Venezuela Orders Government Services to Accept Any Cryptocurrency

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro has ordered the country’s consular services, as well as several other services and gas stations, to accept any cryptocurrency including the nation’s own petro. In addition, he has announced the launch of another cryptocurrency, this time backed with gold. Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations Tighten Maduro’s Orders … Read more

20+ South Korean Cryptocurrency Exchanges Voluntarily Undergo Evaluations

Over twenty cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea have agreed to undergo evaluations, including the country’s top four exchanges: Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, and Korbit. This is part of their self-regulatory efforts, in conjunction with the Korean Blockchain Association. Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations Tighten 21 Exchanges Participating So Far The Korean Blockchain … Read more

Italy Completes Consultations on Registration of Crypto Companies

Public consultations on a new regulatory regime for crypto companies in Italy are now closed. Interested parties were invited by the Ministry of Economy and Finance to share suggestions and comments on a draft decree introducing registration and reporting requirements in the sector. The new set of rules will come into force within 3 months … Read more

Japanese Crypto Exchanges Tap Star Power for Marketing Arms Race

Japanese cryptocurrency exchanges have been very active in advertising their services. Several exchanges including Bitflyer, DMM Bitcoin, Tech Bureau’s Zaif and the hacked exchange Coincheck have been tapping into star power and launching TV commercials with original music. Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations Tighten Japanese Exchanges’ TV Commercials Japanese cryptocurrency exchanges have … Read more

Nigerians Trade $4 Million in Bitcoin Weekly, despite Warnings

Nigerians are trading close to $4 million worth of bitcoin a week on 13 local exchanges, despite multiple warnings by authorities against investing in cryptocurrencies. Experts have called on the government to rethink its position and adopt smart regulations, “allowing innovation to move forward”. Regulators need to understand how it works before applying bans, analysts … Read more

Revenues of Cryptocurrency Exchanges in South Korea Up 88-Fold

According to recent data collected by the South Korean government, the accumulated commission income of the country’s 30 cryptocurrency exchanges last year was 87.5 times that of the previous year. The vast increase in income and crypto transactions was largely contributed by the newcomer exchange backed by Kakao Corp. Also read: Indians Look to Buy … Read more

Number of Cryptocurrency Hedge Funds Rises to 226 Globally

The number of global cryptocurrency hedge funds has reached a record high of 226, according to research firm Autonomous Next. The hedge funds tracked by leading hedge fund database provider Eurekahedge show a return of 1,477.85 percent in 2017 on average. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies 226 Crypto Hedge … Read more

Japanese Crypto Associations Merging to Restore Trust Across the Industry

Japan’s two cryptocurrency associations have reportedly decided to merge in order to restore trust in the industry and accelerate self-imposed rules. Once approved by the Japanese financial regulator, the new organization will have the power to set penalties for breaches of self-regulation. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies Two Crypto … Read more

Crypto Exchanges Launch P2P Platforms from Latvia and Bulgaria

While European institutions are issuing another series of warnings about the risks and sins of dealing with bitcoin, crypto communities on the Old Continent are trying to preserve freedoms not granted by Brussels. Two exchanges from opposite corners of New Europe have announced plans to offer peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading. Latvia-based Hodlhodl has launched its new … Read more

South Korea Considers Bitlicense-Style System for Cryptocurrency Exchanges

The South Korean government is considering introducing an approval system for cryptocurrency exchanges based on the Bitlicense model, developed by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Also read: Japan Cracks Down on Foreign ICO Agency Operating Without License Bitlicense Comes to Korea The South Korean regulators are considering introducing an approval system for cryptocurrency … Read more