Republic of Ireland to Prohibit Political Cryptocurrency Donations

The government of Ireland is preparing to ban political parties from accepting campaign donations in cryptocurrency. The move aims to block the perceived threat of Russian interference in the European nation’s elections against the backdrop of a clash between the West and Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Ireland to Limit Foreign Political Support for … Read more

Digital Ruble ‘Much Needed,’ Russia’s Central Bank Says, Won’t Delay Testing

The Central Bank of Russia has emphasized the importance of moving forward with its digital ruble project. According to a statement by a top representative, the monetary authority has no intention to delay the trials despite not all invited banks being ready to participate yet. Bank of Russia to Experiment With Digital Ruble Payments This … Read more

Russian Chamber of Commerce Suggests Using Cryptocurrencies in Settlements With Africa

Employing crypto in cross-border payments is one of the proposals put forward by the Russian Chamber Of Commerce lobbying for more cooperation with African countries. Amid unprecedented sanctions limiting Russia’s ability to trade internationally, the head of the board has urged the government to work out an alternative system for settlements with Moscow’s partners. Chamber … Read more

Crypto Exchange With Belarusian Roots Halts Operations for Russian Users

Currency.com, a crypto exchange founded and initially licensed in Belarus, has suspended operations for Russian clients. The restrictive measure comes in response to Russia’s assault on Ukraine, the platform said, noting that customers in other jurisdictions will not be affected. Currency.com Exchange Denounces ‘Terrible War’ in Ukraine, Denies Services to Russian Traders Crypto trading platform … Read more

EU Bans High-Value Crypto Services to Russia in New Round of Sanctions

European institutions are closing crypto loopholes for Russia with the latest package of penalties imposed by the EU over Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine. The new sanctions prohibit the provision of “high-value” crypto-asset services to Russian entities and residents. EU Limits Russian Crypto Wallet Deposits to €10,000 Expanding its sanctions in response to the Russian military … Read more

Bank of Russia Rejects Idea of Using Cryptocurrency to Circumvent Sanctions

The Central Bank of Russia has turned down a proposal to allow the use of digital currencies for the purpose of sanctions evasion. The monetary authority believes this is hardly an option as Western regulators are already taking steps to prevent such transactions. Employing Bitcoin to Evade Sanctions Not Possible, Central Bank of Russia Says … Read more

Sanctions Motivate Russia to Create Own Crypto Market Infrastructure, Finance Ministry Says

With sanctions cutting off Russia from global finances, Moscow’s motivation to establish a domestic market infrastructure for digital assets grows, a top official at the Russian finance ministry has noted. The comment comes as Russians are losing access to foreign crypto platforms. Russia Recognizes Need for Local Crypto Assets Market Amid expanding international sanctions over … Read more

Japan Considers Stricter Crypto Regulations in Light of Russia Sanctions

Authorities in Japan are planning to introduce tougher new rules for crypto operators as part of efforts to prevent Russia from using cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions. The legislative initiative comes after Tokyo asked digital asset exchanges to strengthen transactions monitoring this month. Government of Japan to Close Loopholes for Russians in Crypto Space Amid concerns … Read more

IMF Warns Russia Sanctions Threaten to Undermine US Dollar Dominance

Financial sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine may result in reduced dominance of the U.S. currency, according to a high-ranking official at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The confrontation could lead to fragmentation of the world’s current monetary system, the top representative warned. New Currency Blocs May Emerge Amid Mounting Restrictions on … Read more

Thailand Adopts Rules Restricting Cryptocurrency Payments From April

Regulators in Thailand have decided to limit the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. The authorities consider the country’s current payment system efficient and insist cryptos would only bring risks for the financial system, economy, people and businesses. Thailand SEC Issues Regulations Limiting Use of Digital Assets for Payments Financial regulators in Thailand … Read more