Hawaii’s New Money Transmitters Act Will Require Virtual Currency Licenses

The state of Hawaii is planning to regulate the use of bitcoin and digital currencies that would require licensure to transmit cryptocurrency-based funds. Two bills introduced by a group of partisan Hawaiian lawmakers are focused on digital currencies as a monetary instrument under the state’s Money Transmitters Act. Also read: Coinbase Exits as Hawaii Requires Bitcoin … Read more

Facebook Bans Cryptocurrency Ads

Following persistent complaints about spammy and fraudulent cryptocurrency ads, Facebook has issued an outright ban. As of a new ruling issued on January 30, “ads must not promote financial products and services that are frequently associated with misleading or deceptive promotional practices, such as binary options, initial coin offerings, or cryptocurrency”. The move is sure … Read more

Europol and Interpol to Increase Measures Against BTC Laundering and Terrorism Financing

A two-day workshop involving over sixty financial investigators in Basel, Switzerland has seen Europol and Interpol agree upon a range of measures designed to ramp up efforts to combat the use of cryptocurrencies for money laundering and terrorist financing purposes. The event saw attendance from over 60 international financial investigators. Also Read: New Research: Laundering of … Read more

US Financial Regulator Requests Crypto Trading Data From South Korea

The New York State Department of Financial Services has asked two South Korean financial authorities to share cryptocurrency-related data they obtained from their recent inspections of six major Korean banks. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies The US Wants South Korean Crypto Data The New York State Department of Financial … Read more

South Korea Ends Anonymous Cryptocurrency Trading Today

The new South Korean cryptocurrency account system has entered into force nationwide today, ending the current practice that allowed for anonymous trading of cryptocurrencies. Traders must open real-name accounts at the same banks as their exchanges in order to deposit money to trade cryptocurrencies. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies … Read more

Japanese Crypto Exchanges Strengthen Self-Regulation Following Coincheck Hack

Japanese cryptocurrency exchanges are strengthening their self-regulation procedures following the hack of one of the country’s largest crypto exchanges, Coincheck. The Japanese Financial Services Agency has yet to approve Coincheck’s registration as a crypto exchange. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies Strengthening Self-Regulation The Japan Blockchain Association (JBA) has previously … Read more

Russia’s Longest-Serving Finance Minister Backs Crypto “Self-Regulation”

Former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin favors “self-regulation” in the cryptocurrency sector. He believes it will be more effective, at this early stage, than any imposed regulations. Others have expressed similar views about the currently proposed regime. Kudrin shared his opinion on social media, commenting on the latest developments in the crypto debate. The longtime … Read more

Growing Number of South Korean Crypto Exchanges Participate in Self-Regulation

The number of cryptocurrency exchanges participating in self-regulation has nearly doubled in South Korea. The crypto self-regulation efforts are led by the Korean Blockchain Association which has recently launched with 66 members. The association also plans to develop standard price indices for the main cryptocurrencies. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 … Read more

Lawyers Are Taking Payment in Bitcoin Despite Conflict of Interest Concerns

An increasing number of lawyers are taking payment in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. With many ICO startups destitute until their crowdsale, ether or tokens are often all they can offer. Rather than turn away business, some lawyers have admitted to taking payment in crypto. While increased acceptance of cryptocurrency – especially in such circles – … Read more

Indians Expect Clarity on Bitcoin Taxes within Days

Under mounting pressure to make decisions and take steps to clarify cryptocurrency matters, the Indian government may soon shed some light on one of many unclear aspects – taxation. Local media have turned the spotlight on Budget 2018, but lots of titles end with question marks. The new financial frame is to be presented next … Read more