Latam Insights — Steve Hanke Advocates Dollarization in Argentina, Bitcoin City Plans Unclear in El Salvador, Sunacrip Implicated in Venezuela Layoffs

Welcome to Latam Insights, a compendium of the most relevant crypto and economic development news from Latin America during the last week. In this issue, economist Steve Hanke calls to dollarize Argentina, Bitcoin City plans are still not formalized in El Salvador, and Venezuelan crypto watchdog Sunacrip is allegedly involved in mass layoffs. Steve Hanke … Read more

Head of Venezuelan Crypto Watchdog Sunacrip Arrested on Alleged Corruption Charges; Institution to Face Restructuring

Joselit Ramirez, head of the Venezuelan cryptocurrency authority Sunacrip, was arrested on March 18, according to reports from local media. Ramirez, who led the institution from its creation in 2018, was arrested for being allegedly involved in corruption schemes, including the embezzlement of $3 billion related to unregistered oil sales. Sunacrip Boss Joselit Ramirez Arrested … Read more

Venezuelan Sunacrip Tightens Control on Transactions Made Using Unauthorized Exchanges

Sunacrip, the Venezuelan cryptocurrency watchdog, has issued a new internal providence that defines the guidelines it will follow in dealing with reports of suspicious activity related to fintech platforms. The document describes that the use of unauthorized platforms might constitute a suspicious activity, which could ostensibly lead to penalties of $15,000 for its customers. Sunacrip … Read more

Venezuela’s Sunacrip Launches Petro-Based Gift Card Market and Exchange

Sunacrip, the Venezuelan cryptocurrency watchdog, has announced a set of improvements to its Petroapp wallet, allowing Venezuelans to use the petro (PTR) for new functions. The app now has an embedded cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to exchange petros for other currencies, and a series of gift card and payment options to increase adoption. Petro … Read more

Sunacrip Revokes Licenses Of Two Cryptocurrency Exchanges In Venezuela

Sunacrip, the Venezuelan cryptocurrency watchdog, has suspended the operating licenses of two exchanges for lack of compliance with current regulations. The announcement was made by Joselit Ramirez, superintendent of Sunacrip, who also mentioned the exchanges that are approved by the institution, leaving some big names like Binance off of the list. Sunacrip Tightens Compliance Requirements … Read more

Venezuela Passes Law Legalizing Crypto Mining, Forces Miners to Join National Mining Pool

Reports say Venezuela has now legalized bitcoin mining following the decree recently issued by the National Superintendency of Crypto Assets and Related Activities (Sunacrip). As part of the new regulations, all entities and individuals interested in legally mining bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies must now apply for a license from the agency. According to a report, … Read more