize regulatory approaches and mitigate financial crime risks in the EU.
R3 Highlights the Transformative Potential of Tokenization in Finance
R3, a leading enterprise blockchain software firm, discusses the transformative potential of tokenization in the financial sector. The company emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks and industry standards to unlock the full benefits of digital assets. According to a June 2023 report from Bernstein, $5 trillion in assets could be tokenized in the next five years, offering significant opportunities for market participants.
To Criminalize or Not to Criminalize Bitcoin and Crypto? Moscow Reconsiders
The State Duma is discussing its legislative plans regarding Bitcoin and cryptocurrency usage and has been reported to seemingly have a change of heart regarding digital assets adoption in Russia.
Alibaba Integrates New Blockchain System With its E-Commerce Platform to Enhance Traceability
Alibaba has recently announced its integration of a full-link traceability blockchain system into its import e-commerce platform, Kaola. The Chinese e-commerce giant has previously acquired NetEase’s Kaola cross-border e-commerce platform in September 2019 for $2 billion.
Tether's Financial Triumph: Record $2.85B Q4 Profit and Strategic Asset Growth
Tether Holdings Limited reported a Q4 2023 profit of $2.85 billion, boosted by US Treasuries, Gold, and Bitcoin reserves, and a net profit of $6.2 billion, showcasing strong financial health.
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.
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.
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.
UK Requests Crypto Exchanges to Report Suspected Sanction Breaches
The UK authorities have introduced the new rules in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The regulations cover all valuable digital assets.
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.
May 26: It's Always Been There
Strategy today? With SPX e-mini futures now just shy of 20 points from 3,000 level and the highest it's traded since the March 23 crash, I expect BTC to follow. Expectedly, this recent sell off has been mostly triggered by large players (i.e. whales) trimming their positions.
Tesla Records $23M Impairment Loss on BTC, Despite Revenue and Profit both Exceeded Expectations in Q2 Financial Report
American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla released its second-quarter financial report on Monday. The company recorded a $23 million impairment loss on Bitcoin subject to the recent volatility.
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.
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.
Singapore High Court Approves iSanctuary's Use of NFTs for Financial Investigations
In a legal first for Singapore, the High Court has granted permission to UK-based financial investigation firm Intelligent Sanctuary (iSanctuary) to use nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in tracking and freezing assets related to a hack. The NFTs, created in partnership with Mintable, will serve as a warning to counterparties and exchanges and enable real-time tracking of transactions from the compromised wallets.
Crypto Debit Card Issuer Wirecard Missing Over $2 Billion in Cash as Auditor Raises Questions
Wirecard announced that it is missing $2.1 billion after auditors Ernst & Young raised questions.
Uniswap's Front-End Fees Surpass $1 Million
Uniswap's front-end fees exceed $1 million in 24 days, contributing 17.4% to its total fees, with an estimated annual revenue of $15.2 million.
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.
"Deutsche Bank share slide fuels global banking fears"
Deutsche Bank's recent share slide has added to concerns about the state of the global banking system and the possibility of a new financial crisis. As governments try to protect the dollar's status as the world reserve currency, concerns about hyperinflation and a historic correction of the economic system are growing. Some members of the Bitcoin community are looking to the cryptocurrency as a potential hedge against inflation.
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.
South Africa Classifies Crypto as Financial Assets
The country appears to be developing regulations consistent with those being developed by other regulators in the global market.
Peter Schiff’s Bank Investigated in Global Tax Evasion Probe, Gold May Be Dirty
Peter Schiff’s Euro Pacific Bank is currently under a tax evasion probe for hosting numerous financial accounts suspected of tax evasion crimes.
FTX Financial Filings Uncover Executive Transactions Prior to 2022 Collapse
Court filings reveal FTX and Alameda Research executives engaged in financial transactions before the exchange's collapse, including a $2.51 million payment to the American Yacht Group.
Interactive Brokers Launches Cryptocurrency Trading Service for US Financial Advisors
Interactive Brokers has made steps closer to realizing its vision for unlocking broad access to what is regarded as lucrative. The brokerage firm has introduced a crypto trading service on its public market to make cryptocurrencies accessible to retail investors.
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.
Alchemy Pay Expands U.S. Footprint with Iowa Money Services License
Alchemy Pay, a prominent crypto-fiat payment gateway, has secured a Money Services License in Iowa, marking a significant expansion in the U.S. market and enhancing its global compliance portfolio.
Coinbase and Venmo Users Angered by Privacy Issues—Fintech Firm Faces Second Class Action Lawsuit
A second lawsuit has been filed against the fintech company Plaid, for violating user data privacy agreements they hold with major financial accounts that use Coinbase and Venmo.
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.
FDIC Mandates New Signage for Digital Platforms Starting 2025
The FDIC has updated its signage requirements, mandating digital display of a new black and navy blue sign on websites, apps, and ATMs from 2025 to align with modern banking practices.
Coinbase's Custodial Role in New Bitcoin Spot ETFs Marks a Crypto Milestone
Coinbase's role in the newly approved Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC marks a crucial advancement in cryptocurrency's integration into mainstream finance, bringing regulatory clarity and institutional investment opportunities.
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.
G7 Bank Sector Higher Money Laundering Risk than Crypto Industry, Reports Mexico Financial Intelligence
According to a report released by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Mexico, the G7 banking sector was most at risk of money laundering operations.
South Korea Tightens Regulations on Crypto Mixers Amid Money Laundering Concerns
South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is set to introduce new regulations targeting digital asset mixers, mirroring similar moves by the US. These measures aim to curb the use of crypto mixers for illegal money laundering.
Bank Of Russia Opposes International Trade Crypto Investment
The Bank of Russia is prepared to look into the possibility of permitting the usage of cryptocurrencies within the borders of the country, but this would be done solely for the purpose of conducting a legal experiment. Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of the Bank of Russia, stated that the major problem that the central bank has always had with cryptocurrencies is that they cannot be used as a payment tool.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Propels Web3 Expansion
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul, has highlighted the growing significance of digital entertainment as an economic sector. The government has allocated HKD 50 million to support a thriving Web3 ecosystem, with over 180 companies involved.
The Fate of Cryptocurrencies in a Fast-Changing Financial Ecosystem
Cryptocurrency being a digital currency, created and managed through the use of advanced encryption techniques known as cryptography has been gradually modifying the world of finance as well as other sectors such as e-commerce and since its creation in 2009.
North Korea's Cyber Onslaught on Cryptocurrency: A $3 Billion Digital Heist
North Korea has escalated cyber attacks on cryptocurrency since 2017, stealing over $3 billion and stealing $1.7 billion in 2022, posing a serious threat to the country's economy and military budget.
News Industry Grapples with Financial Woes and AI Disruption
The news industry faces declining advertising revenue, declining subscriber growth, and AI-driven disruptions, necessitating strategic shifts and legal disputes to adapt to digital advertising trends.
Majority of American Adults Believe Financial System Favors Powerful Interests, 20% Own Cryptocurrency
80% of American adults believe the financial system favors those with powerful interests, according to a survey by Coinbase. The survey of over 2,000 American adults also found that 67% of respondents called for a major overhaul of the financial system. Despite recent negative news about cryptocurrency, the survey found that 20% of respondents own cryptocurrency, and a third plan to buy, sell or trade cryptocurrency in the next year.
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.
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.
Circle Introduces Native USDC on OP Mainnet: What It Means for the Ecosystem
Circle launches native USDC on OP Mainnet, replacing Ethereum bridged liquidity. Collaborating with Optimism, it will be available on Coinbase's Base, Solana, Ethereum, and Mercado Pago.
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.
US Treasury Suggests Easier Oversight for Nonbank Financial Institutions
The US Treasury and top financial regulators have proposed new rules to ease the Federal Reserve's designation of nonbank institutions as systemically important. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen raised concerns over nonbank institutions' lack of supervision and the potential for financial contagion during periods of distress.
Nigerian Police Arrest Politician Wilfred Bonse for Involvement in Patricia Technologies Financial Fraud
Nigeria Police Force arrests politician Wilfred Bonse for over 200 million Naira financial fraud at Patricia Technologies, three for romance scam, and USDT recovery in cryptocurrency fraud.
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.
Paxful Unfreezes Majority of Accounts
Paxful, a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency marketplace, has unfrozen 88% of previously frozen user accounts after suspending operations. The remaining $4.4 million in frozen funds is in the hands of US financial regulators.
BlackRock's Strategic Shift: Layoffs Amidst Bitcoin ETF Anticipation
BlackRock Inc plans to lay off 600 employees, following a similar pattern from 2023. Meanwhile, it eagerly awaits the SEC's decision on its Bitcoin ETF application, a potential game-changer in the crypto market.
Coinbase Lands in Japan, Pairing with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group to Expand Crypto Trading
US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase announced partnered with Japan's largest bank Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), to expand cryptocurrency trading in Japan.
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.
Crypto Firm Bakkt Reports $1.5B in Impairment Losses in Q3
Bitcoin firm, Bakkt announced its Q3 performance report with a loss of $1.5B impairment loss
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
Mastercard Enhances Crypto Wallet and Exchange Business
Payment giant Mastercard announced Tuesday to enhance its function and experiment for cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges to their clients. The card issuer cooperates with multiple crypto enterprises to convert crypto and traditional fiat money more accessible.
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.
ECB's Digital Euro Development: An In-Depth Look at the Rulebook's Progress
The European Central Bank's Rulebook Development Group is enhancing the digital euro framework, focusing on operational models, technical architecture, and participant rights for seamless integration into the financial system.
Financial Stability Risks from Cryptoassets in Emerging Market Economies Highlighted by BIS
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Consultative Group of Directors of Financial Stability (CGDFS) have released a report on the financial stability risks from crypto assets in emerging market economies. The report highlights the rapid evolution of digital finance and the potential risks associated with cryptoassets, such as market, liquidity, credit, operational, and capital flow risks.
Shopify Becomes Member of the Libra Association
Canadian-based e-commerce giant Shopify has announced it will become the latest member of the Libra Association's governing council.
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.
OpenTrade and WOO X Unite to Offer Tokenized T-Bills to Asian Investors
OpenTrade collaborates with WOO X to unveil access to tokenized T-Bills for Asian investors. This partnership, leveraging Circle Research’s Perimeter Protocol, is a response to the escalating demand for tokenized T-Bills over DeFi yields. Concurrently, WOO X advances its strategic footprint in South Korea, aligning with CODE compliance solutions to broaden its product accessibility in the region.
Class Action Filed Against Fenwick & West, LLP, Former Law Firm of FTX, in Connection with Largest Financial Fraud in U.S. History
Class action filed against Fenwick & West, LLP, former law firm of FTX, alleging involvement in schemes leading to FTX's collapse, the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.
Paxful to Boost Financial Inclusion with Its First Crypto Debit Card
Bitcoin trading platform Paxful announced that it will be adding a crypto debit card to its financial services.
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.
ECB Member Says Should not Treat Banks as “Endangered Species” in CBDC Plans
ECB Governing Board member Jens Weidmann does not want banks to be pampered concerning CBDC development to fuel competition.
Texas Securities Board Issues Emergency Cease and Desist Order to Abra and CEO, William Barhydt
The Texas State Securities Board has taken decisive action against Abra by issuing an Emergency Cease and Desist Order. The order, also directed at Abra's CEO, William (Bill) Barhydt, alleges securities fraud and misleading statements in connection with Abra's digital asset depository accounts.
Cardano Working With SA Blockchain Alliance to Free African Enterprise from Politically Entrenched Legacy Banking Systems
The Cardano Foundation has partnered with the South African National Blockchain Alliance (SANBA) in a bid to expand blockchain adoption and bring financial inclusion to the country of 59 million.
Hong Kong Embraces Web3.0 and Advances as an International Crypto Hub, said Chief Executive
Li Ka-chung emphasized Hong Kong's potential in leveraging its strengths as an international financial center and driving the development of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the realm of Web3.0.
Coinbase Q3 Financial Data Lower Than Expected, Stock Falls
Coinbase's Q3 financial data revealed that the total net income and the earnings per share owned by shareholders were lower than what analysts had expected.
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.
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!
Electroneum CEO Richard Ells: How ETN Mass Adoption is Empowering the Unbanked
Electroneum is a mobile cryptocurrency that is making serious strides with mass adoption and real-world use in developing nations.
Shapella Upgrade, Privacy Concerns, Hacks, and Financial Inclusion
The DeFi space had a busy week with the successful completion of the Shapella upgrade on Ethereum, concerns over privacy related to staking, a major DeFi hack, and a partnership between Fonbnk and Tanda to increase financial inclusion in Africa. The top 100 DeFi tokens had a bullish week, and Glassnode predicted only a small percentage of staked ETH would be withdrawn.
Crypto Staking in South Korea: Balancing Innovation and Regulation
Balancing innovation and regulation in South Korea's crypto industry, with regulators concerned about staking's potential risks to consumers and market stability.
Why Regulated Banks Have Greater Potential For Financial Crime Than Bitcoin and Crypto
While agencies focus their attention on transparent Bitcoin transactions, banks have had an official free pass disclaimer to facilitate money laundering the entire time.
Ex-FTX Execs Launch New Crypto Exchange Backpack
Former FTX executives, Can Sun, are launching Backpack Exchange in Dubai, aiming to raise $100 million for customer fund security and advanced technology.
Fasset to Drive Financial Inclusion in Indonesia with Mastercard
Digital assets-based fintech startup Fasset Technologies has partnered with payments giant Mastercard to drive financial inclusion in Indonesia.
Hong Kong Suffers Surge in Crypto Scams in 2022
Hong Kong police reported a surge in crypto-related scams in 2022, with losses amounting to HK$1.7 billion ($216.6 million), up 106% from the previous year. The number of crypto-related scam cases reported in Hong Kong also surged by 67% from 2021. Such scams accounted for over 50% of the HK$3.2 billion ($407 million) stolen from city residents in technology crimes. The Hong Kong police CyberDefender website reported almost 23,000 cases of technology-related crimes in 2022. The use of cryptocurrency has made it more complicated for enforcement to track criminal funds, as fraudsters can hide their identities, transactions, and final destination.
BIS Survey: 93% of Central Banks Engaged in CBDCs, 15 Retail and 9 Wholesale CBDCs Expected by 2030
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has released a survey revealing that 93% of central banks are now engaged in some form of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) work, with retail CBDCs taking the lead over wholesale CBDCs.
Mercari Japan Embraces Bitcoin Payments
Mercari, Japan's e-commerce leader, announces Bitcoin payment integration by June 2024, leveraging its subsidiary Melcoin. This reflects Japan's advanced crypto regulatory environment, fostering digital currency adoption in commerce.
Google Metadata Implicates SBF in Fraudulent Activities During Trial
The trial on Nov 1, 2023, revealed Google metadata evidence against SBF, revealing his creation of a spreadsheet listing fraudulent financial activities. This evidence, along with testimonies and online meetings, contradicted SBF's claims of ignorance.
Bitcoin Liquidity Drops Despite Price Surge
Despite a 45% price gain, Bitcoin's liquidity has dropped to a 10-month low due to the ongoing financial crisis and regulatory actions against crypto companies. The collapse of crypto-friendly banks has led to a liquidity crisis, causing increased price volatility and higher fees for traders.
FUSANG Exchange Announces CCB $3 Billion Digital Bond Listing Suspended
FUSANG exchange announced that the listing of the $3 billion digital bond backed by China Construction Bank has been suspended.
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.
SEC's Upcoming Decision on Bitcoin ETFs and the Implications
The SEC's anticipated decision on Bitcoin ETFs, expected by January 2024, could significantly boost U.S. crypto adoption, balancing financial institutions' interests and legal challenges.
AmeriCoin - The Pathway to Monetary Freedom, Tokenization and the American Dream?
Is cryptocurrency the tool to achieve the “American Dream”? Adam Kokesh, the leading libertarian candidate of the 2020 U.S. presidential race has revealed the plan to develop AmeriCoin cryptocurrency. The development of AmeriCoin will be led by Alastair Caithness, the Chief Blockchain Policy Advisor appointed by Kokesh.
Treasury Secretary Yellen Highlights Economic Recovery and Addresses Financial Risks
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted Biden Administration's economic achievements and ongoing financial stability efforts, focusing on banking, climate change, cybersecurity, AI, and digital assets in a testimony to the House Committee on Financial Services.
BIS Advances Technology in Finance: Quantum, AI, and Green Initiatives for 2024
The Bank for International Settlements announces six innovative projects for 2024, focusing on quantum security, AI, and green finance, to enhance global financial system resilience.
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.
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.
Breaking: Ripple XRP Acquires Web3 Financial Institution Fortress Trust
Ripple has acquired Fortress Trust, a subsidiary of Fortress Blockchain Technologies, which offers Web3 financial, regulatory, and technological solutions for blockchain pioneers. The acquisition strengthens Ripple's business and product trajectory, following its $250M purchase of Metaco in 2023. The merger extends Ripple's regulatory credentials, including a Nevada Trust license and 30+ Money Transmitter Licenses across the US and Singapore.
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.
Jun 03: Crypto is not for the faint-hearted
Welcome to the world of volatility. Crypto never sleeps. Bitcoin got whipsaw squeezing shorts to trade above $10,400 on Monday only to get smashed down to $9,300 with fresh longs capitulated (see chart below).
South Korea Intensifies Measures Against Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges
South Korea's financial regulators are urging public disclosure of unlicensed crypto exchanges, as part of their efforts to regulate the digital asset market and safeguard investors.
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.
Alibaba’s Ant Group Set to be 2020’s Top IPOs in Hong Kong and Shanghai
Ant Financial, formerly known as Alipay and known renamed to ‘Ant Group’, has announced its intentions of launching an initial public offering (IPO) that would be featured both on the Shanghai Stock Exchanges' STAR board and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX/ SEHK).
South Korea Targets Crypto Major Shareholders with Proposed Financial Law Amendment
South Korea is taking steps to scrutinize the criminal records of major shareholders in cryptocurrency businesses. A proposed amendment to the Special Financial Information Law aims to bring the crypto market under a regulatory framework similar to traditional finance. If passed, the law would require existing crypto businesses to report details about their major shareholders within three months.
South Korea's National Tax Service Advances on Cryptocurrency Oversight with Integrated Management System
South Korea's National Tax Service is set to complete the 'Integrated Cryptocurrency Management System' by 2025, aiming to enhance tax compliance and prevent illicit activities.
ESMA Launches Key Consultations on Crypto-Asset Regulations under MiCA
ESMA conducts consultations on reverse solicitation exemptions and classifying crypto-assets as financial instruments, aiming to harmonize EU regulations with MiFID II.
EDX Markets Debuts Cryptocurrency Trading Platform and Wraps Up Latest Investment Round
In a key milestone, EDX Markets has successfully kick-started its cryptocurrency trading operations and completed a fresh funding round
Citadel Securities to Develop Crypto Trading Marketplace
Citadel is working with like-minded firms on developing different aspects of the crypto landscape. The consortium plans to build a fair digital asset marketplace by overcoming market limitations and promoting fairness.
Ackman Urges US Government to Guarantee SVB Deposits
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has warned the US government that failing to guarantee all deposits held by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) within 48 hours could result in the destruction of several financial institutions. Ackman argued that a "giant sucking sound" would be heard from the withdrawal of substantially all uninsured deposits from all banks, which would lead to a drain on liquidity from community, regional, and other banks.
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.
Will Bitcoin Survive? IMF Predicts Worst Economy Since "Great Depression" in Aftermath of COVID-19 Global Lockdown
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its quarterly World Economic Outlook for 2020 which paints a bleak picture on how the disruptive economic effects of the COVID-19 virus global quarantine measures, dubbed the ‘Great Lockdown’, will continue to cripple the markets long after the pandemic ends.
SEC Cybersecurity Breach: Investigating the Fallout and Future Measures
The SEC's recent cybersecurity breach, involving an unauthorized post on its X (formerly Twitter) account about a Bitcoin ETF, underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The SEC is actively investigating the incident, highlighting the broader implications for security practices in social media and government agencies.
Danish FSA Orders Saxo Bank to Divest Crypto Holdings, Indicating Tightening Regulation
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) on July 4, 2023, issued a directive to Saxo Bank, instructing the financial institution to divest its holdings in cryptoassets. This move is based on the current legal framework, which prohibits banks from trading cryptoassets for their own account.
Ant Blockchain Open Alliance Seeks to Minimize Costs for SMEs
Ant Blockchain Open Alliance, an enterprise blockchain platform by Chinese financial giant Ant Financial, is purported to aid SMEs in generating their own blockchain applications at minimal costs.
Nvidia's Soaring Data Center Revenue Signals Strong AI and GPU Market Position
Nvidia's Q3 fiscal 2024 results show a 279% increase in data center revenue and a 206% overall revenue increase to $18.12 billion, highlighting its success in AI and GPU markets. Analysts predict further growth in 2024.
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.
China Dismantles $2.2 Billion Underground Banking Operation Leveraging Cryptocurrencies
Chinese authorities have dismantled a $2.2 billion underground banking network that used cryptocurrencies to bypass financial controls, seizing $28,000 worth of digital currencies.
Unveiling the Top 5 Surprising Views on Blockchain by AFF leaders
Blockchain, cryptocurrencies, fintech and virtual assets will be at the centre of many of the discussions and we have selected a few of the speakers that we are most intrigued by and some that our readers may not realize are important or outspoken in the blockchain and crypto space. We have purposely excluded the usual suspects—if you don’t know what PWC’s Henri Arslanian thinks about crypto by now, we really can’t help you.
Banking on Blockchain: ICBC Releases First-Ever White Paper on Blockchain for the Financial Sector
One of China's major banks, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has released its white paper on blockchain-based applications in the financial sector. The document is the first white paper related to blockchain technology in the financial industry. The paper also highlights the present challenges faced by the banking sector.
G20 Announces Standards for Global Crypto Regulation
G20 countries have announced that the Financial Stability Board, the International Monetary Fund, and the Bank for International Settlements will release recommendations on global crypto regulation by July.
Alex Fazel of Swissborg, on Financial Freedom, Predicting the Price of Bitcoin and Breakdancing
Alex is one of the founding members of Swissborg founded two years ago to open the world of finance to all. His brother and CEO Cyrus had been working in investment banking but was struck by how he was only helping the rich get richer - a position with which he was not comfortable. And so the ambition of opening up the priviate members club of finance was born.
US Financial Regulators Aiming at How Banks Could Hold Bitcoin & Crypto Assets, Says FDIC Chairperson
Jelena McWilliams, the chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), has revealed that US financial Regulators are creating clearer regulations on how banks can engage in activities involving cryptocurrencies.
What is Truflation?
Truflation is a blockchain-based financial data service that provides real-time economic and inflation data. Launched in December 2021, it updates its methodology annually and offers daily inflation updates from over 30 sources. Despite facing a deficit, Truflation is expanding its customer base and revenue, focusing on key metrics conversion and launching its token in January 2024.
Fiji Officials Warns Residents of Cryptocurrency Scams
The Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has issued a warning to the members of the public with respect to a scam that is being publicized in the country.
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.
Square, Paradigm, Fidelity, and Coinbase Establish Crypto Council to Lobby Regulators
The new cryptocurrency council aims to serve as the growing industry’s voice to advocate for the economic and social benefits of crypto assets and related technologies.
South Korea's Stance on Virtual Currency Investment and ETFs in 2024
South Korea reaffirms its prohibition of local financial institutions from owning, buying, or investing in cryptocurrencies and businesses offering crypto, including a strict ban on cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Circle's 2024 USDC Economy Report Reveals Significant Growth in Stablecoin Adoption
Circle's 2024 report on the USDC economy highlights significant growth in stablecoin adoption and usage, with a 59% increase in USDC wallets and over $12 trillion settled in blockchain transactions since its inception.
MicroStrategy Continues to Invest in Digital Assets amid Holding 105,085 BTCs
The leading enterprise analytics platform MicroStrategy released its financial report for the second quarter of 2021 Thursday. The management is satisfied with its strategic investment in digital assets and will continue to deploy funds to invest in its "digital asset strategy."
FCA Restricts Rebuildingsociety.com, Impeding Binance's UK Compliance Efforts
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has imposed restrictions on Rebuildingsociety.com Ltd, a peer-to-peer lending platform, impacting its recent partnership with crypto exchange Binance for complying with the FCA's marketing regime. The regulation mandates firms to ensure transparent and fair marketing, affecting Binance’s strategy to serve the UK market. The move showcases the FCA's stringent stance towards ensuring marketing compliance, especially within the crypto sector.
Digital Currency and the Financial Inclusion Drive: The Journey So Far
With the digital currency ecosystem running toe-to-toe with traditional finance, here is a brief look into the journey thus far on the industry's financial inclusion drive.
Joint Sanctions by U.S., UK, Australia Target Hamas's Crypto Financing Networks
The U.S., UK, and Australia have imposed a fifth round of sanctions targeting Hamas's cryptocurrency transfer networks, aiming to disrupt the financial infrastructure that supports terrorist activities in Gaza.
China Creates New Regulatory Authority for Blockchain Products and Digital Payments
Earlier this month, China's President Xi Jinping made announcements on blockchain prompting banks to begin investing in the industry. In line with this, it is reported the next direction will be a new digital currency for citizens in China to use.
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.
World's Largest IPO Ant Group to Raise $34.4 Billion, What is behind it?
Ant Group priced its dual listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Shanghai's Star Market at 80 Hong Kong dollars ($10.32) and 68.8 yuan ($10.26) per share respectively,
South Korea Regulator Probes Crypto Staking Services
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service checks exchanges' crypto staking services for legality.
Australian crypto executives urge caution on regulation
Crypto CEOs warn against classifying all digital assets as financial instruments. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said he was "not that enticed" to creating new rules for a financial product. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian financial authorities support recognising all crypto assets as financial products (SMH). SMH editor-in-chief David Jones argues the FTX crash proves crypto regulation is needed.
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.
Long-Term Bond Slump Mirrors Historic Stock Market Crashes, Stirs Investor Concerns
The historic slump in long-term bonds, closely mirroring past notorious stock market crashes, has stirred concerns among investors and financial analysts. The discourse on social media, led by notable figures like Genevieve Roch-Decter, CFA, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, with particular implications for retirees and other bond-dependent investors.
May 25: Negative Rates Eating the World (but not Crypto)
Like Chinese ADRs in the US, it's a sea of red for crypto with Bitcoin down more than 5% in the past 48 hours as it fails to hold above 9k & 8.8k where stops got triggered. No news or catalyst but the lack of bulls to follow through was evident through the volume, and perhaps over this long weekend that the usual buyers haven't been able to pile onto their longs.
Will Crypto Assets Have a Future in Russia After All? State Duma Passes DFA Bill
The State Duma of Russia passed a law regarding digital financial assets (DFA) in the financial bill’s third reading, which determined the fate of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
US Government Removes Cryptocurrency AML Provisions from NDAA
The US government has removed two AML provisions relating to cryptocurrencies from the NDAA, indicating a cautious approach to crypto regulation and raising concerns about future AML measures.
UK Advancing Towards a Digital Pound: Exploring CBDC Feasibility
The UK's Bank of England (BoE) and HM Treasury are advancing into the second phase of exploring the feasibility of a digital pound, also known as "Britcoin." A final decision is yet to be made, with a focus on user privacy and coexistence with cash.
Alameda Accused of Misusing FTX Customer Funds in Court
Key personnel from FTX and Alameda Research, during a trial, revealed concerning financial mismanagement and misrepresentation practices within the organizations. Gary Wang and Caroline Ellison's testimonies provided insights into significant financial instabilities, misuse of FTX funds by Alameda, and personal ventures being funded through loans from Alameda. The trial uncovers a complex scenario of financial misconduct and troubling personal-professional relationships, shedding light on alarming practices within these crypto entities.
Best Before: 26 June 2020
What's going to be interesting is BTC options expiry as close to $1bn of open interest (or more than 100k BTC options) will set to expire today. Some have asked if we are gonna see any impact, I actually see little as most of the OI are skewed towards 10k and beyond, so I see little gamma action into the close as these calls are likely to expire worthless.
The Nascent Primary Market of Security Token Offerings
Now that the ICO market bubble ebbed away security token offerings (STOs) have emerged, allowing investment in regulated securities recorded on a blockchain according to new research from the Oxford Faculty of Law
Why Multicoin Capital Invested $5.7M in Squads Labs
Multicoin Capital discloses a $5.7 million investment in Squads Labs, bolstering the multisig standard on Solana. The funding accelerates Squads' blockchain-native custody infrastructure, spotlighting major upgrades like SquadsX and Squads (v4), which are set to redefine self-custody and on-chain capital coordination.
MicroStrategy Q3 2023: 158,400 Bitcoin Holdings at $29,586 per BTC
MicroStrategy Incorporated reveals Q3 2023 financial results, highlighting continuous acquisition of bitcoin and AI software launch. The company's bitcoin holdings now stand at 158,400 with a total cost of $4.69 billion. Software Licenses and Subscription Services Revenues observed notable growth, indicating a positive trajectory in its business intelligence domain.
Alibaba’s Plan to Digitize the Services Industry to Rival Tencent Involves Blockchain
Alibaba subsidiary Ant Group CEO Simon Hu is accelerating Alipay’s progression into an online mall for commerce, food, travel services to rival Tencent Holdings Ltd.
Binance responds to US senators' request
Binance has responded to a letter from US senators requesting information about the exchange's operations in the US, but it did not provide the financial data requested. The exchange's chief strategy officer recognized past mistakes and emphasized the firm's compliance efforts, but failed to address the senators' concerns about transparency.
Understanding the Market Structure of Oil and its Correlation with Bitcoin
The price of crude oil dropped below zero for the first time in history. With storage facilities filled to the brim and settlement of May futures contract on Tuesday, the price movement has shocked many. In this analysis, we study the recent history of oil, what drives it price and how it affects Bitcoin.
Ted Cruz Introduces Bill to Block Fed CBDC
Republican Senator Ted Cruz has introduced a bill to prevent the Federal Reserve from launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC) that could be used for financial surveillance. This is his second attempt at blocking the Fed's CBDC initiative.
Uniswap V4 Open-Source Directory Sparks Controversy Over New KYC Hook
A newly revealed open-source directory for Uniswap v4 hooks has stirred a debate within the crypto community over a KYC verification hook. This hook enables KYC checks on users before trading in token pools, resonating with the standard financial practice to mitigate money laundering and other illicit financings. The KYC hook, an opt-in feature introduced by a community developer, necessitates an NFT for verification completion, marking a notable intersection of regulatory compliance and decentralized finance as global governmental scrutiny over DeFi intensifies.
How Bitcoin will react to US Government Shutdown
The impending US government shutdown threatens to delay the SEC's approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF, amongst other financial repercussions. The scenario also underscores the growing frequency of federal shutdowns and the persistent concerns of credit rating agencies over the US's fiscal policymaking, all of which could have broader implications for both traditional and crypto financial markets.
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.
Bahamas Looks to Deploy its CBDC The Sand Dollar Across Borders
The Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBOB) has says it wants its digital currency dubbed the Sand Dollars integrated with other countries' currency.
G20 Agency Warns Countries of Systemic Risks Posed by Global Stablecoins
The Financial Stability Board (FSB), the G20 body that advises on ways to improve the global financial system, has published a study on the challenges, which stablecoins pose for the global economy. The FSB stated that regulatory frameworks have already covered several activities associated with stablecoins, although there are other risks that many national regulators could be left unprepared for.
California Governor Signs Digital Financial Assets Bill, Tightening Crypto Regulations from July 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Digital Financial Assets Law on October 13, 2023, initiating a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency activities in the state from July 1, 2025. The law necessitates licensure from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for individuals and businesses dealing in digital assets. This regulatory shift, contrasting Newsom’s earlier stance in 2022, aligns with broader national trends towards formalizing digital asset transactions to curb fraud and enhance consumer protection.
China announces new financial regulator in governmental overhaul
China is introducing a new national financial regulator as part of a governmental overhaul. The current banking and insurance watchdog, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), will be abolished, and its responsibilities will be moved to a brand new administration. The new financial regulator will "strengthen institutional supervision, supervision of behaviors and supervision of functions." There was no specific mention of reforms for the crypto industry.
Driving Web3 Innovation: Hong Kong’s Commitment Towards Tech-Led Future Unveiled by the Financial Secretary
In a recent blog post, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary celebrated Father's Day while also sharing the government's significant efforts in stimulating innovative technological development.
NEAR Foundation Announces 40% Workforce Reduction in Strategic Realignment
The NEAR Foundation has announced a 40% reduction in its workforce, impacting 35 team members, as part of a strategic realignment to focus on high-impact activities and further decentralize the ecosystem. Despite this change, the Foundation maintains strong financial health and a commitment to advancing key areas in the Web3 space.
When China Yuan Sneezes, Bitcoin Wears a Mask
My thesis continues to be that larger accounts (i.e. whales who own > 1000 BTC) have started to liquidate (which I shared yesterday that this number have continued to decline for the past two weeks), and potentially chase/re-allocate into equities.
FTX US Acquires Clearing Firm Embed, Enhancing its Stock Offerings
FTX US has announced the acquisition of Embed Financial Technologies Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiary Embed Clearing LLC for an undisclosed sum.
Coinbase Revenue Triples in Q1 2021 amid Lower Than Expected Earnings per Share
Coinbase released its first quarterly financial report of 2021 yesterday. This is the company's first earnings report since its direct-listing on Nasdaq on April 14.
SafeMoon CEO's Bail Release Suspended Due to Flight Risk Concerns
SafeMoon CEO Braden John Karony's bail release has been postponed due to potential flight risk and community danger following allegations of financial fraud and money laundering.
HKMA Launches Project Ensemble to Bolster Tokenisation in Finance
HKMA initiates Project Ensemble, a key move to advance the tokenisation market and explore wCBDC applications in Hong Kong's financial sector.
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.
Ethereum Foundation's 1.7K ETH Sale Signals Potential Price Downturn
The Ethereum Foundation's sale of 1,700 ETH, coupled with pessimistic views from a crypto trading KOL and Mike Alfred, has fueled concerns about Ethereum's financial outlook. These developments may signal a potential downturn in ETH prices.
PARSIQ Integrates Chainlink Oracle Price Feeds to Trigger Off-Chain Actions and Trading Decisions
Blockchain monitoring and automation platform PARSIQ has integrated Chainlink price oracles to trigger off-chain actions and trading decisions.
SEC Chairman: AI May Lead to Next Financial Crisis
In recent interviews with DealBook, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler expressed his concerns about the potential risks artificial intelligence (AI) poses to the financial system.
Public Worry Grows Over Bank Stability
A recent Gallup poll conducted in the US revealed that 48% of respondents are concerned about their money in the bank, with almost 20% "very concerned." Experts at a think tank postulate that if half of uninsured savers withdrew all of their cash, 186 American banks would be at risk of impairment. Additionally, research suggests that half of the banks in America could be insolvent.
DWF Labs Co-founder Andrei Grachev Announces Financial Partnership with DMCC
Andrei Grachev, co-founder of DWF Labs, announced a financial partnership with DMCC, supporting firms transitioning to Dubai DMCC. This announcement, juxtaposed with Grachev’s recent Twitter feud with GSR.io's Cristian Gil, highlights the competitive and cooperative facets of the crypto market landscape, and the challenges and opportunities DWF Labs encounters in its journey.
FCA Unveils Guidance on Cryptoasset Promotions Compliance
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has issued a finalised non-handbook guidance on Cryptoasset Financial Promotions, aiming to clarify compliance with new laws and balance consumer protection with innovation for long-term economic growth.
OKX Global Ad Campaign Argues for a Decentralized Future
Crypto exchange OKX has launched a global ad campaign that argues for the need to rewrite the centralized financial system and embrace the decentralized nature of Web3. Produced in collaboration with BBDO New York, the campaign takes aim at the outdated ways of traditional finance, positioning OKX as a leader in the crypto space.
Circle Spokesperson Denies Blaming SEC for Failed $9 billion deal
Circle denies blaming the SEC for its December $9 billion failed IPO. Circle's representative said any contradictory assertions are "inconsistent" with past declarations.
CBDC Surveillance Concerns Spark Legislative Action
Congressman Tom Emmer's CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act aims to address surveillance risks in government-issued digital currencies, emphasizing privacy and autonomy in the evolving digital financial landscape.
FASB Finalizes New Accounting Standards for Crypto Assets
FASB's new ASU No. 2023-08 mandates fair value measurement for certain crypto assets, enhancing transparency and relevance in financial reporting, effective post-December 2024.
PayPal CEO Announces Plans for Cryptocurrency Business Expansion to Reach More Users
PayPal CEO discussed the integration of cryptocurrency into its business and potential business partnerships with central banks.
Canadian Crypto Platform Newton Raises $20M in Series B funding at $200M Valuation
Newton, Canada’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, has raised $20 million in Series B funding, valuing it at around $200 million.
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.
Linus Financial Settles SEC Charges Over Unregistered Crypto Lending Product
The SEC has settled charges against Linus Financial for failing to register its Linus Interest Accounts, a crypto lending product. The SEC deemed the accounts securities and made registration mandatory. Linus voluntarily stopped offering the accounts to new investors and requested fund retrieval.
Oxford Law Researchers Call for Strict Cryptocurrency Regulation to Avoid Another Financial Crisis
Researchers at Oxford University Law Faculty claim that crypto market regulation is mandatory to prevent systemic risk in times of financial crisis.
Senator Lummis Advocates for Clear Crypto Regulations
US Senator Cynthia Lummis emphasizes the need for robust regulations in the crypto industry, targeting bad actors rather than the technology. She reintroduces the Lummis-Gillibrand bill to enhance oversight and protect against abuse, stressing the distinction between innovative crypto assets and illicit activities.
Sam Bankman-Fried Dodges Questions on Alameda Debt Repayment Risks
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was questioned about using funds to repay Alameda's lenders, sparking discussions on risk management practices and potential user reputation implications.
World Economic Forum Views Cryptocurrency as Pivotal Tool for Financial Inclusion
The WEF thinks cryptocurrencies can be pivotal in offering financial services to one-third of the world’s adults, approximately 2 billion people, who are unbanked.
IRA Financial Trust Files Lawsuit against Gemini for $36m Crypto Hack
IRA Financial Trust said it has filed a lawsuit against Gemini crypto exchange for its alleged role in breaching customers’ retirement accounts.
The ECB Warns Financial Stability Risks If Central Banks Fails to Issue Digital Currencies
The European Central Bank (ECB) warns that nations who decide not to issue CBDCs may encounter risks to their monetary autonomy and financial systems.
Can Jack Ma's ANT Group meet China's Regulators Requirements?
Following the suspension of its IPO, whether Ant Group will manage to restructure itself, to meet China's new tightened regulatory requirements still remains anyone’s guess.
Top Executives Quit as Babel Finance Sees Financial Woes
Top employees are leaving Babel Finance as the firm has not reached an amicable solution to its accounting challenges. Meanwhile, thousands of customers are still unable to access their funds.
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.
Crypto Sector Could see new Rules from Global Regulators
Although regulators have been slow to make a move on the crypto industry, they could come up with a new global framework of rules within months, an official from the Financial Stability Board said.
Payments Firm Bolt Scraps $1.5B Proposed Acquisition of Crypto Firm Wyre
Bolt said that it has pulled out of a $1.5 billion deal to buy crypto firm Wyre amid market downturn.
Crypto Investment Firm Paradigm Welcomes New Government Affairs Lead Alex Grieve
Alex Grieve joins Paradigm as Government Affairs Lead, bringing a decade of experience in politics and financial policy. Paradigm broadens its focus to include AI alongside crypto.
Japan's FSA Unveils Financial Policy Focus for 2023:
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has announced its fiscal 2023 financial administrative policy, aiming to maintain economic stability and tackle social issues like climate change and digital transformation.
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.
Israeli Central Bank Official Embraces CBDC Competition with Banks for Economic Growth
In a recent speech, Bank of Israel Deputy Governor Andrew Abir expressed his support for the competition between commercial banks and the forthcoming Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) known as the digital shekel. Abir believes that the digital shekel has the potential to enhance competition in the financial system and benefit the economy as a whole.
Circle Formally Refutes Allegations of Illicit Financing and Connections to Justin Sun
Circle denies CfA's allegations of illicit financing and Justin Sun ties, emphasizing regulatory compliance and advocating for stronger stablecoin laws, as clarified by Dante Disparte.
Honduras Breaks Ground by Officially Recognizing Bitcoin in Economic Transactions
Próspera ZEDE, a Honduran special economic zone, officially adopts Bitcoin as a unit of account, signaling a shift towards enhanced financial autonomy and the progressive integration of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance.
BlackRock CEO Highlights Digital Assets and Tokenization
Larry Fink's annual letter to BlackRock highlights the potential of digital assets and tokenization, citing advancements in digital payment solutions for financial inclusion in emerging markets.
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.
FUSANG Exchange Lists First Publicly Available Blockchain-Based Digital Bond Backed by CCB
Asia’s first digital security exchange FUSANG is partnering with heavy weight China Construction Bank (CCB) to offer the first ever digital, tokenized, blockchain-based bond.
Can CBDC Drive Financial Inclusion?
There are still 1.7 billion unbanked in the world. What are the reasons behind such a significant number of unbanked? Can CBDC drive their financial inclusion?
United States Financial Regulators Sign Onto the Global Financial Innovation Network
In a joint report released by the US Securities and Exchange Commission on 24th October 2019, four US financial watchdogs have joined the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN).
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).
UK Financial Watchdog Increased Crypto Investigations by 74% in 2019
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the primary financial regulatory body in the United Kingdom, has seen a sharp rise of 74% in crypto-related investigations in 2019.
Blockchain Brings Monetary and Financial Freedom
We look at three key aspects (money form, money issuance, and the flow of money) of our monetary and financial system where the blockchain technology may have a major impact
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.
Fighting for Monetary and Financial Freedom
We look at three key aspects (money form, money issuance, and the flow of money) of our monetary and financial system where the blockchain technology may have a major impact
Ripple Donates $10M to Humanitarian Organization to Accelerate Financial Inclusion
Ripple has continued to be innovative in finding ways to deliver global financial inclusion amid a struggling COVID-19 economy.
Chinese City Tests Blockchain-Powered Cross-Border Financial Platform
Nanning, a Southern Chinese City, located in Guangxi Region, has experimented with a blockchain-enabled cross-border financial platform.
Nobel Laureate Prof Banerjee - Applying RCT to Financial Inclusion
Economists have long theorized on and sought to implement initiatives to increase financial inclusion. What are some of the policy initiatives developing countries should adopt to drive financial reform? What effect have initiatives had thus far in facilitating this financial transformation? Prof Banerjee will speak at the Asian Financial Forum on January 14th and explain his team's groundbreaking application of randomized control testing to inclusive finance.
Facebook Libra: The Latest Crypto Used in Illegal Financial Activities?
“With the evolution of virtual currencies and new marketplaces, nefarious actors are continuously adapting to find new ways to engage in illegal financial activity.” said U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, during the briefing with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on 27 June.
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.