Belgium Introduces Registration for Crypto Exchange and Wallet Service Providers

Authorities in Belgium have obliged providers of some crypto exchange and wallet services to register with the country’s financial watchdog. Targeted platforms that fail to comply with the new regulations will face fines, among other penalties, including prohibition to carry out their respective activities. Financial Regulator Imposes Mandatory Registration for Crypto Exchange Service Providers in … Read more

SEC Nearly Doubles Crypto Enforcement Unit — Regulator Says ‘Crypto Markets Have Exploded in Recent Years’

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has nearly doubled the size of its Enforcement Division’s crypto unit. SEC Chairman Gary Gensler said the regulator “will be better equipped to police wrongdoing in the crypto markets while continuing to identify disclosure and controls issues with respect to cybersecurity.” SEC Strengthens Enforcement Division’s Crypto Unit The … Read more

Crypto Industry Lobbies Against Bills Targeting Russian Oligarchs Evading Sanctions Using Cryptocurrency

The crypto industry is lobbying U.S. lawmakers against two bills aimed at preventing Russian oligarchs from using cryptocurrency to avoid sanctions. The U.S. and many other countries placed sanctions on them after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Bills Preventing Wealthy Russians From Using Crypto to Avoid Sanctions The Blockchain Association has been lobbying U.S. … Read more

Report: Nigerian Trio Allegedly Uses Money Laundering Proceeds to Buy Bitcoins Worth Over $43 Million

Three Nigerian nationals are accused of using money laundering proceeds to buy bitcoin worth over $43 million from cryptocurrency exchange platforms like Binance and Busha. The trio is accused of moving an equivalent of over $215 million from Nigeria to Kenya between October and November 2020. Powerful Kenyan Politician Assists the Alleged Money Launderers The … Read more

Uzbekistan President Issues Decree Regulating Cryptocurrencies, Mining and Trading

The government of Uzbekistan has moved to expand its crypto regulations through a decree signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The document provides definitions for terms like crypto assets, exchange, and mining, and determines the main regulatory body for the industry. Agency Under President Mirziyoyev to Oversee Crypto Market in Uzbekistan Uzbekistan’s head of state, Shavkat … Read more

Bahrain Central Bank Issues New Regulations Governing Operations of Crowdfunding Platforms

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has said new regulations compelling operators of crowdfunding platforms to ensure their products are suitable for clients are set to replace existing rules which were first issued in 2017. Segregation of Client Money From Platform Operators The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has issued new guidelines which apply to … Read more

India Exploring Commercial Uses for Central Bank Digital Currency, Says Finance Minister

The Indian government is exploring “several commercial use purposes and not just financial inclusion” for its central bank digital currency. India’s finance minister clarified that the aim is for the digital rupee, which will be backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to be issued by 2023. India’s Finance Minister on RBI-Backed Digital Currency … Read more

Swiss National Bank: ‘Buying Bitcoin Is Not a Problem for Us’

Switzerland’s central bank, the Swiss National Bank, says buying and holding bitcoin as a reserve currency is not a problem for the bank. “We can arrange the technical and operative conditions relatively quickly, when we are convinced we must have bitcoin in our balance sheet,” the chairman of the Swiss central bank reportedly explained. Switzerland’s … Read more