No Strong Case to Ban Crypto Trading, Singapore Says

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has been studying cryptocurrency developments and there is no strong case to ban crypto trading, a high-ranking government official told lawmakers. The adoption of regulations in other countries in the region has increased pressure on authorities in the city-state to clarify their stance on bitcoin, as more crypto companies in … Read more

Ukrainian Law May Separate Mining from Cryptocurrencies

Ukrainian legislators should separate the regulation of crypto mining from the legal status of cryptocurrencies. The new approach was proposed by the chairman of an important parliamentary committee who criticized law enforcement agencies for cracking down on crypto miners. Police confiscated mining equipment in a series of raids this week. Authorities claim that coins have … Read more

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan on the Crypto Radar

Several Central Asian countries have taken steps to embrace cryptos one way or another. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are some of the less conspicuous former Soviet republics, but now they are starting to appear on the crypto radar. With certain inherent advantages and some clever new policies, they try to attract investors and integrate into … Read more

Another Post-Soviet Jurisdiction Welcomes Crypto Miners

Following in the footsteps of counterparts from former Soviet countries, government officials in Transnistria have attempted to create crypto-friendly environment in their disputed republic. Newly adopted legislation legalizes cryptocurrency mining and provides incentives for foreign investors. Entrepreneurs, invited to set up mining facilities, are not even required to register a local company. They can take … Read more

Philippine SEC to Develop Cryptocurrency Regulations

The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has indicated that it is currently developing a regulatory framework designed to govern cryptocurrency transactions. The regulator emphasized the need for legislation pertaining to initial coin offerings (ICOs) in particular. Also Read: Venezuela Releases Petro Whitepaper Ahead of ”$5 Billion ICO” Philippine SEC to Partner With Overseas Counterparts The … Read more

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

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

Thailand Taking Steps to Regulate ICOs

As part of its balanced approach, Thailand is taking further steps to regulate initial coin offerings by expanding current guidelines. Discussions on the framework between relevant institutions have already started, with a public hearing to be conducted soon. The first ICO to be carried out by a locally registered company is scheduled for March. The … Read more

Malta Extends Scope of Proposed Virtual Currency Regulations

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has published a ”feedback statement” regarding its proposal for regulatory guidelines governing collective investment schemes involving virtual currencies (VCs) operating in the European archipelago nation. The statement has been issued following a consultation period from the 23rd of October 2017 to the 17th of November – in which the … Read more

More than Half of Russians Know About Bitcoin Now

More than half of Russians have some knowledge about bitcoin, according to a new survey. Awareness is higher among young people and in major cities. Three quarters of the Muscovites feel informed about the leading cryptocurrency thanks to 185,000 publications in news outlets. Bitcoin is the most popular word in Russian social media, another study shows. … Read more