US Regulators Have Imposed $2.5 Billion Penalties on Crypto Firms and Individuals

A new report shows that U.S. regulators have imposed fines and penalties totaling $2.5 billion on crypto firms and individuals so far. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has imposed the most fines, followed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is the latest … Read more

Ukraine to Oversee Crypto Transactions Above $1,200, Sees Opportunities in Legalization Not Risks

Cryptocurrency transactions in Ukraine will be strictly monitored by the state, although the country’s finance minister admits that it’s not digital coins but fiat cash that criminals and corrupt officials are more likely to use. The legalization of cryptocurrencies remains a priority in Kiev as the government has indicated its clear understanding that the benefits … Read more

SEC Imposes Multimillion Dollar Fine for Unregistered EOS Token Sale

The United States securities regulator has announced hefty fines for two crypto companies. The penalties have been imposed for EOS’ unregistered token sale and a fraudulent public offering. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) intends to use some of the collected money to indemnify investors who suffered damages. Also read: SEC Commissioner Speaks Positively About … Read more

Bill to Curb Iranian National Crypto Filed in US Congress

Draft legislation designed to hamper Iran’s efforts to create a sovereign cryptocurrency has been introduced in the U.S. Congress. The Blocking Iran Illicit Finance Act bans U.S. citizens and companies from all transactions and dealings in Iranian digital currency. The bill also introduces sanctions against foreign nationals and organizations that support the development of the … Read more

More Banks Sanctioned for AML, Fraud-Related Violations

When societies discuss cryptocurrencies, the argument that the decentralized and unregulated nature of the crypto space leaves the door open to abuse, like money laundering and financial fraud, is often put forward by officials and authorities. However, a string of cases involving precisely these sins, and many, many banks, show that regulations are largely ineffective … Read more

Japan Penalizes Crypto Exchanges – Yakuza Involvement Confirmed

The Japanese regulator has issued business improvement orders to six of the country’s 16 fully-licensed crypto exchanges including Bitflyer, Quoine, and Tech Bureau. The agency confirmed to news.Bitcoin.com that at least one of the six exchanges has some form of involvement with the Yakuza. Responding to the improvement order, Bitflyer has halted new account registrations. … Read more

Two Crypto Exchanges Suspended by Japan’s Financial Regulator

The Financial Services Authority of Japan has imposed penalties on three cryptocurrency exchanges following inspections of trading platforms in the country. Two of them have been ordered to suspend operations. Officials are not satisfied with the measures implemented to prevent money laundering and systemic risks.    Also read: CEO of Korean Exchange Coinnest among Four … Read more

Russia Drafts Law to Criminalize the Use of Cryptocurrencies as Money

The Russian Ministry of Finance is drafting a law to criminalize the use of cryptocurrencies as money substitutes. The Bank of Russia and the finance ministry have previously opposed the use of cryptocurrency in this way, citing that only rubles can be used for payments of goods and services in Russia. Also read: Indians Look to … Read more

Japanese Crypto Associations Merging to Restore Trust Across the Industry

Japan’s two cryptocurrency associations have reportedly decided to merge in order to restore trust in the industry and accelerate self-imposed rules. Once approved by the Japanese financial regulator, the new organization will have the power to set penalties for breaches of self-regulation. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies Two Crypto … Read more

All Major Korean Cryptocurrency Exchanges Fail Privacy Tests – 30 Days to Improve

The South Korean Communications Commission has conducted a survey of major cryptocurrency exchanges in the country and found them to have insufficient customer data protection. Eight exchanges have been sanctioned, with 30 days to resolve their issues and safeguard their systems. Also read: Cryptocurrency Activities Will Be Legal and Tax Free in Belarus Starting in March … Read more