Bitcoin in Brief Tuesday: Bank Wires, Tickets, and Diplomas on Blockchain Tech

The prospect of transferring an entire national payment system to blockchain technology deserves attention and we are covering the story in today’s Bitcoin in Brief. Reports that Russia may transform its version of SWIFT as early as next year coincided with the news that the US banking giant JP Morgan has applied for a blockchain … Read more

Bill “On Digital Assets” Filed in the Duma, Disagreements Resolved

The draft-law “On digital financial assets” aimed at regulating crypto-related matters in Russia has been officially filed in the State Duma on Tuesday. Disagreements between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance have been resolved, according to Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev. The CBR will have the final say in regards to the circulation … Read more

Russian Ministry Offers to Set Up Crypto Exchange for Miners

Russia’s Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications has put forward the idea to set up a cryptocurrency exchange, where Russian miners can trade their digital coins for fiat money. The ministry has held consultations with representatives of the crypto sector and prepared a comprehensive concept to regulate the mining industry. Also read: Two Russian Regions … Read more

Crypto Tax Breaks Proposed by Officials in Russia

Tax exemptions on profits from crypto-related transactions have been proposed during a meeting at the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia. Participants also called for a 10 fold increase of the limit for individual investments in ICOs. Russians should be allowed to open accounts with foreign exchanges, officials insisted.   Also read: Russian Lawmaker Proposes … Read more

Centralized Cryptoruble Not Possible, Minister Tells Putin

The Russian Ministry of Finance is not against a national cryptocurrency, provided the state does not participate in it. The creation of a centralized coin, like the cryptoruble, seems impossible, as cryptocurrencies are based on decentralized ledgers, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told President Putin, according to Russian media.   Also read: Russian Authorities Criticized over … Read more

Russian Authorities Criticized over Proposed Crypto Regulation

Criticism aimed at authorities and the new legislation on “digital financial assets” is mounting in Russia. Local officials have rebuked lawmakers in the capital over slow progress, warning that the country will have to catch up with others. Experts from the crypto sector have expressed concerns about many unresolved issues in the proposed legal framework. … Read more

Russia’s Longest-Serving Finance Minister Backs Crypto “Self-Regulation”

Former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin favors “self-regulation” in the cryptocurrency sector. He believes it will be more effective, at this early stage, than any imposed regulations. Others have expressed similar views about the currently proposed regime. Kudrin shared his opinion on social media, commenting on the latest developments in the crypto debate. The longtime … Read more