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Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest banking institution, has applied for a digital asset custody license from the German financial regulator BaFin, signaling a shift in attitude towards the crypto sector. While this move increases acceptance of digital assets, it also raises concerns about excessive centralization and potential regulatory challenges.

Deutsche Bank, with $1.3 trillion in assets, has applied for a digital asset custody platform license from Germany’s finance regulator. This move positions the bank to potentially establish a minimum viable product in 2021, signaling a significant step toward embracing digital assets in the traditional financial sector.

Amid a stringent regulatory crackdown, BlackRock has applied for a Bitcoin ETF with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite previous rejections for other firms, BlackRock’s weight as a prestigious institution and successful SEC record sparks new optimism in the Bitcoin ETF race.

Gurbir Grewal, SEC’s Director of Enforcement, defends the agency’s actions against digital asset companies, citing the crypto industry as creating a “perfect storm of investor risk.” The SEC aims to combat fraud and protect investors rather than stifling innovation within existing regulations.

Crypto traders are increasingly seeking alternative liquidity sources in over-the-counter (OTC) markets due to regulatory crackdowns and reduced market depth on centralized exchanges. This shift towards OTC markets helps traders execute large transactions without relying on thin order books of exchanges, thereby gaining more prominence in the current situation.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is withdrawing from Cyprus ahead of the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) legislation in 2022. The company plans to focus on regulated entities in countries like France, Italy, and Spain, aligning its business with MiCA to ensure compliance. Tightened regulations and recent legal challenges may prompt a shift in the crypto landscape, emphasizing regulatory compliance.

Ripple’s chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, calls for an investigation into former SEC director Bill Hinman after unsealing documents related to his 2018 speech on Ethereum’s decentralization. Alderoty alleges Hinman ignored warnings and “invented factors” to determine decentralization, resulting in confusion and questions about the regulatory landscape of the crypto market.

Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal urged Congress to adopt a draft bill outlining a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency transactions, following a lawsuit by the SEC against the company. Grewal criticized the SEC’s enforcement-only approach, instead advocating for transparent legislation applied equally to all. The proposed bill aims to classify digital assets and determine regulatory authority.

The SEC lawsuit against Coinbase and Binance raises concerns over the US’ global competitiveness in crypto. Litigation, instead of legislation, damages companies committed to compliance. A well-defined regulatory landscape is crucial in preserving innovation and ensuring market transparency in the rapidly-growing crypto industry.

The reported events highlight the complicated relationship between cryptocurrencies and authorities, with regulators becoming stricter in a growing industry. Despite the uncertain landscape, positive steps towards adoption are seen in governments and the private sector, exemplifying progress and innovation.

David Schwed, COO of blockchain cybersecurity firm Halborn, suggests that crypto cybersecurity regulation should have “vague and ambiguous” guidelines, allowing self-regulation and growth within the industry. Flexible legislation accommodates rapid tech changes while supporting innovation and mainstream adoption, with focus on maintaining security and risk management.

Greenland Financial Technology Group, a subsidiary of Greenland Holdings, becomes the first state-owned Chinese company to apply for a virtual asset trading license in Hong Kong, with plans to establish a dedicated company for virtual asset trading, including cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and carbon emission-related products. This move signifies the significant potential of Hong Kong’s virtual asset market and its potential as a global crypto hub.

The days of lax crypto regulation are ending, with cryptocurrency exchanges becoming the primary target for regulators. Top-tier crypto exchange Bullish actively embraces compliance standards and adopts blockchain analytics tools, ensuring a safer environment for investors amid increased regulatory scrutiny. Cooperation between regulators, industry players, and crypto firms is key to rebuilding trust in the industry.

President Joe Biden recently called for an end to alleged tax loopholes assisting wealthy crypto investors, without providing specifics regarding such loopholes or reforms. The crypto community responded skeptically, highlighting the smaller size of the crypto market and questioning the existence of these loopholes. Speculations suggest possible connection to the IRS wash sale rule.

The Digital Asset Mining Energy (DAME) tax proposed by the Biden administration aims to make crypto miners pay for environmental impacts, sparking debate on its fairness. Critics argue the tax overlooks renewable energy sources, technology advancements, and potential environmental benefits provided by mining. Open discussions could help develop a balanced, viable solution for sustainable industry growth.