Turkey’s Financial Intelligence Unit Launches Investigation Into FTX Collapse

The Turkish agency responsible for tackling money-related crime has initiated an investigation against troubled crypto exchange FTX. Days after the trading platform filed for bankruptcy in the United States, the department revealed it has been tracking its activities in Turkey. Turkish Financial Watchdog Sets Out to Dig Deeper Into FTX Case Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation … Read more

Swiss Financial Watchdog Releases Revised AML Ordinance, Clarifies Crypto Requirements

The Swiss financial regulator has published its updated anti-money laundering (AML) ordinance, noting it’s extending the coverage to include blockchain trading platforms. It also clarified certain reporting and identification requirements that apply to crypto transactions. Financial Authorities Adjust Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Rules Concerning Crypto Transfers Following consultations that started earlier this year, the Swiss Financial … Read more

EU Members Want to Task New AML Watchdog With Crypto Oversight, Report Unveils

A group of EU nations have reportedly been lobbying to entrust oversight of the crypto space to a new anti-money laundering (AML) agency. Behind the move are concerns that companies dealing with digital assets can be engaged in the processing of illicit funds. Germany Leads Push to Place Crypto Firms Under EU Anti-Money Laundering Supervision … Read more

Colombian Tax Authority Tightens Control Over Cryptocurrency Usage

The DIAN, the Colombian tax authority, has announced it is taking special measures to tighten controls on taxpayers currently using cryptocurrencies to transact. With these actions, the organization seeks to detect any taxpayers that have used crypto assets and failed to report these activities, or reported them erroneously. This action seeks to thwart cryptocurrency-related tax … Read more

Europe’s Securities Watchdog Seeks Feedback on Regulations Ahead of DLT Pilot

ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, has set out to establish if EU authorities need to amend existing regulations in order to facilitate the trading and settlement of tokenized securities. The regulator is now seeking opinions on the matter ahead of launching a pilot regime for market infrastructures based on distributed ledger technology (DLT). … Read more

Russia to Decide Fate of Crypto Exchangers in 2022

Discussions on the future of “virtual currency exchangers” in Russia should be completed in 2022, a high-ranking representative of the country’s financial watchdog has indicated. Following international standards, authorities in Moscow would have to either regulate or ban such platforms. Decision on Digital Currency Exchangers in Russia Expected Next Year Considerations regarding the regulatory treatment … Read more

Annual Volume of Crypto Transactions Made by Russians Reaches $5 Billion, Bank of Russia Finds

With the growing capitalization of the crypto economy, Russians have been making crypto transactions worth billions of dollars a year, data gathered by the Central Bank of Russia shows. Russian residents are some of the most active participants in the crypto market, the regulator has acknowledged. Russians Among Most Active Crypto Users, Central Bank Admits … Read more

Competition and Hype Drive Young Crypto Investors, UK Watchdog Finds

A sizable majority of young investors seeking high-risk opportunities are motivated by competition and hype, a new survey has indicated. They often turn to cryptocurrency and forex products, according to the poll conducted by the U.K.’s financial regulator. FCA Launches ‘Investsmart’ Campaign Targeting Risk Prone Investors The U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has carried out … Read more

Thailand to Develop ‘Cryptourism,’ Considers Issuing Utility Token

In search of ways to heal its travel industry, hurt by the pandemic, Thailand is now recognizing an opportunity to tap into a growing market of cryptocurrency holders. Fostering a “cryptourism atmosphere” is what the country’s tourism agency intends to do, including by minting a new token and facilitating bitcoin card payments. Tourism Board of … Read more

Bank of Russia Lists Crypto Companies Among Financial Pyramids

The Central Bank of Russia has recently expanded its database of financial market players suspected of illicit activities. Several crypto companies have been added to the list along with entities bearing signs of Ponzi schemes, as well as illegal credit organizations and forex dealers. Central Bank of Russia Blacklists Crypto Platforms As part of its … Read more