Day: October 6, 2023

In his trial, former crypto-prodigy Samuel Bankman-Fried faces allegations of misappropriating customer funds and granting “special privileges” to his company, Alameda Research. Gary Wang, cofounder of FTX, claims Alameda received a $65 billion credit line and accumulated $8 billion in debt, accusations not previously disclosed to the public.

“Komainu, a digital asset custody service, has been authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate within the bounds of laws concerning money laundering and related funds transfer. This enables them to offer a range of cryptocurrency custody services across the UK, highlighting the growing acceptance of digital assets globally.”

“Taiwanese legislators are set to introduce the country’s first cryptocurrency regulatory bill in November 2023, aimed at overseeing cryptocurrency trading and related activities. The law is intended to prevent ‘regulatory arbitrage’ and protect investors from the challenges posed by rising foreign crypto operations.”

Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) puts Bored Gen DMCC under scrutiny for its dealings related to Islamic Coin, triggering an investigation for an alleged violation of regional regulations. Despite notable accolades, VARA asserts the crypto venture lacks the required permissions, addressing a potential lapse in regulation compliance.

The former CEO of Voyager Digital, now under regulatory scrutiny for allegedly violating U.S. derivatives regulations, views these allegations as retrospective application of rules. This comes after Voyager’s bankruptcy and amid investigations into its unfair marketing practices. Regulations, while possibly seen as constraints, can provide stability and customer protection in the crypto market.

“The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has unveiled a framework to guide exchanges and issuers of stablecoins, aiming to enhance transparency and trust. The rules require stablecoin issuers to maintain sufficient reserves with a qualified custodian and disclose crucial platform information, underscoring the need for investor information and protection.”

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision might soon impose disclosure requirements for banks’ crypto assets, underlining the risks involved in drastic shifts in finance and technology. Amid discussions about crypto regulations, it’s crucial to balance embracing technological advancements and mitigating their associated risks. A consultation paper on crypto asset exposure disclosure is expected soon.

Taiwan plans to propose a special law to regulate emerging crypto businesses by November 2023, driven by concerns over offshore markets’ activities. There’s consensus on needing unique legislation for crypto, dissimilar to traditional financial instruments. Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission is helping, releasing guidelines for investors’ protection, including complete segregation between exchange treasuries and customers’ assets. Critics argue that over-regulation might hinder organic growth and innovation.

Komainu, a venture co-founded by CoinShares, Ledger, and Japanese Nomura, has gained substantial regulatory approval in the U.K. as a custodian wallet provider. While this development brings crypto custody services to the U.K. and contributes to the country’s fintech landscape, it also raises concerns about individual privacy rights and the balance between industry regulation and the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.

Snapchat’s AI chatbot “My AI” faces scrutiny from UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office due to potential privacy threats to users, including minors. The case highlights the struggle between leveraging tech breakthroughs and protecting user privacy in the hyperconnected social media landscape.

The U.S Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has targeted several cryptocurrency wallets involved in the illicit trade of fentanyl. Most transactions were conducted via Stablecoins on Ethereum and Tron networks. These wallets, save for one, were hosted on a centralized crypto exchange, allowing the illicit flow of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cryptocurrency.

“The Enforcement Division of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) may charge ex-CEO of Voyager, Stephen Ehrlich, over a suspected ICO scam. Ehrlich allegedly violated CFTC regulations by not ensuring their customers’ assets’ security. The CFTC is contemplating imposing fines and other non-criminal penalties.”