Bitcoin Is Financial Instrument, Clarifies Germany, Crypto Custodians Qualify as Financial Institutions

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany, Bafin, has issued guidance to clarify the status of cryptocurrencies and the regulations that apply to related business activities. The recommendations are based on the country’s current legislation, taking into account the latest changes. Also read: Turkey to Inspect Cryptocurrency Exchanges as Part of Government Offensive Against Online … Read more

US Develops Cryptocurrency Intelligence Program Targeting P2P Sites, Forums, Darknet Markets

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has revealed a cryptocurrency intelligence program aimed at identifying unlicensed crypto businesses using P2P sites, online forums, and darknet markets. These areas have consistently presented “a significant challenge to law enforcement” and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Also read: Regulatory Roundup — Trump’s Cryptocurrency Proposals, IRS Changes Rule, … Read more

How the IRS Audits Cryptocurrency Tax Returns – Filing Expert Shares Example, Insights on AML Focus

Tax season is one of the most dreaded times of the year for many, and when the added confusion of filing crypto returns is thrown into to the mix, things can get even stickier. News.Bitcoin.com recently talked with Clinton Donnelly of Donnelly Tax Law, a service that specializes in crypto returns. The U.S. Treasury-licensed Enrolled … Read more

40 Banks in Germany Declare Intent to Offer Crypto Services Under New Law

More than 40 financial institutions in Germany have reportedly declared to the country’s financial regulator, BaFin, their interest to offer cryptocurrency services under the new German law. News.Bitcoin.com reached out to the regulator for some more information. The law, which went into effect early this year, enables banks to offer crypto services after obtaining a … Read more

312 Crypto Exchanges Registered in Australia, Regulator Confirms

A growing number of cryptocurrency exchanges have been registered with Australia’s crypto regulator. A spokesperson for the government agency overseeing the crypto industry confirmed to news.Bitcoin.com on Monday that the regulator has already registered 312 crypto exchanges. Also read: Bitcoin, Tesla Stock, Tron: How Warren Buffett Got His First Bitcoin 312 Registered Crypto Exchanges The … Read more

EU Countries Commence Crypto Regulations as Mandated by New Directive

The European Union’s 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive mandates that member states start regulating crypto assets by Jan. 10. Crypto exchanges and custodial wallet providers are now covered by the same regulatory requirements as banks and other financial institutions. Also read: Regs Roundup: SEC Actions, Crypto Tax-Free in Korea, New Chinese Laws EU’s Regulatory Deadline: Jan. … Read more

Germans Rush to Buy Gold as Draft Bill Threatens to Restrict Purchases

Reports have emerged depicting long lines in front of a physical gold sales location in Germany, in view of pending legislation which would once again lower the anonymous purchase limit, this time from €10,000 to €2,000. The last drop happened in 2017 when the limit was set at €15,000. A draft bill from the German … Read more

Mnuchin Affirms $1.5 Trillion Unaccounted For, Still Demands Strict Bitcoin Regulation

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin remarked last week that a reported $1.5 trillion in missing cash — mostly one hundred dollar bills — was “sitting in bank vaults all over the world.” The famously anti-bitcoin U.S. official noted that “there’s a lot of ‘Benjamins’ all over the world” and emphasized the strength of the currency … Read more

Dutch Central Bank Prepares to Start Regulating Crypto Sector

The central bank of the Netherlands is preparing to supervise the country’s crypto sector. The bank has requested crypto exchanges and wallet providers to come forward and submit some information. Once the law takes effect, these operators will be required to register with the central bank to continue operations. Also read: Crypto Can Boost Indian … Read more

Spain Thwarts Bitcoin ATM Scam, Prompting Regulatory Debate Worldwide

Bitcoin ATMs are not currently governed by EU money laundering regulations, and arrests coordinated by Spanish police and Europol in May are bringing new focus to this loophole. A group of eight Spanish and Latin American individuals have been arrested, along with several of their associates, for using crypto ATMs to fund drug traffickers in … Read more