Indian Government’s Cryptocurrency Panel Doesn’t Aim to Ban Bitcoin

India is a very peculiar country when it comes to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. With a lot of conflicting reports regarding the future regulation of this industry, anything and everything could still change in the near future. It now seems the government may prepare to overturn the “ban” on cryptocurrency activity. India Continues to Surprise … Read more

Venezuela Begins Monitoring Bank Accounts for Crypto Transactions

The government of Venezuela has started monitoring the bank accounts of its citizens for cryptocurrency-related transactions. Accounts found to contain crypto transactions at prices which the government considers to be “undermining the national currency” will be “severely punished,” Vice President Tareck El Aissami said. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Next Phase … Read more

South Korean Government Agency Seeks Direct Supervision Over Crypto Exchanges

The South Korean government is reportedly seeking to bring cryptocurrency exchanges under the direct supervision of the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit. This will obligate crypto exchanges to follow anti-money laundering directives like banks do. This is the first time a government agency has said it will oversee crypto exchanges. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into … Read more

Ireland Aims to Become Blockchain Hub with New Initiative

The Irish government is seeking to promote the research and development of blockchain technology in the country, the Irish Times reported on June 11. The initiative is being led by IDA Ireland, a state agency charged with attracting foreign direct investment to the country. Dubbed Blockchain Ireland, the initiative will foster cooperation in the blockchain … Read more

US Regulator’s Power Over Crypto Challenged in Court

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is being challenged in court over its oversight of cryptocurrencies. The defendants argue that their tokens are not commodities, with no futures contracts, which the CFTC regulates. The outcome of this case could affect the Commission’s ability to police all future crypto frauds. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance … Read more

Thailand Expects to Approve Five ICO Projects out of 50

The Thai financial regulator is expected to approve five ICO projects once the new regulatory framework takes effect this month. Out of 50 ICO projects in the country, only five satisfy the registration requirements set out by the regulator this week. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Five ICO Projects Expected to … Read more

Internet Company Asks Israeli Authorities Permission to Pay Salaries in Bitcoin

The Israeli high-tech sector is currently undergoing a severe talent squeeze, with companies having to compete over employees with higher salaries, stock options and better perks. One such company might have found a new way to attract and retain tech-savvy staff in this environment: offer to pay salaries in bitcoin. Now it only remains to … Read more

OKEx Weekly Blockchain Industry Report #8: ICOs, Regulation, and Market Changes

Weekly reports regarding developments in the world of cryptocurrency is always worth one’s while. In the case of OKEx’s new report, their blockchain industry report for the past week highlights a lot of interesting topics. With the falling Bitcoin prices, one would expect a lot of negativity to ensure. That is not necessarily the case, … Read more

Reserve Bank of India Admits Issuing Crypto Ban Without Research

RBI, the central bank of India, has not made a proper effort to thoroughly research the nature and usage of cryptocurrencies before issuing its crypto ban. This is according to a reply sent by the bank to a Right to Information query filed by a lawyer. Copies of the communication have been distributed on social … Read more

Regulations Round-Up: SEC “Underwhelmed” by Exchanges’ Reporting, Quebec Halts New Mining Operations Again

In recent regulatory news, Brett Redfearn, the director of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s Division of Trading and Markets, has described the self-reporting efforts of cryptocurrency exchanges as “underwhelm[ing],” Hydro-Quebec has again suspended new applications from mining companies seeking to operate in the province, and the SEC has published a new page … Read more