Unlicensed cryptocurrency platforms will not be allowed to operate in Hong Kong starting next June, according to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The commission closed the period for these institutions to introduce their applications to obtain a license on February 29 and will progressively expel the noncompliant exchanges from the Hong Kong market. Hong…
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On Tuesday, Nexo announced its Dubai entity, Nexo DWTC, had secured preliminary approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to engage in virtual asset lending, borrowing, and broker-dealer activities within the UAE’s most populous city. Nexo Gains Initial VARA Approval for Dubai Crypto Operations The crypto lender Nexo received a provisional “Initial Approval [IA]”…
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The promise of the blockchain and cryptocurrency still remains strong. Globally, there continues to be growing interest in the blockchain and peer-to-peer exchanges. We are seeing the institutional adoption of crypto and a rise in interest in retail adoption, too. We have seen the example in the approval of ETFs for bitcoin. However, with every…
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The House Financial Services Committee of the U.S. Congress has advanced a resolution that seeks to disavow SEC SAB 121, a bulletin that leaves banks and financial institutions out of the cryptocurrency custody provider market. However, the resolution, advanced with bipartisan support, is unlikely to be passed at a vote on the House floor, according…
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The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has lowered Russia’s rating owing to insufficient oversight of cryptocurrencies, as indicated by regional coverage. According to RBC, this downgrade highlights escalating worries about the country’s capacity to oversee and mitigate dubious transactions within the rapidly expanding realm of digital finance. Russia’s Financial Strategy Challenged by FATF Downgrade The…
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South Korea has delayed its efforts to relax its crypto regulations and the prohibition on spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This development follows closely behind the People Power Party’s contemplation of removing certain regulations and the ETF ban before the commencement of South Korea’s general election. South Korea Holds Back on Crypto Regulation and Reported…
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In an agreement with the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), the Winklevoss-led cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has committed to returning over $1 billion to its customers. The settlement, which also includes a $37 million fine, comes as a significant development for the exchange amidst several ongoing legal challenges with big-name crypto firms and heightened…
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The CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act has been reintroduced in the Senate with the support of five U.S. senators. “As Americans face the prospect of an increasingly weaponized government, ensuring financial privacy is pivotal,” said one senator who supports the bill. A central bank digital currency (CBDC) “would open the door for the federal government to…
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Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has shared what it called “the real story” of the lawsuit against it by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Kraken also explained why it is moving to dismiss the case. “Crypto innovators in the United States should not have to fear retaliation for their political speech. They should be free…
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The government of Argentina is reportedly preparing to regulate cryptocurrency service providers with an executive order. The measure would be directed to keep Argentina out of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, putting crypto service lenders under the oversight of the local securities watchdog. Argentina Reportedly Set to Regulate Cryptocurrency Service Providers by…
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