Politics, Legal & Regulation

June 22, 2025 @ 5:02 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The European Central Bank (ECB) is gearing up for a significant milestone with the planned launch of the digital euro in October 2025. This development marks a pivotal shift in the region’s financial infrastructure, aiming to integrate digital currency into everyday transactions across the euro… Read More

June 20, 2025 @ 1:15 pm By JD Alois  |  

On June 12th, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yanked 14 proposed rules that were pursued during the aggressive Gensler administration. While the former SEC Chairman during the Biden Administration sought to undermine innovation while pursuing a social agenda, the Atkins Commission is clearly realigning… Read More

June 20, 2025 @ 8:39 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The European Central Bank (ECB) has recently released a series of updates that provide critical insights into the euro area’s economic trajectory, reflecting shifts in wage growth, environmental commitments, and structural changes in the banking sector. These announcements underscore the ECB’s ongoing efforts to maintain… Read More

June 19, 2025 @ 11:13 am By JD Alois  |  

The Laffer Curve is alive and well. The economic theory is based on the fact that if people are taxed too much, they will eventually vote with their feet, thereby reducing the tax revenue that policymakers anticipated when raising taxes. It has been widely reported… Read More

June 19, 2025 @ 9:53 am By JD Alois  |  

The Bank of England decided to hold rates steady today, mainly due to concerns about sticky inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), by a six-to-three vote, decided to hold the bank rate at 4.25%. The three dissenters preferred to lower rates by 25 basis points. The… Read More

June 18, 2025 @ 2:37 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Federal Reserve has decided to hold rates steady in a decision that came as no surprise. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted unanimously to keep rates at 4.25% to 4.5%. The FOMC added that it will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities,… Read More

June 18, 2025 @ 11:24 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has published its 2024 Annual Report, outlining a year of regulatory progress, strategic reform, and close collaboration with stakeholders both locally and internationally. The report highlights the Authority’s efforts to “bolster market oversight, support a growing financial services sector,… Read More

June 18, 2025 @ 10:27 am By JD Alois  |  

The “Big, Beautiful Bill,” working its way through Congress, is a tax-and-spend legislation that has supporters and detractors on all sides. Regarding the tax portion, the legislation aims to ensure the previous Trump tax law remains in place, as much of it is scheduled to… Read More

June 18, 2025 @ 4:22 am By Press Release  |  

We have unveiled the findings from the 6 winners of our economic research competition. The winning institutions – the University of Edinburgh, University of Birmingham, University College London, London School of Economics (LSE), Beauhurst, and Fathom Consulting – presented their findings at an event at… Read More

June 17, 2025 @ 6:17 pm By JD Alois  |  

The GENIUS Act  (S. 1582) was approved by the Senate today, thus moving federal regulations for stablecoins closer to reality. While stablecoins are typically tied to other assets, such as fiat currency, gold, or perhaps an algorithm, this legislation explicitly addresses payment stablecoins or digital… Read More

June 16, 2025 @ 4:21 pm By JD Alois  |  

The GENIUS Act (S. 1582), legislation that aims to provide regulatory clarity for stablecoins, is expected to head to a floor vote in the US Senate tomorrow. Last week, the bill was part of a cloture motion, which then limited debate, allowing it to move… Read More

June 16, 2025 @ 11:41 am By Michael Wong  |  

A bipartisan bill designed to modernize crowdfunding regulations and expand access to capital for small businesses advanced out of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, potentially paving the way for significant changes to Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) requirements. The legislation is one of many proposed by… Read More

June 16, 2025 @ 9:55 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Sweden’s central bank, the Riksbank, has been navigating a challenging economic landscape in 2025, as outlined in recent updates. From a gloomy business survey to new monetary policy measures and reflections on communication strategies, the Riksbank’s actions reflect a cautious approach to stabilizing Sweden’s economy… Read More

June 16, 2025 @ 8:05 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As the digital asset landscape evolves, so too does the global regulatory framework governing it. Starting January 1, 2026, the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and the EU’s DAC8 directive will usher in a new era of tax transparency for digital asset platforms. These regulations,… Read More

June 15, 2025 @ 7:12 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Vietnam has passed a sweeping law to regulate digital assets and boost the country’s technology sector, formally legalizing crypto assets and laying the groundwork for strategic investments in artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The Law on Digital Technology Industry, approved by the National Assembly on Saturday,… Read More

June 15, 2025 @ 4:32 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The recent rejection of an ethics provision in the CLARITY Act by the White House has ignited more controversy over the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency. This decision comes amid growing scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s financial ties to the crypto industry. 🚨 SCOOP: Lawmakers… Read More

June 15, 2025 @ 4:26 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a significant development tied to the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has reportedly reached a $1.8 million settlement to resolve claims against him for his role in promoting the platform. The settlement, finalized recently, marks a notable contrast to… Read More

June 14, 2025 @ 4:15 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently outlined a transformative agenda to bolster economic growth and enhance the UK’s standing as a leading financial center. Through a combination of regulatory reforms, innovative initiatives, and a rebalanced approach to risk, the FCA is working to create… Read More

June 13, 2025 @ 3:21 pm By JD Alois  |  

The CLARITY Act (HR 3633)is moving forward in the House. A hearing was held yesterday on the legislation that aims to create a regulatory ecosystem to enable digital asset innovation while protecting consumers. The legislation is extensive, and the House Financial Services Committee has created… Read More

June 13, 2025 @ 2:27 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has conducted a mystery shopping visit campaign among institutions offering investment services to retail investors in France via mobile applications. It notes that client journeys are, for the most part, simple and quick, making it easier to “invest on… Read More