Rwandan Research Paper Recommends CBDC With ‘Partial Pseudo-Anonymity’

A recent research paper from the National Bank of Rwanda recommends a two-tier, universal, zero-interest central bank digital currency (CBDC) with partial pseudo-anonymity. Although the research paper identifies 15 opportunities for CBDC, only four are said to offer “high potential benefits and limited alternative choices to obtain similar advantages.” Research Paper Identifies 15 CBDC Opportunities … Read more

Binance CEO Says Nigeria’s Detention of Employee on ‘Spurious’ Charges Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’

Binance CEO Richard Teng has warned that Nigeria’s decision to invite and subsequently detain mid-level employees on what he calls “spurious” charges sets “a dangerous precedent for companies worldwide.” Teng stated that certain lawmakers in Nigeria demanded a significant payment in cryptocurrency to dismiss the charges against Binance. Binance CEO Laments ‘Spurious’ Charges Against Tigran … Read more

Nigerian SEC to ‘Delist’ Local Currency From P2P Crypto Trading Platforms

The Director General of Nigeria’s Securities Regulator has announced plans to delist the local currency from peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading platforms in the coming days. He insisted that the decision to delist the naira aims to eliminate the manipulation of the local currency by P2P cryptocurrency traders. P2P Crypto Transactions Ban The Nigerian Securities and Exchange … Read more

Kenyan President Requests Bitcoin Miner Marathon Digital to Review Nation’s Cryptocurrency Regime

The Kenyan President William Ruto recently revealed that his government has appointed Bitcoin mining company Marathon Digital as its consultant to review its cryptocurrency regime. The U.S.-based Bitcoin miner is reportedly set to discuss electricity usage in cryptocurrency mining with the Kenyan Energy Ministry. Kenya’s Policy Shift Kenyan President William Ruto recently announced that his … Read more

Nigerian Court Postpones Binance, Tigran Gambaryan Money Laundering Trial to May 17

A Nigerian court recently adjourned the trial of Binance and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan, to May 17. The adjournment came after the cryptocurrency exchange’s attorney stated that he had not received the necessary documents to prepare a defense. However, Nigerian authorities reportedly provided the attorney with an additional 300-page document containing further evidence during a … Read more

Nigeria Mulls Over Banning P2P Crypto Transactions; Labels Crypto Trading as National Security Concern

Nigerian authorities are reportedly planning to prohibit financial institutions from facilitating peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions. According to a report, Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser has classified cryptocurrency trading as a national security concern. Three fintech startups, known for enabling such transactions, have been directed to block and report peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions to law enforcement … Read more

Nigeria Cryptocurrency Clampdown: Central Bank Directs Fintech Firms to Stop Opening New Accounts

The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed four fintech companies to cease the creation of new accounts, citing their potential use by cryptocurrency traders. An executive from one of the affected fintech companies has associated the Central Bank’s directive with a current audit of the Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures implemented by these firms. Fintech … Read more

South African BTC Ponzi Scheme Mastermind Succumbs to Heart Attack While Detained in Brazil

Johann Steynberg, the mastermind behind a South African bitcoin Ponzi scheme, recently died of a heart attack while under house arrest on a farm in Brazil. According to his Brazilian wife, Steynberg left no will and had no assets that could be inventoried. South African Police Investigate Steynberg’s Reported Death Johann Steynberg, a South African … Read more