Ukraine’s Securities Commission Chief Seeks Legalization of Cryptocurrencies as Financial Instruments

The Chairman of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has indicated the regulator favors a decision to recognize cryptocurrencies as financial instruments. Timur Khromayev thinks it’s time to take the matter to the country’s Financial Stability Council. The point of no return has been passed, he says.   Also read: Ukraine to … Read more

Half of the ICO Money in Russia Went to Pyramids

Russian ICOs attracted a total of $300 million last year but half of the funds went to financial pyramids, according to the Russian Association of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain. The organization that represents the crypto community in the country is now working on an ICO standard to help investors distinguish real projects from fraudulent schemes. Russian … Read more

Institutional Demand for Bitcoin and Crypto Resurges

Reports are increasingly indicating that bitcoin’s recent drop of 70% from its December record highs of nearly $20,000 has spurred a renewed interest in the BTC and cryptocurrency markets from institutional investors. Also Read: Markets Update: Broken Trendlines and Bullish Bounces Reports Indicate Influx of Institutional Investment Jeffrey Van de Leemput, an analyst working for Cryptocampus, … Read more

Majority of US States Has Taken a Stance on Bitcoin and Blockchain

Most US states have adopted some regulatory stance in regards to cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and the blockchain technologies behind them, according to a report by the Brookings Institution. The study classifies jurisdictions according to their attitude towards digital currencies and the levels of engagement with the underlying technology. Also read: Several States Spearhead Bitcoin Adoption … Read more

Bank of Japan Turns Back on State-Issued Cryptocurrency

The Bank of Japan has become the latest government financial institution to recognize the risks of state-issued cryptocurrencies. According to its Deputy Governor Masayoshi Amamiya, a national digital coin may jeopardize the traditional financial system established in developed countries. The Japanese central bank has no plans to issue its own crypto, he said. Also read: … Read more

Blind Denial of Cryptocurrencies Leads Nowhere, Bank of Lithuania Says

The central bank of Lithuania has started discussions on regulations with crypto businesses and commercial banks. The reluctance to understand the world of cryptocurrencies leads nowhere, its fintech coordinator said during a meeting in Vilnius. Lithuanian projects have attracted 10% of ICO investments last year, the local community claims. Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin enjoy a growing … Read more

P2P Trade Spikes in Canada Amid Bank Restrictions on Crypto Transactions

The volume of P2P bitcoin trade in Canadian dollars has increased significantly since leading banks in the country imposed bans on crypto-related transactions. Toronto-Dominion Bank, the Royal Bank of Canada, and more recently the Bank of Montreal have limited or prohibited the use of their services and products to acquire cryptocurrencies. As a result, the … Read more

“Private Digital Money” Better than State-Issued, Swiss Central Banker Says

Private digital currencies are better than any state-issued version, admitted a high-ranking representative of the Swiss National Bank. Cryptocurrencies are also less risky, according to Andrea Maechler, member of the central bank’s governing board. Her comments indicate that Switzerland has no intentions to emit a state-sponsored crypto.   Also read: Centralized Cryptoruble Not Possible, Minister … Read more

Crypto Business Is Now Legal in Belarus

Crypto-related activities are now considered legal in Belarus. The presidential decree “On the Development of the Digital Economy” came into force on March 28. The country aims to become a global IT hub luring entrepreneurs from around the world with a business-friendly environment. Unprecedented freedoms and generous incentives are enticing crypto companies to invest in … Read more

New Bill Aims to Allow Crypto Payments in Russia

A draft law aiming to protect the rights of owners of cryptocurrencies, while regulating their use for payments, has been introduced in Russia’s parliament. The bill defines terms like “digital money” and “digital rights”. It also allows authorities to subject cryptos to taxation, inheritance rights, and bankruptcy claims. Also read: Bill “On Digital Assets” Filed … Read more