The Swiss regulator, the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), recently published guidance on the issuance of stablecoins. The regulator says stablecoins are not only associated with money laundering risks but pose reputational risks for the entire Swiss financial centre. Stablecoin Issuers as Financial Intermediaries The Swiss regulator, the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), has recently…
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Senator Tim Scott highlighted bitcoin’s potential to democratize finance and improve financial inclusion at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference. He criticized the Biden administration’s approach to digital assets and endorsed efforts to overturn restrictive SEC guidelines. Scott advocated for balanced regulation that encourages innovation without stifling growth or pushing it overseas. Senator Tim Scott Advocates for…
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Marathon Digital Holdings, now known as MARA, has announced a strategic shift to hold all its bitcoin, pushing its current holdings beyond 20,000 BTC. The company has also made a $100 million purchase of bitcoin as part of its new treasury policy. Marathon Digital Rebrands to MARA, Boosts Bitcoin Holdings MARA (Nasdaq: MARA), a leader…
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Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2024-25 Union Budget keeps the existing cryptocurrency tax regulations unchanged, disappointing local crypto advocates. They argue that reducing the 1% tax deducted at source (TDS) is essential for reviving the struggling crypto industry in India. Industry leaders emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue with regulators to foster a supportive environment…
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The Digital Chamber, a crypto advocacy group, has called on U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to support the digital asset industry with three requests. The group urged her to promote pro-digital asset language in the Democratic Party’s platform, choose a vice-presidential candidate with expertise in digital asset policy, and engage with industry leaders. Digital Chamber…
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Spot ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are set to debut on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, following approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Blackrock, the world’s largest asset manager, announced that its Ishares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) will commence trading on Nasdaq on Tuesday, featuring a one-year fee waiver of 0.12% for the first…
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Digital asset platform Bitforex has announced that users will soon be able to withdraw their assets. However, all trading functions will remain suspended during this period. Additionally, the platform will cease all types of services and products and undergo a “comprehensive rectification.” Withdrawals to Be Directed to Designated Wallets Months after abruptly suspending withdrawals, digital…
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South African crypto exchange Luno has announced that it is integrating its platform with Fireblock’s enterprise-grade digital asset transfer platform. Aleks Andjelopolj suggested that leveraging Fireblocks means Luno users will experience the same immediate transaction settlement enjoyed by customers of the same bank. The Allure of Fireblocks Integration The South African cryptocurrency trading platform Luno…
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President Vladimir Putin declared it was time for Russia to create the environment needed to increase the adoption of digital assets and the Russian CBDC, the digital ruble, as part of the country’s economic tissue. He also reported that over 30,000 transactions have been made in the pilot test phase of the digital ruble, with…
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The over-the-counter (OTC) institutional cryptocurrency market saw a dramatic increase in spot transaction volume in the first half of 2024. A recent report by Finery Markets reveals a 95% year-over-year growth, highlighting a significant rise in institutional engagement. Institutional Interest Drives Massive Growth in Crypto’s Over-the-Counter Industry The Finery Markets team analyzed data from two…
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