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Mário Centeno, governor of Banco de Portugal, advocates for a universal framework for crypto regulation due to the global nature of digital assets. He believes national efforts alone won’t adequately protect investors, warning against potential regulatory arbitrage and exploitation of gaps by less ethical participants.

“Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has sold its entire Russia business to CommEX. Its chief compliance officer states operating in Russia wasn’t in line with Binance’s compliance strategy. Similarly, the Swiss bank, Hypothekarbank Lenzburg now trades digital securities types on the blockchain-rooted platform, SDX.”

The Hong Kong cryptocurrency exchange, JPEX, has temporarily ceased operations due to a legal probe by the Securities and Futures Commission, resulting in the arrest of a key person. JPEX, operating without a local license, has faced user grievances and is also undergoing friction in Taiwan with affiliated influencers.

The eighth iteration of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC8), which introduces mandatory tax reporting for cryptocurrency transactions, has received overwhelming support from members of the European Parliament. DAC8 is expected to aid tax authorities in monitoring and assessing cryptocurrency transactions to improve transparency and counter tax fraud.

Binance will continue serving Belgian users despite previous AML and CFT violations by transferring operations to its Polish entity, Binance Poland. Belgian users will now adhere to Poland’s KYC regulations. This comes amid upcoming EU crypto regulations in 2024.

The UK is considering a clampdown on cold calling in financial services, a move hailed as protection against digital asset scams, but may hinder companies relying on this practice. Furthermore, the government, while combating fraud, pledges support for blockchain, seeking to balance consumer protection and fostering industry growth.

“Moonstone Bank’s notorious shift to a pro-digital-asset stance has led to clandestine operations linked with the now-defunct crypto exchange FTX. The bank allegedly engaged in issuing stablecoins, raising concerns over regulatory oversight and reinforcing the need for stringent digital asset regulation in the finance sector.”

“Farmington State Bank, trading under the alias Moonstone Bank, has had its operations wound down by The Federal Reserve Board due to undisclosed involvement in digital assets. Despite being barred from dissipating cash assets, making dividends, capital distributions, or participating in activities without approval, the bank had secretly begun ventures into digital assets management, leading to significant regulatory actions.”

“The SEC accuses Utah-based crypto company, DEBT Box, of running a fraudulent crypto operation worth $50 million. Despite claiming to innovate with eco-friendly blockchain technology, it allegedly lied about revenues to inflate token values. These actions highlight the balance needed between blockchain innovation and necessary regulation to ensure market stability and trust.”

“The SEC recently froze assets of DEBT Box, a Utah-based company and its defendants, accusing them of a fraudulent scheme involving the sale of unregistered “node licenses”. This illustrates the need for robust safeguards and clear regulations within the evolving crypto space to protect investors and spur innovation.”

Recent allegations suggest Binance, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, possibly continued operations in China despite the country’s ban on cryptocurrencies. Reports claim large-scale business deals ensued, despite Binance denying access to China-based users. These allegations raise important considerations about global crypto markets, regulatory frameworks, and the necessity of abiding by individual nation’s financial regulations.

“Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) expands crypto services throughout the United Arab Emirates by granting an operational license to Laser Digital, the crypto branch of the Japanese financial giant Nomura. This approval empowers Laser Digital to offer diverse crypto services, including broker-dealer services and investment management. This aligns with Dubai’s strategic positioning as a regional cryptocurrency hub.”

“Bity, a firm operating 45 Bitcoin ATMs in Switzerland, is challenging the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) regulations requiring users to reveal their identity for transactions exceeding 1,000 Swiss francs. Bity started a crowdfunding campaign to assist in legal expenses, rallying supporters with a resolute slogan, “FINMA is fighting crypto! We are fighting back!” They argue against the new know-your-customer (KYC) rules as undemocratic and overbearing.”

“Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, acquired an Operational MVP License to function in Dubai, allowing them to hold client funds, operate a crypto exchange and provide payment and custody solutions. However, this service currently only extends to institutional and qualified retail investors in the area. Despite this, Dubai’s aim to become a global center for blockchain and crypto activities has received industry approval. Navigating Dubai’s licensing procedure and achieving full regulatory compliance remains a challenge for Binance.”

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has suspended the license of BitOasis, the first crypto exchange in Dubai, for not meeting key regulatory conditions. This incident, along with previous ones involving unlicensed operations, showcases Dubai’s complex journey towards incorporating cryptocurrencies in its economic landscape.