Valr Becomes Latest South African Exchange to Exit Crypto Arbitrage Market

Crypto exchange Valr has announced it has closed its crypto arbitrage service to new customers in order to comply with the requirements of its banking partner. This announcement makes Valr the latest South African crypto exchange platform to close its arbitrage business. Ovex was one of the first exchanges to announce its exit from the … Read more

Russia to Allow Foreign Residents to Own and Use Digital Ruble

The central bank of Russia intends to ensure that the digital ruble is convertible to foreign currencies and can be used by non-residents. In a document devoted to the digitalization of the Russian financial sector, the regulator reiterates its concerns over the risks associated with cryptocurrencies and insists that state-issued digital currencies are safer. Bank … Read more

Bank of Russia Rejects Provision of Crypto-Related Financial Services

Russia’s central bank has voiced opposition to the provision of financial services related to cryptocurrencies. The monetary authority believes such offerings would go against the interests of Russian investors as they are highly risky. Central Bank of Russia Unwilling to Allow Financial Services for Crypto Assets The Central Bank of Russia (CBR), known for its … Read more

No Plans to Make US Dollar Sole Currency, Zimbabwean Finance Minister Calls Idea ‘Suicidal’

The Zimbabwean Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, recently told business leaders that he is not planning to make the U.S. dollar the country’s sole currency again. Government Focused on Strengthening Local Currency Instead of entertaining those calling for the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy, Ncube suggested his ministry is in fact focused on defending the value … Read more

Nigerian Lawmaker Proposes Closure of All Domiciliary Accounts in Order to Save Imperiled Naira

Nigerian lawmaker Ibrahim Obanikoro has called on Nigerian authorities to “close all domiciliary accounts for the next 12 months.” Such a move, he argues, will help to ease pressure on the naira, which has depreciated by more than 10% in the past two months. The Naira’s Continuing Depreciation The call by Obanikoro comes nearly two … Read more

The CBN Says Nigeria Will Have a Digital Currency Before End of Year

Nigeria is likely to have its own central bank digital currency (CBDC) by the end of the year, an official with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. In his remarks following the bankers’ committee meeting, Rakiya Mohammed, who is the director of information technology at CBN, also revealed that this “digital currency would … Read more

An Iranian Think Tank Recommends the Use of Cryptocurrencies to Circumvent Sanctions

A think tank affiliated with the Iranian Presidency has unveiled a study report that encourages the use of cryptocurrencies in circumventing sanctions against the country. In addition, the report also claims the government could potentially “generate US$2 million a day and $700 million a year in direct revenue from cryptocurrencies.” Employment Opportunities Meanwhile, as reported … Read more

End of Western Union Remittance Service to Cuba a Boon for Crypto

As new U.S. government measures that impose restrictions on remittances to Cuba becomes effective after November 22, Western Union, which has been operating in the island nation since 1999, will close shop. The new rule, which was published on October 27, gave Western Union 30 days to implement new restrictions. The new rule is likely … Read more

EY Executive Says Bitcoin Has No Practical Use in India

An EY executive who recently visited India and met with a number of government agencies has voiced his opinion about the future of cryptocurrencies in the country. He believes that bitcoin has no practical use, is just another “foreign” currency, and its widespread adoption could be “very damaging to the global economy.” Also read: SEC … Read more