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Taiwan’s new AML laws put crypto firms on notice
3.10.2024
The Taiwanese FSC has released new Anti-Money Laundering laws that will completely replace its current regulations and require the full compliance of VASPs.
South Korea Mulls Issuing Crypto Mixing Regulations to Curb Money Laundering
17.1.2024
Financial authorities are preparing to issue cryptocurrency mixing-specific regulations in South Korea to stop criminal groups from using these tools to launder funds obtained illegally. The Korean authorities are discussing whether to allow virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to reject...
Cryptocurrency Regulations Set to Help Minimize Risks Associated With Crypto Trading — Turkey Finance Minister
12.1.2024
Mehmet Simsek, the Turkish Finance Minister, recently revealed that a draft of his country’s crypto regulations is now in the final stage. Simsek said that once they come into force, the new regulations will help minimize the risks that are associated with trading crypto assets. Minimum...
Prohibition of Cash Withdrawals From VASPs Operated Accounts May Contradict Central Bank’s Cashless Policy — Nigerian Lawyer
7.1.2024
Nigerian fintech lawyer Senator Ihenyen said the new central bank guidelines which bar the withdrawal of cash from accounts operated by virtual asset service providers (VASPs) seem “reasonable and understandable.” The lawyer however believes an “outright” prohibition of cash...
VARA’s New Leadership in Dubai Marks Next Phase of Crypto Regulation
21.12.2023
Source: AdobeStock / Grigory Bruev The hands-on approach by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) has enabled it to set a global precedent for regulator-industry cooperation, its executives said. All virtual asset service providers (VASPs) must obtain a license from VARA before...
Central Bank of Brazil Opens Public Consultation on Virtual Assets Service Provider Rulemaking
19.12.2023
The Central Bank of Brazil opened a new public consultation to obtain feedback for regulating the operations of virtual assets service providers (VASPs) in the country. The bank organized a questionnaire of 38 questions divided into different themes that can be partially, or fully answered until...
Gemini Adapts to UK’s Travel Rule, Implements Outward Transfer Restrictions to Comply
9.11.2023
Gemini, a cryptocurrency exchange, has implemented changes in response to new regulations affecting virtual asset service providers (VASPs) in the UK. On November 7, Gemini announced adjustments to align with the new Travel Rule regulations in the UK. These changes involve a set of global standards...
Top 5 South Korean Crypto Exchanges Reveal Compliance Strategies to Curb Illicit Activities
28.7.2023
According to a statement published by the South Korean Financial Services Commission (FSC), the entity’s Korea Financial Intelligence Unit held a meeting with virtual asset service providers (VASPs) in order to strengthen regulatory compliance. The top five South Korean cryptocurrency...
Paris FATF Plenary: Global Implementation of Virtual Asset Standards Remains ‘Relatively Poor’
25.6.2023
The third plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), held in Paris, found a lack of global adoption of the virtual asset recommendations established by the institution. According to evaluations, almost three-quarters of the jurisdictions are partially compliant or non-compliant with these...
Crypto Exchange Okx Gets MVP Preparatory License From Dubai Regulator
16.6.2023
Crypto exchange platform Okx Global has been granted the minimal viable product (MVP) preparatory license by the Dubai regulator, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The latest VARA license has been granted almost a year after Okx received the “provisional virtual assets...
Crypto Policy: Kenyan Senate Ready to Engage Central Bank
24.2.2023
The Kenyan Senate’s Information, Communication and Technology committee has said it is ready to engage the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and other stakeholders in shaping the country’s policy towards crypto assets and virtual asset service providers. According to the committee, such...
Oman Capital Markets Regulator Plans to Establish a Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework
16.2.2023
The Oman Capital Market Authority (CMA) has said it plans to establish a regulatory regime to govern as well as develop the country’s virtual assets market. The regulator said the envisaged regulatory regime enables it to avail an “alternative financing and investment platform...
UAE Says No Virtual Asset Service Provider Has Been Granted an Operating Permit
21.1.2023
The United Arab Emirates virtual assets regulator has said no crypto entity has been granted the full market product (FMP) license. According to the country’s minister of state for artificial intelligence and the digital economy, Omar Sultan Al Olama, no crypto entity has been “able...
President of Brazil Sanctions Cryptocurrency Law
23.12.2022
President Jair Bolsonaro has approved law 14.478, which regulates cryptocurrency-related operations and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) in Brazil. The document, approved on the last day of the period allowed, will begin to be applied 180 days after its sanction. This will give all parties...
Africa Focused Crypto Exchange Yellow Card Granted VASPs License in Botswana
25.10.2022
Yellow Card, an Africa-focused cryptocurrency exchange platform, recently said it has received a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license to operate in Botswana. Granted by the country’s Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority, Yellow Card’s license allows the crypto...
Namibian Central Bank: Virtual Assets ‘Remain Without Legal Tender Status’ but Merchants Can Still Accept Them as Payment
6.10.2022
The Bank of Namibia recently said it has brought virtual assets and virtual asset service providers under its fintech innovations regulatory framework, and that it plans to amend applicable laws and regulations. According to the central bank’s governor, there is an ongoing “battle...
Dubai Regulator Announces Virtual Assets Marketing and Advertising Guidelines
29.8.2022
The Dubai virtual assets regulator, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), has unveiled digital assets marketing and promotion guidelines that are applicable to any entity using Dubai-based media sites and publishing channels. The guidelines will “ensure factual accuracy, explicitly...
Financial Superintendence of Colombia Presents Project to Regulate Crypto Service Providers
20.7.2022
The Financial Superintendence of Colombia presented a project that seeks to bring clarity to how links between banks and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) will be handled in the future. The document defines certain key concepts and determines a set of prerequisites that banks need to verify...
Nigerian Blockchain and Crypto Association Introduces a Code of Conduct for VASPs
6.6.2022
The Nigerian blockchain and crypto advocacy group, the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association in Nigeria (SIBAN) recently announced the introduction of a code of conduct for Nigerian virtual assets service providers. The code of conduct, which was initiated by the office of the President...
Nigerian SEC Announces New Rules Governing Issuance of Digital Assets
15.5.2022
The Nigerian securities regulator has announced new rules that govern the issuing of digital assets. The new rules also include registration requirements for platforms that offer digital assets. Initial Assessment Filing The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced new rules...