Cryptocurrencies Not a Risk to Stability, Russian Study Concludes

A study has found that despite their volatility, cryptocurrencies do not endanger the financial system and the economy of Russia, as the risks are offset by the highly concentrated ownership of digital assets. Crypto fluctuations are not believed to affect consumption either. Russian residents have controlled cryptocurrency worth between $7.5 and $14 billion in the … Read more

Regulations Round-Up: CFTC Rejects FOIA Request, SEC Not Modifying Securities Laws

In recent regulatory news, the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has rejected a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request regarding the subpoenas recently received by Bitfinex and Tether; the United States Securities and Exchanges (SEC) Chairman, Jay Clayton, has indicated that the regulator will not alter existing securities legislation to cater to cryptocurrencies. … Read more

Virtual Currencies to Become “Part of the Economic Practices” of All Nations – CFTC Commissioner

United States Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) commissioner, Rostin Behnam recently gave a speech in which he predicted that “virtual currencies […] will become part of the economic practices of any country.” The CFTC commissioner predicted that cryptocurrencies will have a transformative effect in providing financial services to unbanked populations, and undermine corruption through increasing … Read more

Estonia Grants Licenses for Wallet and Exchange Services to Coin Metro

It isn’t just Malta that is attracting crypto business these days, other small and fast moving countries on the European continent are joining the action. The latest example comes from Estonia, which recently granted licenses for offering wallet and exchange services to the cryptocurrency trading platform Coin Metro. Also Read: Bitcoin in Brief Thursday: New Tech … Read more

Indian Crypto Exchanges Engage with RBI to Offer Banking Ban Alternatives

Indian cryptocurrency exchanges have followed the Supreme Court’s suggestion for them to present their cases to the Reserve Bank of India. They have sent letters to the central bank, offering alternatives to the RBI’s banking ban. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Supreme Court’s Suggestion Cryptocurrency exchanges in India have reportedly sent … Read more

Russian Court Overturns Decision to Block Bitcoin Website

A Russian court has overturned a previous court decision to block a bitcoin-related website because it contains information about cryptocurrencies. The Supreme Court ordered the city court to hear the appeal. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Russian Court Overturned Previous Decision The St. Petersburg City Court has overturned the ruling of … Read more

Indonesia to Regulate Cryptocurrencies as Commodities

Cryptocurrencies in Indonesia will be regarded as commodities, according to a new decision by the country’s futures market regulator. It comes after a study concluding that digital coins deserve the commodity status. The government is expected to prepare a broader regulation covering other aspects of the crypto sector including trading and taxation. Also read: Crypto … Read more

Korean Government Clarifies Position After Supreme Court Crypto Ruling

The South Korean government has clarified its position in response to the recent ruling by the country’s Supreme Court stating that cryptocurrency is an asset with measurable value that can be confiscated. The government says its position should be viewed separately from that of the Supreme Court. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto … Read more

Bitcoin in Brief Saturday: Spanish Parties Back Crypto Draft, Slovenia Adopts Crypto Action Plan

All parties represented in the Spanish Congress have voiced support for a new draft legislation introducing favorable crypto regulations in the country. We’ve covered the details in today’s edition of Bitcoin in Brief. Also, Slovenia adopts a crypto action plan, Estonia drops plans to issue a national cryptocurrency, and Hungary claims it’s ready to join … Read more

The UK Clamps Down on Cryptocurrency Operations

We’re used to hearing about regulation by now. But most of the news that makes the headlines comes from the United States SEC and its latest statements or subpoenas. However, it seems that the United Kingdom is following suit. The country’s financial regulator and markets watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), says there are now 24 pending … Read more