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FATF includes DeFi in guidance for crypto service providers
28.10.2021
Despite DeFi apps not being a VASP under the FATF standards, the authority still wants to apply VASP rules to them
Bank of Spain Opens Mandatory Registry for VASPs
26.10.2021
The Bank Of Spain has finally opened the mandatory registry for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in the country. The bank also dispelled doubts that financial institutions had regarding whether they had to apply for the registry given they already comply with AML legislation....
Spanish Banks Interested in Offering Crypto Assets to Their Customers
22.10.2021
Spanish banks are preparing for the possibility of offering crypto assets directly to their customers. According to new regulations, the Bank of Spain must formulate a list of virtual asset service providers and custody companies. However, these institutions are still not sure if they must apply...
Regulation Key to African Fintech Sector Growth — New Study
8.10.2021
According to the findings of a study by Afriwise, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have the most developed fintech ecosystems on the continent. The study points to early regulation as one of the reasons for the industry’s success in these countries. Regulated Fintech Ecosystems Attract...
29 Crypto Exchanges Survive New Regulation in South Korea, 37 Exchanges Must Shut Down
28.9.2021
The deadline for crypto exchanges and service providers in South Korea to meet requirements to stay open under the new regulation has passed. Twenty-nine cryptocurrency exchanges met the deadline to continue operations but only four of them can offer trading in Korean won. New South Korean Crypto...
60 Cryptocurrency Exchanges in South Korea to Shut Down All or Some Services This Week
21.9.2021
The deadline for cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet operators to comply with the new regulatory requirements to stay open in South Korea is this week. So far, only one crypto exchange has been licensed to continue operations. About 60 crypto exchanges are expected to either shut down or reduce...
Spain Prepares Registry for Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Custody Providers
26.8.2021
The authorities of Spain must prepare a registry of cryptocurrency exchanges and custody providers to comply with legal requirements to address transparency and terrorism financing issues. This registry is specified by the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Law, approved last...
Bank of Ghana Selects German Technology Firm as Partner for CBDC Project
13.8.2021
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) says it has signed an agreement with Giesecke Devrient (GD) to implement a pilot central bank digital currency (CBDC) project. This pilot CBDC, which is a precursor to the e-cedi digital currency, is set to be tested with banks, payment service providers, merchants...
Uganda Blockchain Association Endorses Calls for the Creation of Crypto Regulatory Framework
10.8.2021
Uganda’s blockchain community welcomes the recent call on authorities to create a cryptocurrency regulatory framework, a board member of the Blockchain Association of Uganda (BAU) has said. The member, Suleiman Murunga, explains that such a framework “will create investor confidence...
Singapore to License Digital Payment Providers, Approves Crypto Exchange
8.8.2021
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has notified several providers of digital payment services that they will be licensed to operate in the city-state. The move, which comes after the approval of a crypto exchange for a license, secures Singapore’s status as Asia’s crypto...
New Draft Law in Uruguay Could Legalize Crypto as Payment Method
6.8.2021
A new draft law introduced to the Senate in Uruguay could regulate cryptocurrency transactions, and also legalize cryptocurrency as an accepted payment method in the country. If approved, the draft proposed by Senator Juan Sartori would also introduce licenses for Virtual Asset Service Providers...
Ukrainian President Signs Law Opening Door for Digital Hryvnia, Regulatory Sandbox
1.8.2021
President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law that will allow the National Bank of Ukraine to issue its own digital currency. The new legislation, which aligns Ukrainian regulations with EU rules, will also stiffen authentication requirements for clients of payment service providers....
Zimbabwe Proposes Inclusion of VASPs in Its Securities Law — Move Applauded as ‘Step in Right Direction’
20.7.2021
The Zimbabwean government recently revealed its intention to widen the definition of securities to include virtual asset service providers (VASPs). According to a document released by the cabinet, the proposed inclusion of VASPs into the category of defined securities will be made possible via...
Despite Negative Press, Binance Is Still the World’s Largest Crypto Spot and Derivatives Exchange
19.7.2021
While Binance has had a few issues with payment service providers and regulators from a few countries, the centralized cryptocurrency exchange is still the largest trading platform in terms of trade volume. During the last 24 hours, Binance has recorded roughly $8.6 billion in swaps and the trading...
Portugal Begins Approving Cryptocurrency Exchanges — Two Licensed So Far
22.6.2021
Portugal now has two approved cryptocurrency exchanges. The country’s central bank, the Banco de Portugal, has licensed Mind the Coin and Criptoloja. In Portugal, the central bank is responsible for registering entities that intend to act as virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The bank...
Irish MEP calls for stringent crypto regulations in Europe
2.6.2021
One Irish MEP wants even stricter stablecoin and crypto regulations in Europe
Uganda’s Financial Intelligence Authority Wants Government to Formulate a Crypto Regulatory Framework
25.5.2021
Uganda’s Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) says it wants the country’s Finance Ministry to help formulate a regulatory framework for crypto service providers. According to the FIA, this call for the government’s intervention has prompted by the Ugandan crypto industry’s...
Dutch Central Bank Revokes Strict Verification Rules for Crypto Exchanges
21.5.2021
The cryptocurrency industry in the Netherlands has won a small but significant battle. The country’s central bank has canceled some excessive verification procedures that it imposed on crypto service providers last fall. The move comes after a local exchange took the matter to court....
Venezuelan Crypto Regulator Sunacrip Strengthens AML/KYC Requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers
3.5.2021
Sunacrip, the Venezuelan cryptocurrency watchdog, has recently published a new set of AML/KYC requirements for VASPs (Virtual Asset Service Providers) that establishes new and updated rules about the kind of information these providers must require and share with the Venezuelan government, raising...
Irish crypto firms must comply with money laundering laws for the first time
27.4.2021
It is now a criminal offense to operate a crypto firm in Ireland without registering with the Central Bank of Ireland