White House Releases ‘First-Ever’ Framework for Digital Asset Development — Crypto Industry Leader Says Recommendations Are Unclear

The White House has now released what it called its “first-ever” comprehensive framework for the responsible development of digital assets just over six months after U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order on the same matter. However, one crypto industry leader has lamented the lack of clarity and understanding of the technology in the … Read more

OFAC Sanctions 7 New Bitcoin Addresses Allegedly Associated With Iran-Related Ransomware Activities

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) has published a specially designated nationals list update (OFAC’s SDN List) that lists a number of individuals accused of being involved with Iran-related ransomware. The list further shows seven bitcoin addresses that are allegedly associated with the Iranian ransomware gang. Iran Adds 7 New Bitcoin Addresses to … Read more

Russian Businesses to Choose Which Crypto to Use for Cross-Border Settlements, Lawmaker Says

Russian companies may start transacting in cryptocurrency with partners abroad as early as next year and will be free to pick the coin they want to use, officials in Moscow have indicated. The sanctioned country is preparing to legalize foreign trade settlements with digital assets and this could happen in the coming months. Russian Government … 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

Russia’s Tech Giant Rostec to Test Digital Asset Payments in International Trade

Russia’s leading technology company, Rostec, is working on a project to integrate digital assets into cross-border trade. The state-owned corporation says the market is interested in cryptocurrency payments which can reduce sanctions pressure on Russian exporters and importers. Rostec Eyes Russky Island for Trials of Digital Currency Payments The largest Russian industrial and technology conglomerate, … Read more

Russia’s Sberbank to Allow Users to Issue NFTs on Its Blockchain Platform

Recognizing existing demand for non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, one of the largest banks in Russia, Sberbank, now intends to allow users to issue them on its blockchain platform. The financial institution also plans to cooperate with art sites and galleries across the country. Sberbank to Give Clients Opportunity to Mint NFTs An option providing users … Read more

Thai Regulator Accuses Digital Asset Service Provider of Failing to Comply With Information Request – Matter Referred to Law Enforcement

Thailand’s securities regulator recently said it had referred digital asset service provider Zipmex and its Thai unit chief executive officer, Akalarp Yimwilai, to a technology crime division of the Royal Thai Police. The regulator said it made decision after Yimwilai and his company failed to comply with the request to furnish an official with information … Read more

Report: 11.4% of UAE Residents Have Invested in Cryptocurrencies

Just over 11% of United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents have invested in cryptocurrencies, a report issued by the country’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has reportedly said. Globally, the United Arab Emirates is now ranked tenth in terms of cryptocurrency investment rate. UAE’s Mission to Become a Global Crypto Hub According to a … Read more

Russian PM Says Digital Assets Are ‘Safe Alternative’ in Foreign Trade, Urges for Ruble Payments

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has praised digital assets as a payment instrument that could strengthen Russia’s financial independence. The top government official also called for increasing the use of the ruble for international settlements. Head of Russian Government Sees Digital Assets as Tool Ensuring ‘Uninterrupted Payments’ Digital assets can become an alternative to traditional … Read more