U.S. Senators Push for Stronger Sanctions Against Venezuelan Petro

A bipartisan group of senators in the United States are seeking strong sanctions against Venezuela’s Petro. The proposed sanctions would extend an executive order from March to prohibit U.S. residents from providing software to the Venezuelan government in its efforts to launch the Petro. Also Read: Venezuela Demands Citizens Pay for Passports With Petro U.S. Lawmakers … Read more

Regulations Roundup: Crypto-Intermediaries in France, SEC Deadline for Rejected ETF Commentary

In recent news pertaining to cryptocurrency regulations, French lawmakers are considering a proposed amendment that would introduce a regulatory framework for crypto-asset intermediaries; the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced October 26th as the deadline for the submission of public comments relating to the nine exchange-traded funds (ETFs) it recently rejected; and a … Read more

North Dakota Issues Orders Against Bitconnect, Magma, Pension Rewards

The securities department of the US state of North Dakota has issued orders against three companies promoting initial coin offerings in the state. They are Bitconnect, Magma Foundation, and Pension Rewards. The investigations are part of Operation Cryptosweep which involves over 40 US and Canadian securities regulators. Also read: 160 Crypto Exchanges Seek to Enter Japanese … Read more

Bitcoin Group SE Reports Half-Year Profit Surges 300% to $3.86 Million

German digital currency exchange Bitcoin Group SE reported on Friday a first-half net profit increase of more than 300% to €3.33 million (~$3.86 million USD). The company added 86,000 new accounts of people buying and selling cryptocurrency like bitcoin and bitcoin cash in the first six months of 2018. Also read: Debit Card Issuer Bitnovo Announces … Read more

Analysts Suspect Cryptocurrencies Used to Evade US Sanctions in North Korea

During an interview earlier this week, two Washington-based financial intelligence analysts explain that North Korea is using cryptocurrencies to evade US sanctions. The intelligence researchers Lourdes Miranda, and Ross Delston say the Pyŏngyang region is actively trading established digital assets to avoid US financial sanctions that have been imposed since the fifties. Also read: Developer Paul … Read more

Google Bringing Back Crypto Ads in US and Japan

Google has announced that regulated cryptocurrency exchanges will be allowed to advertise on its platforms in the United States and Japan starting in October. This removes some of the restrictions the company placed on crypto ads in June. Also read: 160 Crypto Exchanges Seek to Enter Japanese Market, Regulator Reveals Some Crypto Ads Will Be Allowed … Read more

Regulations Roundup: U.S. Govt. Pays $5.7 Million for Blockchain Analysis, Amit Bhardwaj’s Assets Seized

In recent regulatory news, a report published by Diar has found that U.S. government agencies have paid approximately $5.7 million USD to blockchain analysis contractors, India’s Enforcement Directorate has seized $5.9 Million worth of assets linked to the case of Amit Bhardwaj, and the Bank of International Settlements finds cryptocurrencies to “not, at this point, … Read more

US Dollar Losing Dominance as a Means for Settling Transactions in Africa

The dominance of the United States dollar as a settlement currency in Africa is being challenged by emerging payment methods in financial technology and by native African fiat currencies. In the four years to 2017, fewer people in the continent of 1.2 billion transacted via the US dollar than they did with their local currencies … Read more

The Daily: New Crypto Bills on Capitol Hill, Russian Banks Face Demand for Cryptocurrencies

From Washington to Moscow, cryptocurrencies have entered the agenda of those who share a vocation to rule and regulate. Following the congressional summer vacation, the House of Representatives passed a bill that will enable the Treasury to investigate crypto transactions, while a Congressman plans to introduce three drafts supporting the crypto industry. Also in The … Read more