Iran Expected to Lift Cryptocurrency Ban in September

The deputy for innovative technologies at the Central Bank of Iran, Nasser Hakimi, has stated that Iran’s financial regulator will be reviewing the country’s blanket cryptocurrency ban. The central bank official also indicated that the country’s regulatory apparatus pertaining to virtual currencies is expected to be finalized by the end of September. Also Read: Thailand Updates … Read more

China Continues Crackdown: No Hotels, Malls, Offices Used as Crypto Venues

Zheping Huang, reporter for South China Morning Post, claims to have verified authenticity of online documents urging further crackdowns by the Chinese government as they relate to cryptocurrency. Shopping malls, hotels, offices in the Chaoyang district were issued notice forbidding them from hosting crypto related events. These new prohibitions come just after crypto social media … Read more

Bitcoin Illegal: Saudi Arabia Monetary Authority

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (المملكة العربية السعودية) regulators issued a statement this week through its monetary authority. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin are illegal in the country. Citing “negative consequences” and “high risk,” the government believes it must protect subjects from themselves.   Also read: Report: 15,000 Twitter Crypto Scam Giveaway Bots Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority … Read more

Putin: Cryptocurrency Has Its Place, No State Can Have Own Crypto

Cryptocurrency has its place in the world and Russia should carefully consider when and how to take part in the process of its development, Vladimir Putin said in his annual Q&A session with Russian citizens. The president noted that “by definition” neither Russia, nor any other country could have a national cryptocurrency. Putin also mentioned the … Read more

Draft Law Requires Israeli Firms to Report on Clients’ Crypto Activites

The Israeli Ministry of Finance has published draft prohibiting money laundering regulations with provisions specifically pertaining to virtual currencies. The proposed regulations will also introduce a suite of new reporting requirements for financial service providers, including strict conditions regarding the cryptocurrency activities of clients. Also Read: South Korean Exchange Bithumb Blocks Trading in 11 Countries Israeli … Read more

Pakistanis Find Ways to Trade Bitcoin Rendering Ban Ineffective

The crypto ban in Pakistan is proving to be not as effective as expected. If anything, the State Bank has barred commercial banks and financial firms from dealing in cryptocurrency which, of course, makes life harder for local exchanges. Individual traders, however, are finding alternative ways to acquire or sell cryptocurrencies, defying the warnings and … Read more

Russian Government Concerned Crypto Bill Inadequate in Many Ways

The Russian government has officially provided a response to the bill that seeks to outline the legal framework for cryptocurrencies. Many flaws and inadequacies were pointed out including unjustified restrictions on Russian residents and foreign investors. Also read: Russian Regulators Draft Law to Restrict Crypto Mining, Payments, and Token Sales Response to Crypto Bill The Russian … Read more

Pakistan’s Urdubit Exchange Shuts Down After Crypto Ban

Urdubit, a leading Pakistani bitcoin exchange, has closed down permanently. The news came after the central bank of Pakistan announced a ban on dealings with cryptocurrencies. The trading platform urged customers to withdraw their funds “as fast as possible”. Its team confirmed on social media its operations had been suspended due to the prohibition of … Read more

Pakistan’s Central Bank Prohibits Crypto Dealings with a Circular

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a circular on the “prohibition of dealing in virtual currencies”. The measure comes right after a similar move by the central bank of neighboring India. Commercial banks and payment providers have been told to stay away from crypto operations. They should not facilitate transactions of virtual currencies … Read more

Discover Card’s 44 Million Customers Denied Crypto

The credit card company crypto squeeze continued this week with Discover Card announcing it would not allow its customers to use their card on cryptocurrency exchanges. It’s the latest in a string of credit card purveyors to block access. Also read: Tezos Swiss Foundation Concept is “Old, Inflexible and Stupid” Discover Card Removes Doubt: No Crypto … Read more