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Sygnum Singapore, a subsidiary of the Swiss-based crypto bank, has secured its Major Payment Institution License from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The license enables Sygnum to provide regulated digital payment token brokerage services, breaking previous transaction limits, and paving the way for potential expansion into Asia-Pacific markets.

GSR Markets, a subsidiary of cryptocurrency market maker GSR, has secured in-principal approval for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This may speed up the adoption of Web 3.0 and boost business investments in the APAC region, while demonstrating Singapore’s favorable stance toward cryptocurrencies.

“Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, has made a significant shift in its terms of service (ToS), restricting access for certain Singapore-based clients, causing anxiety among the crypto-user base. This may be a strategic adherence to regulatory compliance after a major Singaporean crypto scandal or a rebuttal against potential restrictions jeopardizing their operations.”

Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as top destinations for crypto millionaires due to their favorable tax policies on cryptocurrency-related ventures. The global cryptocurrency market is booming, with 425 million people owning some form of digital currencies, and certain individuals even possessing crypto fortunes surpassing the $100 million mark. This growth is prompting traders, investors, and entrepreneurs to seek secure locations to protect their digital assets.

“Singapore plans to impose a trust requirement on cryptocurrency exchanges to boost investor confidence and protection. However, the Monetary Authority of Singapore cautions investors about speculative and risky digital token trading. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is promoting crypto participation and allowing retail investors to trade virtual assets.”

The US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently ordered the SEC to clarify its position on a rulemaking petition from Coinbase, while Circle Singapore secured its MPI license for digital payment token services. The Philippines’ SEC delayed the issuance of a digital assets framework, and Ark Investment Management purchased $21.6 million in Coinbase shares after the SEC lawsuit caused prices to drop.

Circle Singapore, an affiliate of Circle Internet Financial, received a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This allows them to offer digital payment token services, cross-border and domestic money transfers within Singapore. The move signifies regulatory progress in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries, but proposed restrictions on stablecoin activities like lending and staking raise concerns.

Bitstamp, the world’s oldest crypto exchange, is negotiating with three major European banks to enable their entry into cryptocurrency services. This represents the different regulatory approaches between the EU, with its recent progressive MiCA regulations, and the more challenging US environment. Recent restrictions by Bitstamp on specific services for US users highlight this regulatory divergence.

“Three Arrow Capital, heavily invested in the Terra protocol’s UST stablecoin, faced a significant deficit with the crypto market’s downfall, defaulting on $3.5 billion credit obligations. The subsequent fallout includes the apprehension of the founder, a 4-month prison sentence, and a nine-year investment ban in Singapore.”

The arrest of 3AC’s co-founder, Su Zhu, following the fund’s dramatic collapse, evidences the power regulators hold over cryptocurrency activities. For some, it confirms the need for regulatory frameworks in the volatile crypto world, protecting against violations and malpractice, whilst critics argue against measures that could stifle crypto market innovation.

Coinbase has obtained an Anti-Money Laundering compliance registration from the Bank of Spain, marking an expansion of its influence in Europe. The cryptocurrency exchange can now offer its products to users in Spain, adhering to local legal frameworks. Also, similar approvals have been received in Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Singapore, Brazil, and Canada.

“Alchemy Pay, a cryptocurrency payment gateway, has acquired a crucial payment license in Arkansas, positioning itself alongside major players authorized to handle crypto-to-fiat transactions in the state. This move signifies their dedication to regulatory compliance, and commitment to connect fiat and crypto global economies.”

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.

In the Web3 Transitions Summit, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, urges caution for those considering establishing crypto operations in the amicable environment of Hong Kong. He demands certainty about city-state’s ability to maintain the harmony between traditional finance and emerging financial trends amid potential future regulatory shifts.

“In the blockchain and cryptocurrency domain, global jurisdictions are striving to balance innovation fostering and investor protection. With Hong Kong and Germany as examples, this article emphasizes the importance of stability, transparency in regulation, and innovative dynamism for robust crypto markets.”

“The crypto sphere is witnessing different regulatory responses worldwide. Singapore is taking a more conservative approach following the downfall of FTX exchange. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s recent crypto regulations limit token availability for retail investors, however, advancements are being made with new financial institutions entering the crypto realm.”

“Institutional adoption of digital assets in Asia is on the rise due to improved regulatory clarity, with key adopters including South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. However, progress varies across countries. Despite hurdles, the digital asset market’s infrastructure has noticeably strengthened, indicating increased market maturity.”