licensing requirement
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.
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.
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.
Thailand SEC Revises its Net Capital Rules In Favor of Crypto Backed Firms
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has made an upward review of its net capital requirement for the securities firm in the country with crypto ties.
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.
FATF Virtual Assets Guidelines for Cryptosphere Review
With the growing concern of virtual assets/cryptocurrencies being used as a medium for the financing of illegal activities, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issues revised guidance from time to time to combat money laundering and terrorist financing involving virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
European Central Bank Encourages Clear Regulatory Structure for Stablecoins to Reap the Benefits While Minimizing Potential Risks
The European Central Bank (ECB) published an in-depth report on global stablecoins, focusing on highlighting the requirement for clear regulatory parameters for stablecoins, and the risks it may pose to financial stability. The ECB suggests that a “robust regulatory framework” must be established to address risks before its benefits could be explored.
Matrixport's Evolved Enterprise-Grade Cactus Custody and Holistic Approach to KYT and AML Compliance
Matrixport is a Singapore-based cryptocurrency startup which was launched by former Bitmain CEO Jihan Wu. Established in July 2019 with the goal to offer over-the-counter trading, lending and custody services for crypto, Matrixport boasts a systematic security model, global distributed infrastructure and business-focused security innovation capability to assure the security and reliability of users' assets.
Racing to Save the Planet: The Role of Blockchain in Sustainability
The world is in decay. A long list of environmental disasters and the relentless requirement for fossil fuels are pushing Earth's capabilities to heal itself to a dangerous tipping point. Blockchain might very well be mankind's last hope to avoid the fall.
HKSFC Guidance on Virtual Asset Fund Managers: The 4 Key Takeaways
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC) released the latest guideline “Proforma Terms and Conditions for Licensed Corporations which Manage Portfolios that Invest in Virtual Assets”, providing further guidance on fund dealing and virtual asset fund management.
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.
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).