Exchanges Round-Up: Dcex Uses XRP as Base Currency, Blocktrade Enters Beta

In recent news regarding bitcoin exchanges, Dcex has launched a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange that will use XRP as its base currency, ESMA regulated exchange, Blocktrade, has opened for beta testing, and Coinfield has announced a partnership with fee-free trading app Moongo. Also Read:Banks Don’t Really Want to Use ‘Blockchain’ for FX Settlement After All  Dcex … Read more

Bolivar ‘Anchored’ to the Petro to Be Issued in August, Maduro Says

A new Venezuelan fiat currency, ‘anchored’ to the nation’s crypto, the Petro, is expected to start circulating in the second half of August. The news was announced by president Maduro himself, along with other measures intended to improve the economic situation in the country. The ‘Sovereign Bolivar’ will have less zeros than the inflated ‘Strong … Read more

Bitcoin Trading in Chinese Currency Drops Below 1% of World Total

Bitcoin trading in renminbi (RMB) has dropped to less than 1 percent of the global total, the central bank of China announced. The People’s Republic banned yuan-crypto trade last year, prompting the exodus of hundreds of Chinese crypto businesses, including some of the world’s leading trading platforms.     Also read: Crypto Exchange Binance Expects up … Read more

CBDC Could Have “Severely Negative Consequences” for “Bank-Dominated Payments System” – Former FDIC Chair

The former chair of the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Sheila Bair, recently published an article imploring the U.S. Federal Reserve to explore central bank-issued digital currencies (CBDCs). In the article, Mrs. Bair argues that the development of a state-issued cryptocurrency could “reduc[e] the risk of financial crises” and “improv[e] monetary policy tools.” Also … Read more

Circle to Seek Federal Banking Licensing with U.S. OCC

Circle Internet Financial Ltd has revealed that it is currently seeking to obtain a federal banking license with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in order to expand the services available to the company’s customers. It also hopes to pursue registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a … Read more

Coastal Town Claims to be First “Digital Currency-Friendly” in Australia

Agnes Water, a beach town situated five hours north of Brisbane International Airport, has proclaimed itself to be the first “digital currency-friendly” tourist town in Australia. Over 30 businesses now accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment in Agnes Water – despite being home to just over two thousand residents. Also Read: Markets Update: Digital Currency … Read more

Cryptocurrency is Property in Russia, Justice Minister Confirms

The Russian Ministry of Justice has taken side in what looks like a lively debate about the status of cryptocurrencies that are still unregulated in the country. A bankruptcy case involving a modest amount of bitcoin has sparked discussions in Russian legal circles. Some say a crypto is nothing more than “a set of characters.” … Read more

All Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Japan Must Comply With Five New Criteria

The Japanese financial regulator has imposed five new criteria for all cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the country. These rules apply to existing exchange operators as well as new ones applying for registration for the first time. On-site inspections will be conducted on all exchanges prior to approval. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto … Read more

Nominee to New York Federal Reserve Claims That Crypto Isn’t Currency

The current president and chief executive officer of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank, and the man expected to soon be the New York Federal Reserve Bank, John Williams, has rejected the suggestion that cryptocurrencies comprise currency. Also Read: Trading Sanctions Imposed on Tezos Co-Founder Amid FINRA Settlement New York Federal Reserve Nominee Rejects Cryptocurrencies as … Read more