Iran Officially Recognizes Cryptocurrency Mining

As economic sanctions start to bite, Iran is now looking to cryptocurrencies to ease the damage. The world’s third-largest oil-producer seeks to follow in the footsteps of Venezuela, which has issued an oil-backed digital currency called the Petro. But can Iran succeed where Venezuela is ostensibly faltering? Also read: As Zimbabweans Struggle for Cash, Even the … Read more

Venezuelans to Be Paid at Least Half a Petro a Month

Announcing a 60-fold increase of the minimum monthly salary, President Maduro promised Venezuelans they will be paid at least 0.5 petro, once his monetary reforms are in place next week. The national crypto will be exchanged at a rate of $60 USD and the new “sovereign bolivar” will be pegged to the digital coin.    … Read more

SEC Fines and Permanently Bars Founder of Fraudulent Oil Exploration Token

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against an oil and gas exploration company and its founder who “perpetrated a fraudulent initial coin offering (ICO) to fund oil exploration and drilling in California.” The token sale failed to raise money but the tokens were issued as part of a bounty program, which … Read more

Iran Steps Up Plan for National Crypto After US Sanctions

Right after Washington’s move to impose sanctions that will restrict Iran’s access to US currency, reports came out that Tehran is speeding up the project to develop a national cryptocurrency. Officials in the Islamic Republic believe the state-issued coin could help circumvent the restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. Also read: New Bill Proposes 5% … Read more

Venezuela’s President Launches Crypto Funded Youth Bank, Encourages Mining Farms

State news agency Telesur reports Venezuela president Nicolás Maduro has announced formation of a youth bank funded by the country’s recently launched cryptocurrency, the Petro. Mr. Maduro also took the opportunity to urge countrymen to continue mining its state-backed digital money, including creation of mining farms. Also read: Only 1% of Business CIOs are Actually … Read more

Maduro Asks Venezuela’s Banks to Mine and Use Cryptocurrency – Unions Outraged

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro has authorized all savings banks in the country to mine and use the recently launched national cryptocurrency, the petro. Union leaders are outraged by the suggestion, calling the petro a scam, accusing Maduro of abusing his power, and declaring the idea unconstitutional. Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations … Read more