With New Regulations, Europe’s Crypto Companies May Be Running Out of Options

European crypto companies are finding themselves in a changing regulatory environment. The new realities they have to deal with stem from the fifth edition of the European Union’s anti-money laundering directive. AMLD5 introduces stricter customer due diligence requirements and some in the industry have realized their business models, based on key principles of the crypto … Read more

Harsh Laws Make Bitcoin Holders Consider Renunciation or Dual Citizenship

As digital currencies become a mainstay in society, a great number of governments have enforced strict tax guidelines, severe money transmission rules, and tough regulations. Because of a few nation-states’ harsh rules against cryptos, there are individuals who plan to renounce their citizenship in order to become stateless. Some people will also attempt to get … Read more

Poloniex Restores Unverified Accounts With Unlimited Trading

In times of mounting pressure on crypto companies to comply with expanding due diligence requirements, Poloniex has taken a step in the opposite direction. The exchange is lifting restrictions that applied to unverified users in response to customer demand. New and current accounts will enjoy access to unlimited trading and deposits. Also read: P2P Crypto … Read more

SEC to Boost Access to Crypto Investments With Proposed New Accredited Investor Definition

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed amending the definition of “accredited investor” — a move that will increase access to regulated cryptocurrency investments. A number of them are currently only available to accredited investors. Among other changes, a person can qualify based on professional knowledge, experience, or certifications. Also read: Lagarde Sees … Read more

Australia Probes Big Four Bank Accused of 23 Million Money Laundering Breaches

With stricter new regulations on the horizon for the crypto space around the world, Australians have found that it’s actually their traditional financial institutions that have been breaching well-established anti-money laundering rules and other industry standards this year. Westpac, one of the country’s largest banks, is now under investigation for millions of purported violations of … Read more

Bank of Lithuania Issues Guidelines on Security Token Offerings

Recognizing that businesses are seeking alternative ways to raise capital other than bank lending, the Bank of Lithuania has issued new guidelines on security token offerings. The goal is to clarify applicable rules without introducing more regulations. Also read: Mario Draghi Leaves European Central Bank Without Ever Raising Interest Rates Guidelines Aiming to Avoid More … Read more

IRS Issues New Crypto Tax Guidance After 5 Years – Experts Weigh In

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued long-awaited guidance on the tax treatment of cryptocurrencies. It is generally described by the crypto community as a mixed bag since some parts are useful while others have raised many more questions, particularly how cryptocurrencies from hard forks and airdrops are taxed. Also read: 10 Tax Tools … Read more

Liechtenstein Adopts Token Act to Attract Crypto Business

One of Europe’s smallest but richest nations, Liechtenstein, has made a significant step towards clarifying the regulatory environment in its already crypto-friendly jurisdiction. The parliament of the German-speaking principality in the heart of Europe has just passed a law that is likely to entice even more crypto companies to its territory. Also read: Turkish Government … Read more

Crypto Salaries Gain Regulatory Recognition Around the World

Salaries paid in decentralized digital coins have become a norm across the crypto industry, but there’s really no reason why cryptocurrencies can’t be used for remuneration by businesses in other sectors as well. In many jurisdictions that should be legal even in the absence of dedicated legislation. Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan and Estonia are a … Read more

Confronting Bitcoin Network Issues Using Nakamoto Consensus and a Mining Parliament

On June 28, Bitcoin Cash proponent Javier Gonzalez announced the launch of an interesting protocol called the Bitcoin Mining Parliament (BMP). The theory behind BMP is backed by the concept of Nakamoto Consensus where “miners are the executive power of Bitcoin” and “any needed rules and incentives can be enforced with this consensus mechanism.” Also … Read more