Search Results for: Blockchain Association

South Korea recently approved its first standalone digital-asset bill aiming to protect investors, integrating 19 crypto-related bills and defining digital assets. Thailand’s SEC imposed rules on digital asset service providers, focusing on investor protection, but potentially hampering financial innovation. Blockchain’s security issues remain prominent with instances of stolen NFTs and crypto miners diversifying into high-end chip demand.

Nigeria’s 10% capital gains tax on digital asset profits faces hurdles due to the country’s uncertain stance on cryptocurrency. The complex nature of crypto transactions, reliance on self-reporting taxes, and central bank’s restrictions contribute to these challenges. Stakeholders call for friendlier policies to ensure market growth.

Japanese regulators are considering easing restrictions on margin trading to attract more crypto and blockchain companies, with industry players hoping for leverage limits of four to ten times for retail investors. This move may encourage more market trading but raises concerns about market stability and investor protection.

The European Parliament has voted in favor of the Artificial Intelligence Act, a draft law for regulating AI based on risk categories. The law aims to address concerns such as bias, discrimination, and job displacement while protecting European values of democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.

The SEC extended the comments period for amending Rule 3b-16, facing criticism from the Blockchain Association and Republican committee members for its potential negative impact on the crypto industry. Opponents argue that the proposal’s broad language could capture a wide range of individuals, exceeding the agency’s authority and raising constitutional concerns.

The Blockchain Association has backed Coin Center’s lawsuit against the Treasury Department and OFAC, arguing that sanctions against Tornado Cash hinder Americans’ ability to transact privately on the Ethereum network. They stress that regulatory actions should target malicious actors, not technology, acknowledging the legitimate uses for privacy-enhancing tools like Tornado Cash. This lawsuit highlights the critical balance between innovation, privacy, and regulation in the evolving blockchain future.

A prominent NFT influencer known as Ben.eth received a legal settlement demand via an NFT accusing him of wire fraud during a $7 million token presale. The unique case highlights the evolving intersection of traditional legal systems and blockchain technology.

The Blockchain Association, a U.S-based crypto advocacy group, submitted legislation proposals for equal taxation of crypto and non-crypto assets. The recommendations support the Keep Innovation in America Act, which aims to revise reporting standards for cryptocurrency transactions. Concerns arise around potential tax evasion and proposed digital asset mining excise tax.

The Japan Blockchain Association (JBA) calls for a revision of the national tax regime for digital assets, aiming to ease the tax burden on cryptocurrency holders. The JBA proposes ending year-end unrealized gains tax, shifting to self-assessment separate taxation for personal crypto trading profits, and eliminating income tax on crypto asset exchanges. This shift requires striking a balance between growth and sustainable economic practices.

The U.S. Blockchain Association submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the SEC, seeking information on crypto company Prometheum, amidst differing opinions on cryptocurrency regulation. This ongoing debate questions whether cryptocurrencies should be tightly regulated or operate under a self-regulatory framework, directly influencing the industry’s future growth and innovation.

The Blockchain Association challenges the SEC’s proposed exchange definition change, arguing that it discriminates against decentralized protocols, imposes greater burdens on distributed ledger technology-based companies, and may drive innovation away from the US. The proposal raises concerns about fair notice, constitutionality, and violation of the Administrative Procedures Act.

The Blockchain Association supports Coin Center’s lawsuit against the US Treasury over its sanctions against Tornado Cash, arguing that the sanction raises regulatory and constitutional concerns. The case outcome could set a precedent for privacy-protecting services in the digital asset industry, emphasizing the need to balance financial security and individual privacy.

The SEC has proposed tighter crypto custody rules which are met with strong opposition from the Blockchain Association and Andreessen Horowitz. They argue the rules would curtail investment, exceed the SEC’s authority, inhibit advisors, and risk assets. Balancing innovation, growth, investor protection, and compliance remains a core conflict.

The Blockchain Association’s relocation from New York to Washington counters growing regulatory pressure on the crypto industry and highlights the ongoing debate between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer security and market stability.

“The future of cryptocurrency regulation was at risk with the potential for a government shutdown. This stalemate could have hindered several key crypto-focused bills, including the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, among others, shaping crypto’s future.”