TRM Labs Report: Tether’s USDT Was the Go-to Stablecoin for Illicit Activities in 2023

A report issued by TRM Labs indicated that Tether’s USDT, the largest stablecoin in the cryptocurrency industry, was the preferred stablecoin used for illicit transactions during 2023. TRM Labs alleges that 1.6% of USDT’s volume was linked to illicit activity last year, with $19.3 billion worth of USDT used in illegal transactional flows. TRM Labs … Read more

Moody’s Says Forex Shortages May Force Nigerian Central Bank to Delay Repaying Local Banks

The persistent scarcity of foreign exchange may force the Nigerian central bank to delay repaying the $10.4 billion owed to local banks, analysts at Moody’s Investors Service have concluded. The central bank’s failure to pay its debts on time will likely force the affected financial institutions to similarly delay paying back their own forex-denominated debts. … Read more

Australian Government Says It Is Working to Ensure ‘Regulation of Crypto Assets Protects Consumers’

The Australian government has said it will take steps to ensure the “regulation of crypto assets protects consumers” and one of these steps will be the reforming of “the licensing and custody of crypto assets.” The Anthony Norman Albanese-led government also said it has released a consultation paper that explores “which elements of the crypto … Read more

Argentina to Revamp Anti Money Laundering Law, Proposes Creation of VASP Registry

Argentina is preparing to revamp its anti-money laundering and terrorism financing law. It has proposed to include the creation of a registry for virtual asset services providers (VASPs) in the country as part of the new modifications. The changes would prepare the country for the review that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is slated … Read more

Report: Israel Defense Ministry Seized Crypto Wallets Holding Hamas-Destined Funds

Israel’s Defense Ministry seized cryptocurrency wallets holding funds that were destined for Hamas, a report has said. The wallets belonged to businesses that are associated with Al’matchadun currency exchange, which itself is accused of helping to funnel funds to Hamas. Seizure Order Israel’s Defense Ministry recently seized cryptocurrency wallets belonging to businesses that are associated … Read more

Crypto Users and Exchanges Must Now Report Transactions in Colombia

The Colombian government has issued new regulations that force exchanges and individuals to report cryptocurrency transactions to the UIAF, the anti-money laundering watchdog in Colombia. The transactions must be reported via an online reporting system, and exchanges will be required to issue periodic reports of suspicious transactions made by users. Colombia Tightens AML Controls New … Read more