Hong Kong Busts Money Laundering Ring Using Tether to Wash Millions

Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested four people suspected of money laundering a total of $155 million through cryptocurrency wallets and bank accounts. The city’s customs agency said this was its first case in which virtual money had been used to launder dirty cash. Money Laundering Syndicate Recycles $155 Million in Crypto and Fiat Transactions … Read more

Korean Crypto Exchanges Consider Suing Government Over Banking Requirements

All cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea except the largest four may be unable to meet the bank account requirements needed to stay in business. A number of Korean crypto exchanges are considering suing the government and financial authorities, claiming that the country’s crypto law is unconstitutional. A number of exchanges are currently considering filing a … Read more

Korean Banks to Be Relieved of Liability for Crypto-Related Crime, Report Suggests

Banking institutions in South Korea have reportedly requested to not be held accountable for crimes linked to cryptocurrencies such as money laundering. According to local media, financial regulators are now developing rules that could relieve Korean banks from responsibility when screening the crypto exchanges they work with. New Guidelines to Appease South Korean Banks Korean … Read more

10,000 Financial Institutions Can Now Let Customers Buy, Sell, Hold Bitcoin Through Their Bank Accounts

Banks and credit unions of all sizes can now facilitate the buying, selling, and holding of bitcoin within their banking platforms thanks to a collaboration between Finserv and New York Digital Investment Group (NYDIG). Finserv currently has about 10,000 financial institution clients. All Banks Can Now Let Customers Buy, Sell, Hold Bitcoin via Bank Accounts … Read more

Hundreds of Banks in US to Allow Customers to Buy, Sell, Hold Bitcoin Through Existing Bank Accounts

Hundreds of banks in the U.S. will reportedly start offering access to bitcoin to their customers this year, thanks to a partnership between Fidelity National Information Services and the New York Digital Investment Group. Hundreds of banks have enrolled to participate in the program as they see funds moving from bank accounts to crypto exchanges. … Read more

84 PBOC Digital Currency Patents Show the Extent of China’s Digital Yuan

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has reportedly filed 84 patents relating to its plans to launch a digital currency. The patents reveal the central bank’s plans which include integrating digital currency wallets into existing retail bank accounts. The potential for the Chinese central bank digital currency to achieve scale from the get-go has put … Read more

Cambodia Announces Own Cryptocurrency as More Details Surface About China’s Digital Yuan

With China still in the lead, other countries are advancing their projects to develop payment systems around central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Cambodia, for example, has recently revealed it will mint its own coin within months. The news comes as more details about the digital Chinese yuan indicate its main purpose will be to substitute … Read more

German Banks Increasingly Charging Retail Clients Negative Interest Rates

A growing number of banks in Germany are charging retail customers negative interest rates, starting with the very first euro deposited into their accounts. At least three German banks are reportedly doing so, with more expected to follow suit in the near future. As the European Central Bank maintains a negative rate policy, more banks … Read more

Major German Coop Bank Passes Negative Interest Rates to Customers

One of Germany’s largest cooperative banks has begun charging its retail customers a negative interest rate. Other major banks could follow suit since the European Central Bank cut the deposit rate to a record low. Deutsche Bank recently said that it needs to be “much more robust about passing on negative rates.” Also read: Massive … Read more

Turkish Government Freezes Over 3 Million Bank Accounts

Hundreds of thousands of businesses and individuals with tax obligations to the Turkish state have received foreclosure notices this week informing them about their frozen bank accounts. The government of Turkey, which is struggling with financial and economic problems under geopolitical pressure, is likely to push even more of its citizens towards cryptocurrencies with the … Read more