ECB Chief Christine Lagarde Downplays Bitcoin’s Risks to Financial Stability, Troubled by Stablecoins

ECB President Christine Lagarde downplays any risks bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could pose to financial stability and monetary sovereignty. In contrast, she sees stablecoins, such as Facebook-backed libra, as posing “serious risks.” Christine Lagarde, Bitcoin, and Facebook’s Libra The president of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde, shared her view on the future of … Read more

SEC Chairman Jay Clayton Explains US Crypto Regulation, Calls Bitcoin a Store of Value

The chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has explained how the U.S. government is regulating cryptocurrency. He calls bitcoin a store of value, noting that its rise is driven by the inefficiencies of the current payment system. How Bitcoin Is Regulated in the US SEC Chairman Jay Clayton explained how the U.S. … Read more

South Africa Unveils New Crypto Rules as Usage Soars Exponentially

The South African financial regulator has published a draft declaration of crypto assets as financial products. The regulator says South Africa has experienced “an exponential increase in the provision and use of crypto assets.” South Africa’s Crypto Regulation South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) announced Friday that it has published “a draft declaration of … Read more

Russia Proposes New Rules and Penalties for Cryptocurrency Owners

The Russian Ministry of Finance has developed new amendments to the country’s cryptocurrency regulation. The proposal outlines a new set of rules for crypto owners, exchanges, and miners, as well as penalties for undeclared crypto transactions. Russia’s New Crypto Regulation Russia’s Ministry of Finance has proposed new amendments to the country’s law on digital financial … Read more

Hong Kong Amends Crypto Law to Regulate All Exchanges

Cryptocurrency regulation in Hong Kong is undergoing changes. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is reportedly introducing a new licensing system to regulate all crypto exchanges operating in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s New Crypto Regulation The CEO of the SFC, Ashley Alder, talked about implementing a new cryptocurrency regulatory framework at Hong Kong Fintech Week … Read more

US Government Moves to Regulate Cryptocurrencies After Attorney General Publishes Enforcement Framework

United States Attorney General (AG) William Barr says the recent publishing of the Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework will help law enforcement to fight elements using digital currencies for illicit ends. Produced by the AG’s Cyber-Digital Task Force, the framework provides law enforcement with what Barr terms a “comprehensive overview of the emerging threats and enforcement challenges … Read more

Russia Proposes Harsh Penalties for Unreported Cryptocurrency Holdings

Russia’s Ministry of Finance has drafted a bill with harsh penalties for anyone who does not report their cryptocurrency holdings above a certain level. Penalties include jail terms and fines. New Russian Crypto Bill The Russian Ministry of Finance has sent out a new draft bill addressing the circulation of cryptocurrency in Russia to interested … Read more

New Kenyan Digital Tax to Affect Crypto Platforms

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced new regulations that compel users of digital marketplaces to pay digital tax. At a rate of 1.5% on gross transaction value, the new tax is expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2021. According to a report, the KRA will create a special tax unit to track and tax … Read more

CFTC Chairman: US Must Lead the World in Crypto With Less Restrictive Rules

The chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has called on other regulators to establish a framework for sound crypto regulation. He believes that the U.S. must lead in the crypto field and “applying overly prescriptive rules could stunt the development of this important market.” CFTC Chairman Heath P. Tarbert has called on other … Read more

Japan Implements Significant Changes to Cryptocurrency Regulation Today

Major changes are happening in the cryptocurrency space in Japan as new cryptocurrency regulation enters into force today. Among notable changes are the regulation of crypto custody service providers and crypto derivatives businesses. Japan has 23 regulated crypto exchanges; unregulated platforms have modified their terms of service affecting Japanese residents. Japan Adopts New Way to … Read more