Year: 2023

“The primary issue at SBF’s trial is whether FTX, not regulated in the United States, is held to the same jurisdiction as FTX.US. The outcome might define the future of regulation in uncharted waters of the crypto world.”

Mário Centeno, head of Portugal Central Bank, calls for global cooperation in regulating cryptocurrencies due to the high-stake risks of digital assets and decentralized finance (DeFi). He believes uncoordinated international laws could be exploited by companies and that regulating global players at the national level may be ineffective.

Bankrupt cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network aims to return customers’ funds by year-end and transform into a Bitcoin mining venture, NewCo. Despite hurdles, the $450 million restructuring plan proposes repayment using Bitcoin and Ethereum and stock in the new company. The future of these ambitious plans remains uncertain.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has granted a Major Payment Institution Licence to Sygnum Singapore, enabling it to extend its services to the Asia–Pacific market. However, the recent downfall of Silvergate Bank, due to high-risk crypto activities, underscores the need for balancing growth and safety in blockchain adoption.

“The Ethereum ETFs’ approval by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission symbolizes a crucial regulatory progression, and, despite low initial trading volumes, it opens the door for crypto market expansion. However, investor preferences and wavering organizational confidence could influence the ETFs’ success trajectory.”

In the upcoming Argentinian elections, top candidate Sergio Massa proposes the creation of a Central Digital Currency, aiming to rejuvenate an economy reeling from long-term hyperinflation. However, his rival, Javier Milei, favors a complete shift to the US dollar, accusing the peso of facilitating government corruption.

India is reportedly building a global database for all cryptocurrency exchanges to assist law enforcement agencies in crypto-related crime investigations. This tool could enhance their investigation proficiency in cases like money laundering, a crime primarily increasing worldwide due to cryptocurrency.

Silvergate Bank’s demise, largely due to over-reliance on high-risk cryptocurrency deposits and internal managerial faults, raises questions about the risk exposure involved in being a single-industry lender. Amidst this, the crypto lender, Celsius Network, plans a recovery with a reorganisation plan, a move which is closely watched by regulators and businesses banking on crypto.

“Celsius Network, a crypto entity facing legal proceedings, aims to repay its customers by year-end with a blend of Ethereum and Bitcoin worth $2.03 billion and stock in an emerging offshoot company. A success would represent a rare instance of a failed crypto platform’s revival through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, pointing to groundbreaking possibilities in crypto’s future.”

This lawsuit targets Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao over allegations of unfair competition and monopoly, claiming Zhao’s actions catalysed the downfall of rival crypto exchange, FTX. The case also examines Binance’s sudden decision to liquidate FTT tokens, Zhao’s misleading claims, and his damaging disclosures on Twitter. Furthermore, it involves the SEC’s scrutiny of Binance.

A high-ranking Russian legislitor, Anatoly Aksakov, predicts that domestic corporations will utilize the nation’s digital ruble, a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), by 2025, especially in Latin American nations. He also suggested potential usage could transform “mutual settlements” among these nations.

The high-profile legal proceedings against former FTX supremo, Sam Bankman Fried (SBF), involving charges of financial fraud, have placed the regulatory landscape of the cryptocurrency industry into sharp focus. These proceedings illustrate the potentially precarious path cryptocurrency pioneers may tread.

“A class-action lawsuit against Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao highlights the tightrope upon which cryptocurrency markets balance. With accusations of unsavory tactics and potential market manipulation, it magnifies the need for robust regulations to safeguard market integrity and consumer interests.”

“Investors have dropped a lawsuit against Terraform Labs amidst cryptomarket volatility. While Terraform and its co-founder, Do Kwon, face regulatory scrutiny and ongoing legal troubles, financial firm Volatility Shares has postponed its ETH futures ETF launch. Amid uncertainty, the need for investor due diligence and risk assessment becomes increasingly important.”