CRYPTO
New Bakkt Study Shows Ongoing Crypto Interest and the Need for Regulation
A recent study by Bakkt Holdings Inc (NYSE: BKKT) reveals that people's interest in cryptocurrencies remains strong despite recent market fluctuations.
Haru Invest CEO Apologizes and Assures Transparent Actions in Response to Recent Incident
In a letter to Haru Invest members, CEO Hugo Lee extended a sincere apology for the concerns arising from a recent incident and acknowledged the need for prompt communication.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Explores Virtual Asset Regulation in UAE and Highlights Converging Global Standards
According to a report by Ming Pao, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) recently visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the regulation of virtual assets (cryptos) with the local central bank.
Equities Up, Crypto Down: Robinhood's May 2023 Trading Data and Upcoming Crypto Delisting
Robinhood Markets Inc., the popular trading platform known for democratizing investing, has released its operating data for May 2023, showing an increase in both equity and options trading but a decline in cryptocurrency trading.
IOSCO Releases Landmark Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), a leading international body of securities regulators, recently published an influential report titled 'Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets Consultation Report.'
President Biden Assets: Debt Deal Will Not Shield Crypto Traders
In a significant announcement on the last day of the G7 summit, President Joe Biden took a firm stance against the protection of "wealthy tax cheats and crypto traders" while potentially jeopardizing food assistance programs.
Texas Passes Bipartisan House Bill 1666 Regulating Digital Asset Service Providers
Aiming to reinforce regulation in the digital asset industry, the Texas legislature has enacted bipartisan House Bill 1666. Set to take effect on September 1, 2023, the legislation imposes rigorous requirements on digital asset service providers in terms of handling customer funds.
UK Legislators Advocate for Treating Crypto Trading Similar to Gambling Regulations
The report also calls for a shift in the regulatory approach towards unbacked cryptoassets, such as Bitcoin and Ether. Due to their volatility and lack of intrinsic value, the committee argues that these assets pose substantial risks to consumers, likening speculation in these assets to gambling.
Symmetry Launches Revolutionary Platform for Decentralized Crypto Indices and Actively Managed Funds on Solana
Today marks a groundbreaking step for decentralized finance (DeFi) on the Solana blockchain as Symmetry launches its highly anticipated User Interface at https://app.symmetry.fi/.
Crypto Hacks and Scams on the Rise
Over $103 million was lost to crypto exploits, scams, and hacks in April, with the total loss for the year reaching $429.7 million. Major hacks included Bitrue exchange and South Korean GDAC exchange, and flash loan attacks took around $20 million. Exit scams saw a loss of $9.4 million.
FDIC Orders Self-Correction from Cross River Bank
The FDIC has asked Cross River Bank to correct and address issues in its lending activities. A consent order executed in March alleged that the bank had engaged in "unsafe" banking practices regarding compliance with fair lending laws and regulations in 2021.
UK Considers New DeFi Tax Regime
The UK's taxation arm of the Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs, has launched a consultation seeking input from individuals and entities engaged in DeFi activities on a possible new tax regime. Under the proposed changes, crypto used in DeFi transactions would not be treated as a disposal for tax purposes, but a Capital Gains Tax would be triggered when cryptocurrencies are disposed of in a non-DeFi transaction.
Over 1 in 3 TikTok Influencers Post Misleading Crypto Content
A study by dappGambl found that over 1 in 3 TikTok influencers posting crypto-related content were found to be sharing misleading information, without providing adequate disclaimers or warning users about investment risks. The study analyzed over 1,161 videos on the platform and discovered that 47% of creators were pushing services to make money. The potential financial risk for unwary investors remains high, with popular hashtags related to crypto churning over 6 billion views on TikTok.
European Union Introduces Comprehensive Crypto Law
The European Union has introduced a new crypto licensing regime called Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), making it the first major jurisdiction in the world to introduce a comprehensive crypto law. The EU also voted in favor of a Transfer of Funds regulation that requires crypto operators to identify their customers in a bid to halt money laundering.
Chinese Banks Embrace Crypto in Hong Kong
Chinese banks are collaborating with cryptocurrency companies in Hong Kong, providing account services and acting as settlement banks. Despite China's crackdown on crypto in the mainland, the country's state-affiliated banks are building partnerships in Hong Kong, taking advantage of the city's push to become a crypto hub.