Day: August 16, 2023

“Ripple Labs has countered the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) intent for an appeal over a summary judgment. Ripple’s attorneys dispute the SEC’s ability to meet the Howey test elements, requesting for dismissal of the appeal. Meanwhile, the Canadian cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken, complies with requirements amid regulatory obstacles.”

Canada’s strict crypto regulations provide clear direction for crypto businesses, says Mark Greenberg, Kraken Canada MD. Despite complexity and the resistance from major banks, these regulations have contributed to Kraken’s success and longevity in Canada.

According to WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka, Canadian financial institutions are showing increased interest in cryptocurrencies due to unfolding regulatory clarity. Despite major exchanges exiting the Canadian market over stringent regulations, Skurka sees it beneficial for WonderFi, leading to increased activity and market consolidation.

“Jeremy Koven, president of CoinSmart, discusses the differential path of crypto regulations in various countries, emphasizing the clarity in Canada compared to the fragmentation in the US regulatory landscape. This perspective highlights regulatory hurdles possibly hindering US crypto growth.”

The launch of PYUSD, a stablecoin backed by PayPal with over 430 million users, may accelerate crypto adoption and prompt a shift in U.S. policy towards crypto regulation. Despite previous hesitations, the massive user base might force lawmakers to urgently develop a comprehensive regulated framework for stablecoins, heralding a new era of American crypto companies demanding inclusion in economic life.

The FBI has seized $1.7 million worth of cryptocurrencies amid a crackdown on unlawful activities. The law enforcement agency has voiced its stance against those aiming to exploit the crypto landscape for malicious purposes, urging caution against get-rich-quick schemes. The last year’s scams, reaching over $2 billion, necessitate the FBI’s increased regulatory involvement.

Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange, has secured approval from the National Futures Association to offer cryptocurrency futures trading in the United States. This will allow Coinbase to launch futures contracts for Bitcoin and Ether, potentially making the U.S. a global leader in digital innovation. Despite facing legal disputes with the SEC, the company remains committed to contributing to the crypto industry.

Former FTX executive, Ryan Salame, is under scrutiny for alleged illegal campaign donations, specifically using customer funds amounting to $24 million. This news intensifies intrigue surrounding the FTX saga, with assertions implicating a potentially orchestrated bipartisan donation strategy to favor pro-crypto politicians.

“Crypto assets pose significant, complex challenges to the banking sector, as shown in FDIC 2023 Risk Review. Key issues include fast-paced innovation, legal ambiguity, immature risk management, ‘contagion risk’, and ‘stablecoin run’ risks. However, carefully negotiating these challenges could harness innovative benefits.”

In a move to uphold industry standards, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) fined the co-founders of 3AC’s new crypto exchange venture, OPNX, $2.7m over a market offense. Absolution isn’t only debt-settling but respecting regulatory frameworks, with unpersistence risking further penalties and marketing the destination of the crypto ecosystem.

“Valkyrie, an asset management firm, has applied for an Ether futures exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the US SEC. An Ethereum-based futures ETF could provide investors a regulated, potentially less volatile method to gain exposure to Ethereum, although concerns about market volatility and speculation persist.”

“PayPal has halted cryptocurrency purchases in the UK until early 2024 in response to stricter rules by the Financial Conduct Authority. Stricter regulations might increase security but contradict the decentralization principle of cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, PayPal launched a stablecoin, PYUSD, evidencing the balance between regulation and innovation in the crypto world.”

BlackRock’s recent registration of a Bitcoin ETF reignites interest and controversy about incorporating volatile cryptocurrency into traditional finance. Reflecting on Canada’s successful integration of Bitcoin ETFs, it’s clear that ETFs carry benefits for a broader audience, beyond hardcore crypto enthusiasts. The potential of ETF security against fraudulent activities and cyber threats is significant. The surge in Bitcoin investments is tied to user-friendly mobile exchanges, suggesting investors value Bitcoin-backed financial products in the mainstream finance system.

“Ransomware presents an ethical quandary: fulfilment of ransom demand might restore operations quickly, but it also encourages more offences by funding future attacks. Banning ransom payments could push organizations to boost cybersecurity measures, but it might adversely impact victims. A combination of technology-driven solutions, policy measures and human alertness is needed to combat escalating cyber threats.”

The Digital Energy Council, a group dedicated to cryptocurrency miners, has been introduced as a crucial intermediary for discussions about crypto mining sustainability, and policy advancement with Washington-based policymakers. This initiative prioritizes miners’ interests while ensuring compliance with U.S. energy laws, aiming to promote responsible energy development and national security.