CRYPTO
Satoshi Nakamoto's last unfinished project inspires this new online marketplace disruptor in the crypto space
A fork of Bitcoin, known as Particl, has announced the completion of an eBay-style marketplace that’s been integrated into its wallet. Built using blockchain smart contracts, the marketplace is derived from an original concept first proposed by Satoshi Nakamoto.
Coinbase Leaves Japan After Trade Collapse
Coinbase announced its Japan exit on Jan. 18. Customers have a month to remove money and crypto from the site. After February 17, Coinbase Japan users' crypto holdings will be automatically converted to yen (JPY). From Jan. 20, fiat currency deposits are unavailable.
Thai SEC Regulates Crypto Custody Providers
New crypto custody guidelines from Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) safeguard bitcoin investors. VASPs must put up a digital wallet management system to ensure efficient custody under the new laws. Designing, implementing, and maintaining digital wallets and keys need VASP policies.
Cred Claims Uphold Exchange Owes Millions
Uphold denies owing $784 million to the liquidation trust of collapsed crypto investment platform Cred. Crypto lending provider Cred entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2020. Cred's liquidated trust filed an adversary lawsuit against Uupold and two associates in June. It stated that Uupld promoted CredEarn with Cred co-founders and owed $783.9 million.
El Salvador's Crypto Law Allows Bitcoin-Backed Bonds
Legislation authorizes a Bitcoin-backed bond to pay down national debt and build "Bitcoin City". After President Bukele ratifies the measure, it will become law. The bonds are expected to generate $1 billion for the government, half of which would fund the special economic zone.
Reap Leverages Fireblocks to Enable Crypto Repayments with the Reap Card
Reap, the global fintech company powering expense management through the industry first Reap Visa Corporate Card (“Reap Card”) platform, launches industry-leading innovation by including cryptocurrency repayments functionality for the Web3 industry. Together with the Reap Card, Reap is offering expense management software that will enable web3 companies to settle their fiat payments with cryptocurrencies.
Argentina's Proposed Crypto Disclosure Law Promotes Disclosure
Crypto holders would have to submit an affidavit detailing their holdings under the measure. Voluntarily declaring crypto assets within 90 days of the law's implementation would result in a 2.5% capital gains tax. Next parliament will debate the measure.
Easy Company Raises $14.2M For Social Crypto Wallet
Easy's "social" crypto wallet garnered $14.2 million in a seed round to bring mainstream audiences into the Web3 ecosystem. After a 30-day private test, the wallet now accessible on iOS and Android. Users may swipe to see own NFTs or those of others they "watch" on the network, which resembles Instagram.
ISPs Must Ban Crypto Websites Or Risk Legal Action In Nepal
Nepal's telecoms authority ordered ISPs to prohibit all bitcoin trading websites. The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) ordered ISPs and email providers to block crypto-related websites, applications, and networks on Jan. 8. Promoting crypto is also illegal.
Despite Industry Upheaval, Hong Kong Seeks Crypto Hub Status
Hong Kong's government supports bitcoin infrastructure development. In 2023, Hong Kong's finance secretary Paul Chan said the government and authorities would work with crypto and fintech businesses. Many sector businesses want to develop in Hong Kong or go public on local markets.
Mark Cuban To Testify On Voyager Marketing
Mark Cuban will be deposed in a class-action lawsuit claiming that he supported Voyager Digital's Ponzi scam. Judge Lisette M. Reid ordered Cuban's complete deposition on February 2 in Dallas, Texas. Plaintiffs' attorneys applauded the judge's denial of Cuban's motions to halt and postpone discovery.
Ferrari Terminates Crypto Sponsorship Before 2023 Formula One Season
Ferrari lost $55 million by ending its multi-year partnerships with Velas and Snapdragon before the 2023 season. The 2021 Ferrari-Velas alliance included NFTs and other attempts to engage fans. After canceling its cooperation with FTX, Mercedes lost $15 million.
Ripple CEO Hopeful About US Crypto Regulatory Clarity
In a Twitter discussion, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed cautious optimism regarding US cryptocurrency regulation certainty in 2023. Ripple was sued by the SEC for selling unregistered XRP. Ripple refuted the charges, saying XRP is a money, not a security. The lawsuit has no end date.
Congress May Restrict Stock Trading In The Next Session
The 118th Congress may prevent members from investing in stocks or cryptocurrency. 77 politicians violated disclosure obligations after the 2012 STOCK Act. Many see a conflict of interest in elected officials trading and holding assets. In 2022, Congress and Fed officials breached crypto trading and holding restrictions. These infractions included delayed reporting of legal transactions, yet members were allowed to influence legislation with their investments. Last year's crypto issues included U.S. legislators and business executives' financial relationships.
Italy Taxes Cryptocurrency Capital Gains 26%
Italy's Senate authorized a 26% capital gains tax on crypto-asset transactions above 2,000 euros (roughly $2,13 at publishing). Crypto assets may be transferred and kept digitally. Crypto assets were taxed less as foreign currency in the nation.