EU Council Adopts New Rules for Europe’s Crypto Markets

The Council of the European Union has given its final approval to new regulations for crypto assets and markets in the EU. The decision completes a lengthy and complex legislative process for what’s considered to be the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for digital assets like bitcoin. EU Finance Ministers Give Final Nod to Markets … Read more

Eurozone Finance Ministers Pledge Support for Digital Euro Project, Talk Privacy

The ministers of finance of the countries in the eurozone reaffirmed their support for efforts to prepare for the potential launch of a digital euro. Meanwhile, the single currency area’s monetary authority sought to reassure future users that the new currency will be “preserving privacy by default and by design.” Eurogroup to Remain Involved in … Read more

EU Bans Crypto Services for Russians in New Sanctions Over Ukraine Escalation

An array of crypto-related services have been targeted in the latest round of sanctions on Russia approved by the EU. The measures are part of an expected tightening of the economic and financial restrictions in response to Moscow’s decision to annex Ukrainian territories. EU Council Adopts Full Ban on Crypto Wallet and Custody Services for … Read more

EU Council Endorses Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) Legislation

Council of the EU, one of the European Union’s legislative bodies, has approved the proposed regulatory framework for the European crypto space. It’s now up to European lawmakers to approve the Markets in Crypto Assets package before its final adoption. Comprehensive Crypto Regulation Moves Closer to Adoption in EU The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) … Read more

EU Agreement Reached on Anti-money Laundering Rules for Cryptocurrencies

European institutions have reached an interim consensus on a set of EU regulations that will burden crypto companies with the obligation to help prevent money laundering, among other illicit activities potentially involving digital assets. The progress comes as the Union seeks to comprehensively regulate the continent’s cryptocurrency market. EU Officials and Lawmakers Agree on AML … Read more

EU Finance Ministers Place Defacto Ban on Libra

Libra’s ongoing organizational snags and run-ins with regulators continue into December, as EU finance ministers agreed Thursday that Libra cannot be launched in the EU until concerns are adequately addressed. The finance ministers issued a joint statement citing regulatory “challenges and risks.” Also Read: Libra Testnet Fails to Impress as New Legislation Looms Lawmakers Still … Read more

This Week in Bitcoin: Smooth Bitcoin Cash Upgrade, BCH and BTC Tax Payments in Florida

A notable week for Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – the network successfully upgraded the blockchain protocol by extending the block size to 32MB. The change will allow a greater number of transactions to be processed with inexpensive and consistent transaction fees. Also, Seminole County in Florida will accept tax payments in both Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and … Read more

EU Adopts Rules to Reduce Anonymity for Crypto Users

A directive affecting the crypto sector in Europe has been adopted by the EU Council. The document updates the anti-money laundering legislation of the European Union to address, among other issues, “the risks linked to virtual currencies.” The new rules aim to reduce anonymity for both users and transactions with requirements for know-your-customer procedures that … Read more