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The US IRS has issued draft guidelines on reporting rules for digital asset brokers. Aimed at regulating the digital asset industry, this regulation intends to streamline tax reporting and prevent fraud, proposing to raise $28 billion in fresh tax over a decade. Critics label it as “misguided” and “an attack on the digital asset ecosystem.”

US House Financial Services Committee Chair Patrick T. McHenry announced a vote on the Digital Asset Market Structure Discussion Draft to classify cryptocurrencies as securities or commodities and regulate exchanges. However, concerns arise due to potential “provisional registration” that could reward bad actors in the industry with a “get out of jail free card.”

The House Republicans’ Digital Market Structure draft bill addresses the unique market structure of cryptocurrencies and provides guidelines for stablecoin operations, token project registration, and decentralization procedures. This evolving legislation paves the way for new firms and crypto ETFs, signifying legislative progress in regulating the digital asset market.

Senior House Republicans introduced a draft bill aiming to establish a concise framework for digital assets in the U.S., allowing regulated crypto firms to argue for commodity classification. The legislation would also introduce digital commodity exchanges with oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. However, it currently lacks support from Democrats and faces challenges in achieving consensus.

“Questions arise around FTX lawyers’ involvement in a $200M loan transaction from Alameda, increasing need for robust legislation in the crypto space. Moves from Europe, particularly Cyprus, towards tightening crypto regulations highlight the crucial role of checks and balances in the industry.”

“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.”

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.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its second consultation paper on cryptocurrency regulations, focusing on sustainable indicators for distributed ledgers, disclosure of insider information, technicalities within white papers, transparency measures and record-keeping for Crypto asset service providers. ESMA’s move aims to encourage a more sustainable, transparent, and accountable crypto-market.

This excerpt provides an overview of the legal backlash faced by FTX’s CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF). Accused of using customer deposits for high-risk speculative investments, SBF is now at risk of losing his $28.5 million private jets amidst a trial that could end in a prison sentence. This case underlines the critical need for greater regulation and accountability in the crypto industry.

“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.”

The European Commission has secured an 800,000 euro contract to develop methodology and sustainability standards that alleviate environmental hazards associated with cryptos. This move stems from concerns over how crypto transactions and mining may negatively affect the environment, economy, and society.

The US Department of Treasury has imposed sanctions on an Ethereum-backed cryptocurrency wallet linked to an international drug trafficking organization, highlighting renewed governmental attention towards illicit activities facilitated via blockchain. This saga exposes pitfalls and successes in the fight for blockchain transparency and safety.

“The SEC has expressed concern over Celsius Network’s plan to engage Coinbase for its revival. Sec regulators insist on rigorous scrutiny of the agreement, citing undisclosed terms and potential legal complications. Celsius, recovering from previous SEC charges, remains hopeful for court approval.”