Senate Releases Testimonies Ahead of Crypto Hearing

A day before a landmark hearing, a day with screaming headlines about the US stock market’s historic dump, not to mention bitcoin’s 65 percent fire sale, the United States Senate released formal testimony of Chairs from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Heads of both entities will testify Tuesday … Read more

Ukrainian Law May Separate Mining from Cryptocurrencies

Ukrainian legislators should separate the regulation of crypto mining from the legal status of cryptocurrencies. The new approach was proposed by the chairman of an important parliamentary committee who criticized law enforcement agencies for cracking down on crypto miners. Police confiscated mining equipment in a series of raids this week. Authorities claim that coins have … Read more

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan on the Crypto Radar

Several Central Asian countries have taken steps to embrace cryptos one way or another. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are some of the less conspicuous former Soviet republics, but now they are starting to appear on the crypto radar. With certain inherent advantages and some clever new policies, they try to attract investors and integrate into … Read more

Another Post-Soviet Jurisdiction Welcomes Crypto Miners

Following in the footsteps of counterparts from former Soviet countries, government officials in Transnistria have attempted to create crypto-friendly environment in their disputed republic. Newly adopted legislation legalizes cryptocurrency mining and provides incentives for foreign investors. Entrepreneurs, invited to set up mining facilities, are not even required to register a local company. They can take … Read more

Market Risk Advisory Committee: Bitcoin Futures Self-Certification Works

Bitcoin futures regulators met for their first Market Risk Advisory Committee (MRAC) of the new year, and it was dedicated exclusively to cryptocurrency futures. An advisory body to the US Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the not-quite two-year-old group held its only public meeting on the issue since bitcoin futures went live in December of … 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

Indians Expect Clarity on Bitcoin Taxes within Days

Under mounting pressure to make decisions and take steps to clarify cryptocurrency matters, the Indian government may soon shed some light on one of many unclear aspects – taxation. Local media have turned the spotlight on Budget 2018, but lots of titles end with question marks. The new financial frame is to be presented next … Read more

Thailand Taking Steps to Regulate ICOs

As part of its balanced approach, Thailand is taking further steps to regulate initial coin offerings by expanding current guidelines. Discussions on the framework between relevant institutions have already started, with a public hearing to be conducted soon. The first ICO to be carried out by a locally registered company is scheduled for March. The … Read more

Estimate: Crypto Investments in Russia Reached $200 Million Last Year

Cryptocurrency investments in Russian startups have increased 10 times in 2017 when entrepreneurs set in motion more than 100 crypto-funded projects, according to a new estimate. Ordinary working people, however, remain wary. Only 8% of them would like to see their salaries paid partially in crypto. Nevertheless, Russians are optimistic about bitcoin and most of … Read more

Russia Ready for Migrant Bitcoin Miners Influx

Despite some indecisiveness about cryptocurrencies on the part of centralized power, Russia has been quietly preparing for a wave of migrant crypto miners from East and West. It’s been said that the country has got what it takes to invite them. A third of the Soviet era power producing capacity is idling, after energy hungry … Read more