Russia to “Tame and Test” Crypto Technologies in Crimea

A proposal to “tame” crypto technologies in Crimea has been made in Russia’s parliament this week. A local representative of the Russian Association of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain told deputies the republic’s jurisdiction can be used to “test the new phenomenon”. RACIB has been working on a roadmap to implement the “Crypto-Crimea” plan and set up … Read more

Russian Authorities Criticized over Proposed Crypto Regulation

Criticism aimed at authorities and the new legislation on “digital financial assets” is mounting in Russia. Local officials have rebuked lawmakers in the capital over slow progress, warning that the country will have to catch up with others. Experts from the crypto sector have expressed concerns about many unresolved issues in the proposed legal framework. … Read more

Bafin Clarifies Stance on ICOs as More Germans Ask About Tokens

Germany’s financial regulator has clarified its position on initial coin offerings. Bafin admitted it was receiving many inquiries about the status of tokens and cryptocurrencies distributed to investors through ICOs. The federal agency advised interested parties to refer to regulations applicable to traditional financial instruments and comply with current requirements. A new survey found out … 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

South Korean Regulator Supports ‘Normal’ Cryptocurrency Transactions

The director of the South Korean Financial Supervisory Service has announced that the government will support “normal” transactions of cryptocurrencies. Acknowledging that most crypto exchanges are having problems obtaining virtual accounts, he promises to encourage banks to work with them. Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations Tighten Supporting ‘Normal’ Crypto Transactions The director of … 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

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

Steps towards Self-Regulation in Croatia and Slovenia

Communities in two countries, which share a border, history and perspectives, have expressed similar views about the future of the cryptocurrency sector. A new association in Croatia hopes to lay the foundations of self-regulation in the industry. In neighboring Slovenia, entrepreneurs and government officials have promised to work together to “educate the public” on the … Read more

Several States Spearhead Bitcoin Adoption in the U.S.

U.S. states with positive attitudes have advanced towards bitcoin legalization – a process that a growing number of elected officials consider inevitable, if not desirable. Numerous crypto-friendly bills have been introduced, and some of them have received approval in committees and houses of state legislatures. One wouldn’t necessarily think of states like Arizona, Tennessee, and … Read more

Chechnya Leader Kadyrov Buys Bitcoin to Follow Evolution

Striving to keep up with development, the president of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov has bought himself some bitcoins. The outspoken strongman of the once restive Russian republic has bragged about the purchase on social media. Whether that means “yes” to cryptocurrency in the Caucasus is ultimately up to Moscow. Nevertheless, the government in Grozny has been … Read more