Politics, Legal & Regulation

November 24, 2023 @ 5:52 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), together with the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) and the banking sector, support the launch of the Anti-Deception Alliance (ADA) by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). ADA is expected to strengthen the capability of the anti-money laundering… Read More

November 24, 2023 @ 12:16 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Tether, which claims to be one of the largest companies in the cryptocurrency industry, says that it continues its unwavering commitment “to combat illicit activities and provide support to victims through its assistance to, and support of, law enforcement agencies.” As the U.S. Department of… Read More

November 24, 2023 @ 10:59 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Former CEO and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao‘s (CZ) departure from the firm will trigger some short-term volatility in the cryptocurrency market, but crypto will “continue to thrive as more institutional money pours in,” predicts the CEO of an independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech… Read More

November 24, 2023 @ 8:16 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Prior to the UK leaving the EU, EEA-based firms were able “to operate in the UK without our direct authorization.” The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) notes that the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allowed EEA firms to continue “to operate in the UK while transitioning… Read More

November 24, 2023 @ 8:14 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The AMF and the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office urge retail investors “to be extremely vigilant regarding Immediate Connect’s fraudulent investment offer in crypto-assets.” Following an initial public warning issued by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) last June, the regulator continues “to receive numerous enquiries… Read More

November 23, 2023 @ 10:27 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have announced a significant development in fintech collaboration through the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on enhancing cross-border trade-related data… Read More

November 23, 2023 @ 9:52 am By Omar Faridi  |  

There were several notable digital asset and blockchain-focused developments that were announced this past week, including Republic choosing Avalanche for its profit-sharing investment Note. This week also saw crypto exchange Kraken being sued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for allegedly failing to… Read More

November 22, 2023 @ 5:33 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee (SBCFAC), is scheduled to meet next week, and it has just posted its agenda. Probably the most interesting subject on the list of topics is the segment on the definition of an Accredited… Read More

November 21, 2023 @ 5:14 pm By JD Alois  |  

In a press event this afternoon, US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen called the settlement with Binance a historic action by the agency. In total, Binance is expected to pay $4.3 billion in penalties for its past actions. At the same time, Binance will… Read More

November 21, 2023 @ 5:09 pm By JD Alois  |  

As was reported earlier today, Binance has settled charges in a comprehensive manner, paying total penalties of $4.3 billion, described as the largest settlement of its kind ever. Binance is noted as the largest crypto exchange in the world, handling approximately 60% of centralized digital… Read More

November 21, 2023 @ 3:41 pm By JD Alois  |  

Binance, the largest crypto exchange in the world, has cut a deal with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that appears to allow Binance to stay in operation. According to multiple reports, Binance will pay a hefty $4.3 billion penalty and plead guilty to charges,… Read More

November 21, 2023 @ 9:04 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Tether, the largest company in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, and leading global crypto exchange and Web3 technology company OKX, announced that they have assisted the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in an investigation that “led to Tether proactively and voluntarily freezing approximately 225 million in… Read More

November 21, 2023 @ 8:46 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a complaint alleging that Kraken operates as “an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing house.” Kraken says they disagree and intend “to vigorously defend their position in court.” The news has no impact “on the products they… Read More

November 20, 2023 @ 10:51 pm By JD Alois  |  

The  Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Kraken with operating an unregistered securities exchange as the agency continues its pursuit of crypto firms deemed to be transgressing securities laws. The SEC charged Payward Inc. and Payward Ventures, Inc., which do business as Kraken. Kraken… Read More

November 20, 2023 @ 3:34 pm By JD Alois  |  

In a rarity, Democrat and Republican Senators have joined in sponsoring the Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act, which aims to improve access to capital for early-stage firms. US Senators Jerry Moran, Tim Scott, and Mark Warner have joined to introduce the legislation into the Senate, which… Read More

November 19, 2023 @ 2:58 pm By Michael Wong  |  

India has trained over 3,000 personnel from various cybercrime and police departments to bolster their capabilities in tackling cryptocurrency-related crimes. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)’s annual report, India provided specialized training in cryptocurrency forensics and investigations during the financial year 2022-2023. A… Read More

November 18, 2023 @ 5:52 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) have jointly introduced a real-time payment systems linkage connecting Singapore’s PayNow and Malaysia’s DuitNow. This initiative builds upon the earlier QR payment linkage announced on March 31, 2023, facilitating cross-border QR payments to merchants…. Read More

November 17, 2023 @ 4:58 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) unveiled three initiatives to ensure the safe and innovative use of digital money in Singapore, namely: a blueprint outlining the infrastructure required for a digital Singapore dollar; expanding digital money trials; and a plan to issue a “live” central… Read More

November 17, 2023 @ 11:36 am By JD Alois  |  

The Securities and Exchange Commission, Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee (SBCFAC), has scheduled a meeting for the end of this month on November 20, 2023. The meeting will begin at 10:00 ET and will be open to the public via a live stream on… Read More

November 16, 2023 @ 5:12 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris issued guidance which adopts enhanced requirements for coin-listing and delisting policies of DFS-regulated virtual currency entities, “updating the prior framework issued by the Department in 2020.” Superintendent Harris stated: “This guidance continues the… Read More