Russia Proceeds With Efforts to Legalize Crypto Amid Sanctions Over Ukraine

Authorities in Russia are continuing their work to establish a comprehensive legal framework for crypto transactions. The efforts, which started before the military invasion of Ukraine, go on amid warnings that Moscow may use cryptocurrencies to evade expanding financial sanctions. Expert Council Meets in Russia to Discuss Law ‘On Digital Currency’ Attempts to legalize and … Read more

Russia’s Finance Ministry Submits Bill to Legalize Crypto Investments, Ban Payments

Russian Ministry of Finance has prepared and submitted a new bill to expand crypto regulations to the government. The law “On Digital Currency” aims to introduce rules for investment in cryptocurrencies while at the same time cementing a ban on their use in payments. Draft Law ‘On Digital Currency’ to Regulate Crypto Turnover in Russia … Read more

Ukrainian Parliament Adopts Amended Virtual Assets Law

Ukrainian lawmakers have approved an updated version of legislation tailored to regulate the country’s crypto economy. The bill, which was first passed last year, was later returned to the legislature by President Volodymyr Zelensky who requested some changes. Majority of Ukrainian Deputies Back Law ‘On Virtual Assets’ Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, has adopted new legislation … Read more

Banning Crypto Is Like Banning Internet in Russia, Finance Minister Says Amid Differences With Central Bank

It’s impossible to ban cryptocurrencies in Russia, the country’s minister of finance has stated in his first comments on his department’s latest disagreements with the Russian monetary authority. The two institutions are reportedly failing to reach consensus on crypto regulation but the treasury intends to submit draft legislation despite their differences. Disagreements on Future of … Read more

European Commission to Launch Digital Euro Consultations in March, Propose Bill Early Next Year

The executive arm of the EU is gearing up to start public consultations on the digital euro project next month. The European Commission will also prepare new legislation to establish the legal basis for the digital version of the common European fiat. A draft is expected in 2023. EU Finance Chief Announces Legislative Plan for … Read more

Russian Regulators Find Common Ground — Bitcoin Can’t Be Used for Payments

Russian authorities are yet to reach full consensus on the future of cryptocurrencies but government institutions are on the same side of the fence in their intention to ban bitcoin payments. Other operations with digital assets are to be legalized and regulated, representatives of Russian business have revealed. Russian Central Bank, Finance Ministry Agree to … Read more

Kazakhstan Mulls Fivefold Increase of Electricity Tax on Crypto Mining

Authorities in Kazakhstan are discussing new regulations for the country’s crypto space that may lead to a serious increase in the tax burden on the mining business. Among the proposed changes is a fivefold hike of the fee miners pay per each kilowatt-hour of utilized electricity. Mining Companies in Kazakhstan Expected to Pay Much More … Read more

Russian Investors to Pass Exams Before Buying Cryptocurrencies, Draft Law Suggests

A new Russian law may oblige potential crypto investors to take a test before being allowed to purchase digital assets over a certain limit. The authors are also hoping to regulate cryptocurrency mining and cut access to cheap energy for those who mint coins in their homes. Bill to Bring ‘Tight Regulation’ to Crypto Industry, … Read more

Russian Government Drafts Roadmap to Regulate, Not Ban Crypto, Report Unveils

A roadmap on cryptocurrencies has been prepared by a number of ministries, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies, Russian media reported. The document, which aims to regulate Russia’s crypto market by the end of this year, comes amid disagreements between the central bank and other government institutions about the future of decentralized digital money in … Read more

Estonia Clarifies Upcoming Regulations, Will Not Ban Crypto Holding or Trading

The government of Estonia has approved legislation tailored to improve oversight of its crypto sector which expanded rapidly due to favorable regulations and business climate. The new law, which is yet to be adopted, will introduce stricter requirements for service providers without preventing their clients from owning or exchanging cryptocurrencies. Authorities in Tallinn Draft Stricter … Read more