Bank of Russia Steps Up Efforts to Issue Digital Ruble Due to Sanctions

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has accelerated the development of its digital ruble in response to Western sanctions. The monetary authority now intends to pilot transactions with the new version of the national fiat in early 2023 instead of 2024, as originally planned. CBR to Launch Transactions, Smart Contracts With Digital Ruble as Early … Read more

Crypto Miners Account for Over 2% of Electricity Consumption in Russia, Estimate Suggests

The share of crypto miners in Russia’s power consumption structure already exceeds 2%, according to a new government estimate. On this backdrop, the country’s industry ministry believes it’s time to bring the sector out of the shadows and regulate it. Crypto Miners Burn More Electricity Than Russian Farmers Miners extracting digital currencies account for more … Read more

Binance to Advise Kazakhstan on Crypto Regulations

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance will assist the government of Kazakhstan in efforts to regulate the country’s crypto space. The global coin trading platform will also help with the integration of the domestic banking system with the expanding digital assets market. Kazakhstan to Cooperate With Binance on the Development of Its Crypto Sector Binance, the world’s leading … Read more

No Tax Amnesty for Russian Crypto Miners as Lawmakers Withdraw Proposal

A new draft law has replaced an earlier bill introducing a one-year tax and customs amnesty for cryptocurrency miners in Russia. The initial proposal has been withdrawn on the grounds that the tax break would have resulted in losses for the state budget. Revised Crypto Mining Legislation Submitted to Russian Parliament Without Amnesty for Miners … Read more

Thailand Exempts Crypto Transfers From VAT Until End of 2023

Authorities in Thailand have formally introduced a value-added tax (VAT) exemption for transfers of cryptocurrencies through government-approved exchanges. The tax break, in force until the end of next year, will also apply to digital currency issued by the Bank of Thailand. Royal Decrees Enforce VAT Exemption for Crypto Trading in Thailand Investors moving cryptocurrencies and … Read more

Russian Court Recognizes Cryptocurrency as Means of Payment, Prosecutors See Precedent

The City Court of St. Petersburg has recognized a large amount of cryptocurrency handed over by the victim in an extortion case as a means of payment, Russian media reported. The prosecutor’s office in Russia’s second-largest city describes the ruling as a precedent. Two Men Sentenced for Cryptocurrency Extortion in Russia Two Russian citizens have … Read more

Draft Law About NFTs Submitted to Russian Parliament

Lawmakers have filed a bill with the State Duma aimed at introducing the term NFTs to Russian legislation. The authors of the draft say the rights of those who own non-fungible tokens need to be protected as Russians are currently dealing with NFTs at their own risk. Russian Deputies Propose Amendments Legally Defining NFTs Members … Read more

Cryptocurrency Is ‘Based on Nothing,’ Should Be Regulated, ECB’s Lagarde Says

President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde has insisted that unlike a digital euro, cryptocurrency has no underlying asset. It should be regulated to prevent people from losing their life savings by speculating on crypto assets, the top ECB official has suggested. Cryptocurrency Is ‘Worth Nothing,’ ECB Governor Claims The head of the eurozone’s … Read more

Vietnam Launches Blockchain Association to Conduct Research and Suggest Regulations

A newly established blockchain association aims to help Vietnam promote its digital economy and position the country on the world’s technology map. The organization looks to unite Vietnam’s experts in the field and seek cooperation with blockchain communities around the globe for the research and development of blockchain solutions. Vietnam to Expand Implementation of Blockchain … Read more

Cyprus Drafts Crypto Rules, May Introduce Them Before EU Regulations

Cyprus has prepared its own legislation to regulate crypto assets and is likely to adopt it before Europe finalizes a common regulatory framework, a government official has indicated. The authorities in Nicosia welcome the “careful” use of cryptocurrencies, he added. Government of Cyprus to Submit ‘Attractive’ Crypto Bill Cyprus has an “enviable position” in the … Read more