vasp
UAE to Strive for Virtual Service Provider Licenses before Q2
In a bid to become a global crypto hub, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to issue federal licenses to virtual asset service providers (VASPs) by the end of Q1 2022.
Philippines Central Bank to Suspend Issuing Licenses to New Virtual Asset Service Firms
The central bank said it will stop processing licenses for new virtual asset services providers (VASP) for three years.
HashKey Group Secures Licenses from Regulator to Operate Virtual Asset Trading Platform
Hong Kong-based digital assets company HashKey Group announced it has secured regulatory approval from the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SEC) to operate a virtual asset trading platform.
Singapore Passes Law to Regulate VASPs Operating Abroad
Singapore-based Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPs) which do their business offerings or products abroad are now required to secure licensing from the relevant authorities.
FATF Updates its Guidance to Service Providers to Include DeFi
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has updated its guidance governing Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) with the inclusion of decentralized finance (DeFi).
Thai SEC Regulates Crypto Custody Providers
New crypto custody guidelines from Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) safeguard bitcoin investors. VASPs must put up a digital wallet management system to ensure efficient custody under the new laws. Designing, implementing, and maintaining digital wallets and keys need VASP policies.
Hong Kong to Unveil Virtual Assets-Related Policy Statement on Upcoming Fintech Week
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government will release the plans for the development of virtual assets in the city during FinTech Week by the end of this month.
Crypto Exchange Deribit Moves Headquarters to Dubai after Oobtaining VASP License
Crypto exchange Deribit moves headquarters to Dubai after obtaining a VASP license, expanding crypto trading services in the region.
Kraken Acquires Registration for VASP in the Netherlands
Kraken secures a VASP registration from the Dutch Central Bank, marking a significant step in its European expansion and commitment to regulatory compliance. This strategic move enhances Kraken's offerings in the Netherlands and positions it for further growth in Europe.
Singapore Payment Services Act Now in Effect For Crypto Firms
The Monetary Authority of Singapore now requires cryptocurrency providers and exchanges to be licensed under some of the same regulatory elements as traditional financial service providers.
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.
Taiwan Regulates Crypto Exchanges, Bans Unregistered Foreign Operators
Taiwan's FSC has released new guidelines for regulating Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in the country. The guidelines, effective from September 26, 2023, prohibit foreign VASPs from operating in Taiwan without proper registration and encourage self-regulation within the industry.
Bitfinex CTO: Keeping Crypto Safe with State-of-the-Art Cyber Security
Paolo Ardoino, the CTO of Bitfinex and Tether tells us why safety and security should always be a top priority for crypto exchanges.
Hong Kong to Release Cryptocurrency Exchange Licensing Guidelines
The Hong Kong Securities Futures Commission (SFC) plans to release guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange licensing next month, in support of trading services to retail investors by June 1. AML/KYC regulatory requirements were key considerations in the consultation process. Some trading platforms have already received licenses, while others have chosen to cease operations.
Estonia Shuts Down Crypto Firms
Nearly 400 virtual asset service providers (VASPs) have shut down in Estonia due to enhanced Anti-Money Laundering laws. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) revoked the authorizations of almost 190 firms for non-compliance. The remaining 100 active crypto firms had issues with misleading company information, including falsified professional backgrounds and copied business plans.
Dubai's VARA Appoints Matthew White as CEO
Dubai's VARA is appointing Matthew White as its new CEO, focusing on regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency space, following a leadership transition.
FXCM Managing Director: Bitcoin or Forex? Customers Just Want to Trade What is Moving
FXCM is a leading provider of online foreign exchange (FX) trading, CFD trading, spread betting and related services. Founded in 1999, the company's stated mission is to provide global traders with access to the world.
Crypto Lending Platform Sandbank Temporarily Suspends New Deposits and Investment Features in Response to Crypto Market Challenges
Sandbank, a leading crypto lending and investment platform, has announced its temporary suspension of new deposits and investment features in response to the challenges and uncertainties prevailing in the crypto market.
Kraken Irish Subsidiary Awarded VASP Authorization by Central Bank of Ireland
Payward Europe Solutions, Kraken's Irish subsidiary, has been granted VASP authorization by the Central Bank of Ireland. This authorization comes at a critical time as the EU is set to vote on the MiCA regulation, which requires all companies operating as a crypto assets service provider in the EU to register with an authorized regulator.
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.
Hong Kong to Propose Statutory Licensing Regime for VASPs: CE John Lee
Hong Kong leader John Lee delivered his first policy address Wednesday, indicating that the administration has introduced a bill to propose establishing a statutory licensing regime for virtual asset service providers.
Crypto & the FATF: ING Develops Travel Rule Protocol for Tracking Crypto Transfers Ahead of FATF Plenary Meeting
The FATF has a wide range of recommendations, a total of 40 to ensure regulatory alignment between the compliance imposed on financial institutions and the regulations in its member states. The FATF Travel Rule is Recommendation 16, which has received a lot of attention from the crypto industry, especially virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
FATF Virtual Assets Guidelines for Cryptosphere Review
With the growing concern of virtual assets/cryptocurrencies being used as a medium for the financing of illegal activities, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issues revised guidance from time to time to combat money laundering and terrorist financing involving virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
OKEx to Shut Down Its Crypto Business Operations in South Korea by April
OKEX intends to shut down its crypto branch in South Korea. According to sources familiar with the talks, the move is attributed to new anti-money laundering regulations in the country.
Crypto & the FATF Travel Rule: FinCEN Suggests Challenges in Governance, Not Technology
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule has been in the center of attention lately, which concerns crypto transactions above a certain amount must be accompanied by identifying information.The rule is an update to the existing FATF Recommendation 16, regarding cross-border and domestic wire transfers, and is intended to address the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) challenges as crypto adoption increases. The FATF Travel Rule could mean implications for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), including cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet providers, and custodians.
DOJ's Crypto Regulation Report Overview: Bitcoin, Tether, Ether, Litecoin, and Ripple
US authorities are tightening regulations on cryptocurrencies. Here is an overview of what their recently released report suggests.