How South Korean Government Prevents Officials from Insider Crypto Trading

South Korea currently has no law against government officials insider trading with the knowledge of cryptocurrency regulations. The case against an employee of the country’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) accused of crypto insider trading has come to a standstill without grounds for punishment. However, the government has worked out a plan to prevent future occurrences. … 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

Venezuela Says Pre-Sale of Oil-Backed Petro Cryptocurrency Has Raised $735 Million

Venezuela has announced that the pre-sale of its oil-backed cryptocurrency, the petro, has attracted $735 million on the first day. The government has also published a buyer’s manual and confirmed that buyers can use “hard currencies and cryptocurrencies, but not bolivars.” Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations Tighten Petro Pre-Sale Starts The private … Read more

SBI Doesn’t Ban Credit Card Crypto Purchases Despite Issuing Warning

SBI Cards & Payments Services Pvt. Ltd, the second largest issuer of credit cards in India, has warned customers of the risks associated with cryptocurrencies. Despite the warning, the company did not move to ban its customers from purchasing bitcoin and other virtual currencies using SBI issued credit cards. Also Read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin … Read more

Bangladesh Authorities on “Hunt” for Bitcoin Traders

Bangladesh – one of the few countries presently attempting to enforce a ban on cryptocurrency trading and use – has announced that several major state institutions will begin ramping up efforts to crack down on bitcoin adoption among Bangladeshi citizens. Also Read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations Tighten Bangladesh Central Bank Warns Financial … Read more

Rural Russia Prepares to Attract Crypto Loans

A proposal was presented at the Russian Expert Council for Non-Bank Credit Organizations to allow rural businesses in the country to receive crypto loans to attract funds from abroad. The chairman of the council, a State Duma member, is asking rural credit cooperatives to study and educate rural residents on cryptocurrency. Also read: Indians Look to … Read more

Spain Mulls Tax Breaks for Blockchain and Crypto Firms

Proposals to introduce tax exemptions for companies using blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency have been put on the table in Spain. The ruling People’s Party is preparing new legislation that will also offer incentives to entrepreneurs raising funds through ICOs. If lawmakers adopt the amendments, investors will not be required to report crypto assets under certain … 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

Academics Claim “Crypto-Colonialism” Rampant in Puerto Rico

An opinion piece authored by academics representing Anglia Ruskin University and Trinity College Dublin have alleged that cryptocurrency mining operations are placing strains on Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. The article argues that Puerto Rico has not fully recovered from the damage reaped by Hurricane Maria, and that the island is ill-equipped to cope with the wave … Read more

Malta to Give “Peace of Mind” to Crypto Companies

The government of Malta has come up with an idea that businesses dealing with cryptocurrencies may find interesting. A new policy document seeks to set up a special agency which will “certify” blockchain platforms and “verify” crypto transactions. It is supposed to “bring peace of mind” to companies using these technologies to cut out central … Read more