Ukraine to Revise Virtual Assets Law in Line With EU Crypto Rules

Work is underway in Ukraine to update the legal act that applies to cryptocurrencies in order to align the nation’s legislation with European standards. Several government institutions in Kyiv are preparing changes to the bill “On Virtual Assets,” which was signed into law earlier this year. Ukraine to Transpose European Crypto Regulations Into National Law … Read more

Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Regulator Unveils Virtual Asset Regulation ‘Guiding Principles’

Abu Dhabi Global Market’s financial regulator, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), recently unveiled six principles that will guide its “approach to virtual asset regulation and supervision.” Though not legally binding, the principles, according to the FSRA, must be “viewed as a complement to the comprehensive detail of our published framework.” A ‘Basis for Regulatory … Read more

Report: Saudi Arabia’s Central Bank Hires Virtual Assets and Digital Currency Program Lead

The Saudi Arabian central bank has reportedly appointed Mohsen Al Zahrani as the lead of the bank’s virtual assets and digital currency project. The emergence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the regional crypto hub is believed to have forced authorities in Saudi Arabia to consider formally regulating cryptocurrencies. Saudi Arabia’s Changing Position on … Read more

Georgia to Update Crypto Regulations to Incorporate EU Rules, Legalize Industry

The government of Georgia has approved amendments to the legal framework for the Caucasian nation’s financial sector, including additional regulations for crypto and fintech activities. The move aims to align Georgian law with relevant EU provisions. Parliament of Georgia to Vote on Crypto Legislation in Coming Months A legislative package expanding the regulatory framework for … Read more

Dubai Regulator Announces Virtual Assets Marketing and Advertising Guidelines

The Dubai virtual assets regulator, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), has unveiled digital assets marketing and promotion guidelines that are applicable to any entity using Dubai-based media sites and publishing channels. The guidelines will “ensure factual accuracy, explicitly demonstrate any promotional intent, and in no way mislead on the guaranteed nature of their returns.” … Read more

Dubai Regulator Grants Crypto Trading App OKX License to Extend Services in the UAE

The Seychelles-based crypto trading app, OKX, recently became the latest virtual assets service provider to be granted a provisional licence to provide its services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The provisional licence allows OKX to extend certain exchange products and services to pre-qualified investors and financial service providers. OKX Allowed to Extend Certain Exchange … Read more

Hong Kong to Introduce Licensing for Crypto Platforms Through AML Law

New legislation tailored to regulate the crypto space in Hong Kong aims to implement a licensing regime for crypto service providers. The respective changes to the region’s anti-money laundering (AML) rules have been submitted to its legislature while a recently published report examines relevant threats. Hong Kong Lawmakers to Review Bill Aligning Crypto Sector With … Read more

New Philippines Central Bank Governor: Crypto Investors Are Adherents of the Greater Fool Theory

The incoming governor of the Philippine central bank, Felipe Medalla, has suggested that people that invest in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are adherents of the Greater Fool Theory. He also argued that people investing in cryptocurrencies are doing so because they want to “hide their money from the government.” A ‘Very Scary’ Investment Strategy The new … Read more

Digital Asset Exchange Coinmena Secures Provisional License Allowing It to Operate in the UAE

Coinmena, the Bahrain-headquartered and sharia-compliant digital asset exchange, announced recently that it had secured a provisional virtual assets license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The license allows Coinmena to not only expand its activities but to “further strengthen [its] banking relationships within the UAE.” Expanding Coinmena’s Activities in the UAE A Bahrain-headquartered digital … Read more

Hong Kong Regulator Reminds Investors of Risks Associated With NFTs

Hong Kong’s securities regulator has warned investors to be wary of risks that are associated with non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The regulator also advised investors to consider investing in NFTs only if they fully understand the risks. NFTs ‘Straddle the Line Between Collectibles and Financial Assets’ A Hong Kong regulator has said NFTs face risks that … Read more