Year: 2023

South Korea’s KEB Hana Bank partners with BitGo, a leader in crypto custody and security, to offer digital asset custody services from 2024. The partnership is expected to enhance consumer protection and trust in South Korea’s digital asset market and improve the quality of Hana Bank’s digital asset custody operations. The collaboration also aims to capitalize on blockchain security technology, backed by BitGo’s recent funding of $100 million.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency is looking to change its tax code related to digital assets, potentially eliminating annual tax on unrealized cryptocurrency gains. Advocates argue this could stimulate business and aid blockchain startups, but critics cite possible manipulation and volatility.

“The Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are working to align global cryptocurrency regulations. The move, prompted by India, aims at addressing the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, and includes potential macrofinancial risks to both developed and emerging markets.”

India’s Finance Minister, ahead of the G20 summit, substantiates ongoing discussions on worldwide crypto regulations as a primary concern. The upcoming release of a document detailing a comprehensive plan for regulating cryptocurrencies adds to the debate, with skeptics questioning the proposed framework’s ability to fully capture all associated risks.

“Former finance minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s presidency bears ambiguity for Singapore’s crypto space. His skepticism yet hands-off approach towards cryptocurrencies provide a glimmer of optimism. The question looms; will his policy commitments hold amid crypto’s volatility and increased regulatory pressure?”

“Bank of China and Meituan are strategically collaborating to boost their Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) capabilities, venturing into CBDC-powered corporate services and potential offline and non-smartphone accessible use of the digital yuan. Despite the promising blockchain future, hurdles like digital divide, regulatory issues, and security concerns could arise.”

Harvard legal scholar, Christine Kim, proposes a shift in tax principles for the ‘metaverse’. Economic activities involving virtual assets could be considered taxable. She outlines models for tax collection, accounting for potential resistance and discusses possibilities for taxing unrealized gains. Managing tax evasion and accurately valuing new assets are identified as challenges.

The class-action lawsuit against the creators of HelbizCoin centers on fraudulent promises and price manipulation, adding complexity to cryptocurrency regulations as the coin is classified as a security under federal law. This case could broadly impact the relationship between national laws, international jurisdictions, and global networks, potentially leading to stricter regulations and reshaping the crypto-market.

“The digital euro, a central bank digital currency (CBDC) proposed by the European Commission, is seen as a new paradigm for preserving monetary sovereignty. It would ensure Europeans maintain access to a public payment option, countering the dominance by private payment services’ standalone solutions. However, its implementation requires a balance between fostering innovation and preserving economic stability.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals Circuit Judge has granted Grayscale Investments’ request to convert its Bitcoin Trust into a listed Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). But as the industry hails the decision as a victory, it’s worth questioning the real implications for the crypto industry and the broader acceptance of crypto ETFs in the future.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority now requires Virtual Asset Service Providers to gather and validate information on crypto transactions, even beyond local jurisdiction. This regulation, known as the Travel Rule, aims to counter money laundering and terrorist financing, yet raises concerns regarding privacy and curbing innovation within the growing crypto industry.

OKX, a digital asset exchange, seeks to acquire a Virtual Asset Service Provider License (VASP) amid Hong Kong’s crypto-friendly environment. With full licenses already granted to HashKey and OSL, OKX intends to onboard 100,000 to 200,000 users in its initial year of trading services. The city’s progressive stance toward crypto could position it as a “test net” for mainland China following China’s total crypto ban.

The SEC’s potential favoritism towards traditional banking applications from BlackRock and Fidelity has raised concerns. Following the recent Grayscale case, comments from legal expert Felix Shipkevich suggest the SEC’s controversial regulation methods may unduly affect smaller crypto institutions while benefiting larger firms.

Gary Gensler, Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has adopted a circumspect approach towards cryptocurrencies since his appointment, voicing concerns over potential systemic risks. Amid criticism, he increased his legal actions against prominent industry players like FTX, Binance, and Coinbase. However, a recent judgement favoring Grayscale could compel SEC to reconsider its regulatory rigidity towards the crypto market.