A recent poll completed by the Public Opinion University Institute, part of the Simeon Canas Centroamerican University, has found that El Salvador is still not attracted by the idea of bitcoin as legal tender. The poll results indicate that almost two-thirds of the population has a negative impression of bitcoin, with only a quarter of…
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Yellow Card, an Africa-focused cryptocurrency exchange platform, recently said it has received a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license to operate in Botswana. Granted by the country’s Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority, Yellow Card’s license allows the crypto exchange to bolster its operations on the continent. Working With Regulators The Africa-focused cryptocurrency exchange platform, Yellow…
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According to Chainalysis, a crypto auditing and blockchain tracking firm, the use of dollar-pegged stablecoins is growing in Latam, specifically in Argentina and Venezuela, due to the common economic problems that both countries are facing. 34% of the “small” transactions include stablecoins in Venezuela, and 31% of these in Argentina, as citizens seek to shield…
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Turkey’s gold imports of just over 39,000 kilograms in September 2022 are more than 16 times the quantity that was brought into the country in September 2021. The surge in Turkey’s gold imports is reportedly being spurred by the rise in demand for the precious metal by individuals and entities using it in foreign currency…
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Of the $566 billion in cryptocurrency transaction volume for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region between July 2021 and June 2022, nearly 40% went to Turkey, which kept its place as the region’s biggest cryptocurrency market, according to the latest Chainalysis data. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s takeover has seen the value of cryptocurrencies…
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The monetary policy committee of the Kenyan central bank recently revealed it increased the central bank rate by 75 basis points from 7.5% to 8.25%. Justifying its decision to act, the committee cites growing inflationary pressures and increased global risks, as well as their likely impact on the domestic economy. Growing Inflationary Pressures Following its…
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One of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges by volumes traded, Binance, has said its futures products are now available to eligible South African users. In a message to its users, Binance suggested it has rectified issues with the regional regulator and that its activities in South Africa are now above board. Products Offered Unchanged Almost…
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One of South Africa’s largest financial services groups, Old Mutual, has reportedly been appointed manager of the ZARP stablecoin project’s cash reserves. Founders of the stablecoin are hopeful that the appointment of one of the country’s oldest financial services companies will help bolster confidence in the digital currency. Enhancing Credibility of the Stablecoin The South…
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Guests staying at Palazzo Versace Dubai have, since September 7, had an option to settle payment for services rendered via cryptocurrency. The hotel also plans to add the crypto payment option to its e-commerce platforms to enable guests to pay for gift vouchers using digital currencies. Cryptocurrency Infrastructure Provider A luxury hotel based in Dubai,…
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After the International Money Fund revealed it had approved a bailout package for Zambia, the Southern African country’s currency, the kwacha, rallied by 3.1%. Following this gain, the kwacha took the Russian ruble’s position as the world’s best-performing currency in 2022. Zambia Still ‘Has a Long Way to Go’ The Zambian kwacha currency, which currently…
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