News Bytes – 5

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Canada Sets New Deadline for Crypto Platforms to Comply With Stablecoin Regulations

by

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) have announced an updated regulatory framework for stablecoins, also known as value-referenced crypto assets (VRCAs), with a new compliance deadline set for December 31, 2024. The updated regulations emphasize transparency and investor protection, requiring stablecoin issuers to maintain appropriate reserves with qualified custodians and to publicly disclose information about their … Read more

Matrixport Strengthens European Presence with Acquisition of Swiss Crypto Asset Manager

by

Matrixport, a crypto financial services provider with $6 billion in assets under management, has completed its all-cash acquisition of Crypto Finance Asset Management AG, a licensed Swiss crypto asset manager previously part of the Deutsche Börse Group. Renamed Matrixport Asset Management AG, the unit will continue to provide institutional-grade crypto investment solutions, including managing the … Read more

Blackrock Joins Race to Issue New Stablecoin

by

Blackrock has announced its backing of a new stablecoin, UStb, launched by Ethena Labs. Supported by Blackrock’s BUIDL fund, UStb is designed to provide a reliable alternative in the stablecoin market, leveraging investments in U.S. dollars, short-term Treasury bills, and repurchase agreements. Ethena Labs has partnered with Securitize to facilitate the launch, aiming to enhance … Read more

Dubai Regulator Increases Scrutiny on Crypto Companies

by

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has implemented stricter regulations for crypto companies to enhance investor protection and ensure transparency. The new rules require firms to include risk warnings in marketing materials, obtain necessary licenses, and adhere to compliance standards. These measures aim to inform investors about the risks and volatility of cryptocurrencies, while fostering … Read more

MENA’s Crypto Market Soars With Türkiye, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar Leading the Charge

by

According to a Chainalysis report, the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region has emerged as a significant player in the global crypto market, ranking seventh globally with $338.7 billion in on-chain value received between July 2023 and June 2024. Türkiye leads the region, driven by high consumer engagement and stablecoin adoption amidst inflation, while … Read more

Check Point Discovers Mobile Crypto Drainer App on Google Play Store: $70K Stolen From 10,000 Users

by

Check Point Research (CPR) has uncovered a new threat: a mobile crypto drainer app found on Google Play. This app, deceptively posing as the legitimate WalletConnect tool, exploited the growing popularity of digital assets and targeted users directly on their mobile devices. Over five months, it achieved more than 10,000 downloads and stole around $70,000 … Read more

Visa Introduces Tokenized Asset Platform for Blockchain-Based Financial Services

by

Visa has launched the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), a new product designed to help banks issue fiat-backed tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. This platform aims to digitize and automate the trading of real-world assets, such as commodities and bonds, using smart contracts. VTAP provides financial institutions with the tools and infrastructure needed to tokenize … Read more

BOS Open-Sources Zero-Knowledge Protocol, Paving the Way for Advanced Cryptography on Bitcoin

by

BitcoinOS (BOS) has open-sourced its BitSNARK verification protocol, marking a significant advancement in blockchain technology. This protocol, which successfully verified the first zk-SNARK proof on the Bitcoin blockchain, enables zero-knowledge cryptography without altering Bitcoin’s core protocol. By facilitating decentralized atomic swaps, cross-chain transfers, and 2-way pegging, BitSNARK opens up new possibilities for Bitcoin to interact … Read more

Bank of Canada Redirects Efforts Away From Retail CBDC

by

The Bank of Canada has announced a strategic shift away from developing a retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to focus on broader payments system research and policy development. This decision follows a public consultation in 2023, which revealed significant privacy concerns among Canadians. While the central bank remains open to revisiting the idea of … Read more

Australia Mandates Financial Services Licenses for Crypto Firms Under New ASIC Regulations

by

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced new legislation requiring cryptocurrency exchanges to obtain financial services licenses. This expansion of the Corporations Act aims to provide clearer oversight of the crypto sector, ensuring that widely traded crypto assets, such as bitcoin, are appropriately regulated. The new regulations are set to be implemented by … Read more