licensing
Louisiana State Congress Unanimously Pass Crypto-Business Licensing Bill
Crypto businesses may be offered a regulated path to legalization in the state of Louisiana. The proposed bill has been backed by Louisiana state representative Mark Weight. Should the bill be passed, the state would have a regulated crypto framework to operate within and would provide an official definition of traditionally ambiguous cryptocurrency-related terms.
US Toughens Export Controls on Semiconductors to China Amid Military Concerns
The US Department of Commerce tightened export controls on advanced computing semiconductors to China and other countries of concern to address national security threats posed by military modernization. The rules, effective from November 16, 2023, refine the parameters defining restricted chips, introduce a global licensing requirement, and expand controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The update also adds certain PRC entities to the Entity List, requiring a BIS license for foundries manufacturing chips for these entities.
RISC Zero Announces Open Sourcing of Key Technological Innovations
RISC Zero's latest announcement reinforces open-source development ethos and vision for a secure digital world, transforming zero-knowledge cryptography and blockchain technology, enabling developers to create unprecedented solutions.
Independent Reserve Considers Expansion to Hong Kong
Independent Reserve, an Australia-based cryptocurrency exchange, is exploring opportunities to expand its business in Hong Kong following the city’s recent proposal of a licensing regime for crypto exchanges. The company sees Hong Kong as a potential friendly jurisdiction for its business expansion in Asia.
OpenAI Negotiates Licensing with Major Media Amid NY Times Copyright Dispute
OpenAI is negotiating content licensing with major media outlets like CNN, Fox, and Time, amidst a copyright lawsuit with The New York Times. The talks highlight the evolving relationship between AI technology and media copyright, with issues like fair compensation and legal clarity at the forefront.
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.
California Proposes Crypto ATM Regulations Amid Rising Fraud
California lawmakers propose regulations on cryptocurrency ATMs to combat escalating fraudulent activities. The bill, dubbed "Digital Financial Asset Transaction Kiosks," recommends a daily withdrawal limit of $1,000 and a cap on operators' fees, with implementation eyed for January 1, 2024. While some victims of ATM scams applaud the measure, crypto ATM operators express concerns over the potential adverse impact on small operators.
ASIC Appeals Federal Court Ruling on Finder Wallet's "Earn" Product
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has appealed a federal court ruling that found Finder Wallet's "Earn" product compliant with Australian financial laws, raising concerns about consumer protections.
California Gov Vetoes Digital Currency Licensing Bill
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Bill 2269 proposed by State Congressman Tim Grayson on grounds that a more flexible approach is needed to address crypto regulations.
Hong Kong to Release Cryptocurrency Exchange Licensing Guidelines
The Hong Kong Securities Futures Commission (SFC) plans to release guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange licensing next month, in support of trading services to retail investors by June 1. AML/KYC regulatory requirements were key considerations in the consultation process. Some trading platforms have already received licenses, while others have chosen to cease operations.
DTCC to Acquire Securrency, Advancing in Digital Asset Infrastructure
DTCC announces its strategic acquisition of digital asset infrastructure specialist, Securrency. This move will bolster DTCC's digital asset offerings and streamline the integration of blockchain technology.
Crypto.com Receives In-Principle Approval Tokens Permit from the MAS
Digital currency trading platform Crypto.com has been granted the In-Principle Approval token permit from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for its Major Payment Institution License.
SEC's Misstep in Debt Box Lawsuit Sparks Senate Republican Critique
Five Republican senators have criticized the SEC for unethical conduct in a lawsuit against Digital Licensing, highlighting concerns about enforcement practices in the crypto sector.
Dubai Economy Gets Powered by UAE KYC Blockchain Platform for Safe Digital Customer Onboarding
The Dubai economy has gone live on the UAE KYC (Know-Your-Customer) blockchain platform making instant bank accounting functionality, secure digital customer onboarding, and sharing of verified data between financial institutions and licensing authorities possible.
Why Hong Kong is Still Not Ready to Become Asia's Leader in Crypto and Blockchain
During a live webinar, as part of the UK FinTech Week, Clara Chiu, the Head of Fintech Unit & Director of Licensing at the SFC explicitly stated that Hong Kong does not have the mandate to create a large regulatory regime for cryptocurrencies or to attract more investors or players in the crypto field. Rather than promoting the crypto sector, Hong Kong is rather focused on protecting investors and promoting new regulations for the same reason. Is focusing on licensing enough for the city?
The Thrill Behind Non-Fungible Tokens
A non-fungible token (NFT) is a digital asset whose ownership is blockchain-based, and its value is pegged on its uniqueness. Some of the most common use-cases of NFTs include event tickets, game items, digital collectibles, software licensing, digital certificates, in-game props, authentication certificates, and domain names.
UK's Tax Authority Ready to Invest Up to $130,000 in Blockchain Analytics Tool to Track Crypto Cybercriminals
The UK tax authority HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), is looking for an analytics tool using blockchain to enhance the process of identifying criminals who are trading in cryptocurrencies online.
Kraken’s Subsidiary Becomes the First Licensed Derivatives Platform to Offer Leveraged Crypto in the EU
Kraken Futures, a subsidiary of Kraken, also known as Crypto Facilities has announced it had been granted a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) license from the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
First Crypto Fund Approved by Hong Kong’s Financial Regulator Aims to Pass $100M in its First Year
Hong Kong’s first approved cryptocurrency fund, Arrano Capital, the blockchain arm of Venture Smart Asia announced its rollout of a new Bitcoin fund in Hong Kong.
United States Moves Forward With Crypto Regulation
Two new crypto-related bills were discussed among the House Agriculture Committee this week as the United States moves forward with crypto regulation.
FINRA Ends Regulatory Unclarity By Awarding Harbor with Crypto Broker-Dealer License
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) awarded Harbor Square Investments a broker-dealer license. Harbor Square Investments is a subsidiary of tokenized securities platform-Harbor.
Crypto Tax Payments Permitted in Bermuda
Bermuda has started accepting tax payments using Circle's stablecoin known as USD Coin (USDC).
SEC Charges Crypto Project Unikrn $6.1M for ICO Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Unikrn for conducting an unregistered initial coin offering of its native token, UnikoinGold (UKG).
Tokocrypto Gets Green Light as First Indonesian Crypto Exchange
Tokocrypto becomes the first cryptocurrency exchange platform to be approved by the Indonesian government. Having being established in Indonesia, Tokocrypto seeks to stamp its authority in this nation in the crypto space. Since 2018 to date, it has facilitated at least US$250 million in cryptocurrency assets.