EU Parliament Greenlights Markets in Crypto Assets Law, Tracing Rules

Members of the European Parliament gave their final approval to a package of EU-wide regulations for crypto assets. The legislators also backed the introduction of mechanisms allowing the tracing of cryptocurrency transactions which will also apply to private crypto wallets above a certain threshold. European Lawmakers Endorse Groundbreaking Crypto Assets Legislation Europe’s new common rules … Read more

Environmental Impact of AI Models Takes Center Stage Amid Criticism Against Bitcoin Mining

While bitcoin’s effect on the environment has been discussed at length over the last two years, the latest trend of artificial intelligence (AI) software is now being criticized for its carbon footprint. According to several headlines and academic papers this year, AI consumes significant electricity and leverages copious amounts of water to cool data centers. … Read more

Texas Lawmakers Introduce Bill Proposing to Establish a Gold-Backed Digital Currency

Two Republican lawmakers from Texas, senator Bryan Hughes and representative Mark Dorazio, have introduced legislation to create a gold-backed digital currency that could be enacted by the state legislature. The policymakers believe that this currency could greatly benefit the Lone Star State and, as an alternative digital currency, it could provide Texas residents with the … Read more

Yellen Says US ‘Not Willing to Allow Contagious Bank Runs,’ Calls OPEC Oil Production Cut ‘Unconstructive’

Roughly 26 days ago and in the following days, the U.S. witnessed two significant bank failures when Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank collapsed. After speaking at an event on Monday at Yale University, Janet Yellen, the current U.S. Treasury secretary, told reporters that she was closely monitoring the banking industry. Yellen insisted that “matters … Read more

Senate Banking Committee Holds Hearing on Recent Bank Collapses, Calls for Tougher Regulations

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, also known as the Senate Banking Committee, held a hearing to discuss the recent bank collapses in the United States and the regulatory response. Throughout the testimonies, digital assets and crypto businesses were mentioned. Senate Banking Committee chairman Sherrod Brown claimed on Tuesday … Read more

US Central Bank’s Fednow Payment Service to Launch in July, Economist Calls Timing ‘Suspicious’

According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, the central bank’s Fednow payment service will start operating in July, and participants will be certified in April to leverage the Fednow Pilot Program. Ken Montgomery, the Fednow program executive, is urging American financial institutions to make preparations to join the central bank’s new payment service. Economist Richard Werner, … Read more

Russian Parliament Votes on Bill Opening Door for Digital Ruble

Russian lawmakers have approved a draft law facilitating the implementation of the digital version of the national currency, the ruble. The legislation amends various other acts to introduce definitions and establish procedures related to the launch of the central bank digital currency. Russian State Duma Passes Digital Ruble Draft Law on First Reading The lower … Read more

Russian Crypto Industry Queries Government About Proposed Criminal Liability for Miners

The organization representing Russia’s crypto sector has asked the government in Moscow to clarify a proposal to introduce criminal liability for “gray” miners. The draft legislation seeks to punish those who fail to report their income to the state and share information about their digital assets. Crypto Companies in Russia Want to Take Part in … Read more