Report: US Government Auctions Off Failed Banks SVB and SNBY, Crypto Restrictions Apply

The U.S. government and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are auctioning off two failed American financial institutions, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (SNBY), this week, with bids due by March 17. However, sources familiar with the matter said the qualifications to purchase the banks are stringent, and reportedly, the purchasers cannot deal … Read more

British Bank Natwest Implements New Limits on Cryptocurrency Payments to Combat UK Crypto Scams

On March 14, 2023, the U.K.-based bank Natwest Group announced new limits on cryptocurrency payments, citing crypto scams that cost U.K. consumers £329 million annually. The limit imposed on crypto exchanges is £1,000 daily ($1,215), with a 30-day limit of £5,000 ($6,077). Natwest’s Cautious Approach Towards Crypto Assets Prompts Another Transfer Limit Amid the banking … Read more

Bank Board Member and Dodd-Frank Co-Sponsor Barney Frank Suspects ‘Anti-Crypto’ Message Behind Signature Bank Failure

Barney Frank, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts and leading co-sponsor of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, discussed his opinion on the recent failure of Signature Bank. In an interview, Frank stated that he believes regulators aimed to “send a very strong anti-crypto message.” Frank, who also serves as a Signature … Read more

NY Regulators Seize Control of Signature Bank, Depositors Assured by Federal Bailout

On Sunday, the New York Department of Financial Services, or DFS, announced that it had taken possession of Signature Bank. The DFS appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, as the receiver of the bank. In a joint statement, the U.S. Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, and FDIC explained that all Signature depositors would be … Read more

Silicon Valley Bank Failure Highlights Dangers of Fractional-Reserve Banking

After the failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a great deal of Americans are starting to realize the dangers of fractional-reserve banking. Reports show that SVB suffered a significant bank run after customers attempted to withdraw $42 billion from the bank on Thursday. The following is a look at what fractional-reserve banking is and why … Read more

Citizens Trust Bank to Hold $65 Million in USDC Reserves as Circle Expands Bank Partnerships

On Friday, the cryptocurrency firm and stablecoin issuer Circle announced that the financial institution Citizens Trust Bank will hold $65 million in usd coin cash reserves. Circle said the move is part of the company’s plan to allocate shares of the stablecoin’s denominated reserves to minority-owned depository institutions (MDIs) and community banks across the United … Read more

Report Reveals Limited Accounting Records, Commingled Funds at FTX Digital Markets in the Bahamas

PWC, one of the ‘Big Four’ auditors and among the largest professional services networks globally, recently published a report on FTX Digital Markets, the bankrupt crypto exchange’s Bahamian subsidiary. The report indicates that the entity’s accounting records have been limited, and it also noted that there is “little distinction between what represents potentially client monies … Read more

14th Anniversary of Bitcoin’s Genesis Block: A Look Back at the Birth of Cryptocurrency

14 years ago on Jan. 3, 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto launched the Bitcoin network and block zero at approximately 1:15 p.m. (ET) on a Saturday afternoon. Satoshi’s technology allows “online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.” Since Bitcoin was born it changed the financial system significantly, … Read more

Russia to Ban Banks From Using Messengers Like Telegram to Contact Customers

Financial institutions in Russia will not be able to communicate with clients through instant messengers based outside the country, local media revealed. A new law passed by the State Duma also prohibits banks from using chats to send personal data and payment documents. Bill Restricts Russian Banks and Brokers From Sending Sensitive Information Through Foreign … Read more

Russia’s Sber Bank Aims for Blockchain Integration With Ethereum and Metamask

Banking giant Sber wants to integrate its blockchain platform with the Ethereum blockchain and the Metamask wallet. The Russian bank believes the integration will give developers more options and create new opportunities for users when in operations with tokens and smart contracts. Sber Bank to Provide Ethereum and Metamask Support on Proprietary Blockchain The blockchain … Read more