The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has recently released guidance on the provision of crypto-asset services by EU-based crypto firms to non-EU customers. The guidance clarifies that such services are limited under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) to cases where the client is the exclusive initiator of the service. However, it is
Regulation
In a recent speech delivered by CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam, he emphasized the need for regulators to increase their efforts in supervising the burgeoning cryptocurrency industry. Despite the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs, Behnam made it clear that this does not imply comprehensive regulation in the sector. His address shed light on the current state
The IRS recently issued a reminder to taxpayers regarding the reporting of digital asset-related income. This serves as a reminder to individuals and businesses to carefully consider their digital asset transactions when filing their tax returns. The inclusion of this reminder on various tax forms signals the IRS’s heightened focus on digital assets and their
The approval of a spot Ethereum ETF has been a topic of discussion and speculation among investors and industry insiders. While there are varying expectations and opinions on the matter, it seems that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently hesitant to approve such an ETF. In this article, we will analyze the
Sen. Elizabeth Warren recently sparked controversy within the crypto community with her remarks criticizing the industry. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she referenced a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) that highlighted the misuse of cryptocurrencies by rogue nations to evade sanctions and pose national security threats. However, many in the
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced that it is seeking public comments on proposals related to options trading on Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move comes as the SEC continues to evaluate different approaches to regulate the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market. The proposals specifically involve allowing the Nasdaq and Cboe Exchange Inc.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently announced that it will be extending the deadline for making a decision on Fidelity’s proposed spot Ethereum ETF. Originally scheduled for a decision by January 20, the SEC has chosen to use a provision that allows it to extend the deadline by 45 days, making the
The court hearing between Coinbase and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 17th shed light on the ongoing legal battle between the two entities. The SEC had previously accused Coinbase of operating an unregistered national securities exchange and providing an unregistered sale and offering of securities through its crypto staking service. While
Financial authorities in South Korea are growing increasingly concerned about the misuse of cryptocurrency mixers for money laundering by criminal organizations. Originally designed to protect user privacy, these mixers have become a tool for illicit financial activities. To address this issue, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of South Korea’s Financial Services Commission is considering the
The trial between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Terraform Labs, along with its former top executive, has been postponed, according to a report by Reuters. The delay has been approved by the SEC due to the decision of Terraform Labs’ co-founder, Do Kwon, to attend the trial. This article will analyze the
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) has raised concerns about the legality of domestic securities firms offering brokerage services for overseas-listed Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The FSC stated that these services may be in violation of local laws, specifically the Virtual Asset User Protection Act and the Capital Markets Act. This article will examine
Grayscale, a leading digital asset management firm, has recently filed for a Bitcoin covered call exchange-traded fund (ETF). This move showcases Grayscale’s dedication to expanding its product offerings and the overall cryptocurrency ecosystem. The filing was made on January 11 and has gained attention from various external reports and media outlets. Grayscale’s CEO, Michael Sonnenshein,
In a groundbreaking development, Grayscale has announced that its spot Bitcoin ETF proposal has been approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 10. This approval marks a significant milestone for both GBTC investors and the entire crypto industry. Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein expressed his excitement, emphasizing the potential of cryptocurrencies to
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years, attracting both investors and enthusiasts. However, a comprehensive report titled “Decentralized Finance” by the CFTC’s Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology Subcommittee sheds light on the inherent risks and challenges associated with this rapidly growing field. Spearheaded by CFTC Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero, the
The Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, has recently issued a cautionary advisory with regards to investing in crypto assets. He emphasized the risks associated with these investments, including regulatory non-compliance, volatility, and potential fraudulent activities. Gensler raised concerns that entities offering crypto investments may not be abiding by relevant
News surrounding the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been met with delays, leaving investors and enthusiasts eager for updates. As the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) moves at its own pace, speculation persists about when the long-awaited approval will finally come. In this article, we will examine the latest developments surrounding
Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) has introduced two new bills, Senate Bills 892 and 893, to establish a comprehensive and ethical framework for artificial intelligence (AI) in California. In a press release on January 3rd, Padilla highlighted the need to harness AI’s potential while ensuring its safe and responsible use, particularly in state contracts. The
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to make an announcement in the coming days regarding the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applicants. According to sources, the SEC will notify applicants on either January 2nd or January 3rd of their clearance to launch their ETFs. This would provide them with
In a bold and unprecedented move, U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson, alongside House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, has taken a strong stance against SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Citing alleged corruption and abuses of power, Davidson advocates for Gensler’s removal in 2024. This development arises from mounting tensions between the SEC and the digital asset sector throughout
The Chinese government has recently ramped up its efforts to regulate the use of cryptocurrencies in illegal foreign exchange (forex) trading. In a joint statement issued by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) on December 28, authorities called for prosecutors and forex regulators to strengthen supervision in order to
The South Korean government is taking a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability by implementing a unified public official asset disclosure service. In an announcement made by the Ministry of Personnel Management, it was revealed that starting from January 1, 2024, all asset disclosure information for public officials will be accessible through a centralized
Indian financial regulators continue to express significant reservations about the integration of cryptocurrencies into the country’s economic framework, according to local media reports. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other authorities believe that there is no economic “upside” in making cryptocurrencies regulated financial instruments. These concerns highlight the potential threats that digital assets pose
The Japanese government has recently made a groundbreaking decision regarding the taxation of crypto assets held by corporations. According to local media outlet CoinPost, the imposition of unrealized gains tax on these assets has been ended. This move was reportedly approved during a cabinet meeting on December 22. The new policy will come into effect
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently imposed a firm deadline of December 29th for companies seeking to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to the spot price of Bitcoin, according to sources familiar with the matter. This crucial development emerged from a high-level meeting held on December 21st, where SEC officials engaged with
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made a noteworthy reversal in its stance on cryptocurrency transactions in the country. Previously, a ban was imposed in February 2021 due to concerns over the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing associated with crypto assets. However, a circular issued on December 22 announced the lifting of
Circle, a leading stablecoin issuer, has announced that it has received conditional registration under France’s cryptocurrency laws. This move signifies Circle’s commitment to responsible innovation in fintech and digital assets, as well as its intention to leverage France’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Circle is now conditionally registered as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) or Prestataire
In a surprising turn of events, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has admitted to making inaccurate statements in an ongoing case against Debt BOX, a cryptocurrency firm accused of significant fraud. The SEC alleges that Debt BOX defrauded investors of almost $50 million. While the core claims of the SEC remain, the regulator