March 2024
Senators urge SEC to halt crypto ETF approvals amid concerns
U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Laphonza Butler have expressed concerns over the approval of crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin.
North Korea’s Lazarus allegedly launders US$12 mln via Tornado Cash
Lazarus Group, linked to North Korea, has resumed laundering stolen funds using Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer sanctioned by the U.S.
UK court rules against Craig Wright’s Satoshi Nakamoto claim
Craig Wright is not Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, accourding to the High Court’s ruling.
Terraform Labs retains Dentons as legal counsel amid bankruptcy
Bankrupt Terraform Labs secures court approval to hire Dentons for legal representation, despite SEC objections.
Ex-Binance CEO’s passport confiscated ahead of sentencing
Changpeng Zhao must surrender Canadian passport and stay in the U.S. as part of revised bail conditions.
Ethereum ETF approval odds drop as SEC remains silent
Analysts lower expectations for a spot Ethereum ETF approval by May.
UK regulator permits crypto ETNs for professional investors
The UK’s (FCA) has greenlit crypto asset ETNs for professional investors, with the London Stock Exchange set to accept applications next quarter.
Fed Chair Powell: No immediate plans for US CBDC
Jerome Powell assures Senate Committee that a U.S. central bank digital currency is not forthcoming, prioritizing privacy and banking system integrity.
SEC commissioners criticize unclear crypto enforcement after ShapeShift settlement
Two SEC commissioners express concerns over the agency’s ambiguous approach to cryptocurrency regulation following a recent settlement with ShapeShift.
Montenegro court blocks Terraform Labs founder’s extradition to US
A Montenegro appeals court has invalidated the decision to extradite Do Kwon to the United States.
Spain hits pause on Worldcoin’s data collection over privacy concerns
Spanish regulator orders Worldcoin to stop processing personal data, citing privacy violations.
SEC presses court over Binance.US compliance issues
The SEC alleges Binance.US has not fully complied with information requests regarding customer assets.
Court rules ‘certain’ crypto as securities in Coinbase insider trading case
A U.S. judge’s ruling classifies crypto assets traded in secondary markets as securities.
FTX cautions against unauthorized asset sales
FTX warns public about unauthorized parties soliciting bids for its digital assets, reaffirming Galaxy Asset Management’s exclusive role.
SEC’s Hester Peirce calls for clear crypto regulation
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce urges for sensible crypto regulation to support innovation and protect U.S. industry interests.
SEC scrutinizes Terraform Labs’ US$166 mln legal retainer
The financial watchdog contends the payment may be intended to avoid future judgments and should instead aid investors and creditors.
Gemini to reimburse US$1.1 bln to Earn customers after settlement
Gemini exchange reaches a settlement to return funds to users affected by the Genesis bankruptcy.
February 2024
FTX founder seeks reduced sentence of under 6.5 years
Sam Bankman-Fried’s legal team argues for a lighter prison term, criticizing the 100-year recommendation as excessive.
HTX resubmits Hong Kong crypto license application
After a brief withdrawal, HTX reapplies for a Hong Kong crypto trading license.
China warns of counterfeit digital yuan app scam
The Chinese government alerts citizens to a fraudulent app imitating the official digital yuan platform.
Wright submits 164,000 pages in an attempt to prove he’s Satoshi
Craig Wright’s claim as Bitcoin creator faces scrutiny in court with new evidence and testimonies.
UK moves to classify cryptocurrencies as property
The UK Law Commission proposes a new legal framework to recognize cryptocurrencies as property, aiming to provide clarity and protection for digital assets.
SEC sued over crypto regulation authority
Crypto group and digital asset firm challenge SEC’s authority in Texas lawsuit.
Do Kwon to face US extradition for Terra collapse charges
Montenegro court approves extradition of Terraform Labs’ Do Kwon to the US, where he faces fraud charges.
SEC’s crypto enforcement lawyer joins private law firm
Former SEC attorney Ladan Stewart transitions to White & Case, a firm known for defending crypto companies.
US Treasury: crypto’s role in Hamas funding minor
“Terrorists” still prefer to use traditional finance products, according to U.S. Treasury’s Brian Nelson.
Binance founder’s court date pushed back to April 30
Zhao has pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in November.
Montenegro court overturns extradition of Terra founder Do Kwon
International tug of war over Kwon’s fate takes a new turn with Montenegro court’s reversal on extradition.
South Korean crypto criminals to face life sentence
Crypto criminals with more than US$3.76 billion in profits may face life in South Korea.
Unlicensed crypto exchanges face shutdown in Hong Kong
Only two exchanges are licensed to provide crypto trading services to Hong Kong’s retail sector so far.
Genesis proposes US$1.6 bln asset sale amid bankruptcy
Genesis, in bankruptcy, seeks court approval to sell Bitcoin and Ether trust assets worth US$1.6 billion.
OPNX exchange to cease operations
OPNX, founded by Su Zhu, ceases operations due to FTX estate’s recovery claims.
US charges trio in FTX crypto exchange hack
The mystery of the FTX hack unfolds as the DOJ charges three unnamed suspects for the US$400 million theft in November 2022.
Bybit eyes Hong Kong license: crypto expansion plans
Crypto derivatives exchange Bybit seeks to enter Hong Kong’s market with a new license application.
Celsius Network’s US$3 bln repayment begins
Celsius Network starts repaying $3 billion to creditors, marking a step towards resolving its bankruptcy.
FTX expects to repay customers, no exchange relaunch
FTX plans to repay customers amid bankruptcy proceedings, rules out exchange relaunch.
January 2024
Floki Inu staking halted in Hong Kong after SFC warning
Floki Inu suspends its staking program in Hong Kong following regulatory warnings.
Hong Kong sees first spot Bitcoin ETF application
Hong Kong could welcome its first spot Bitcoin ETF, courtesy of Harvest Global’s recent filing.
SEC postpones verdict on Grayscale’s spot Ether ETF
Ether ETF hopefuls on hold as SEC postpones decision.
Terraform Labs Seeks U.S. bankruptcy shield
Do Kwon-founded Terraform Labs files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S.
SEC delays Fidelity’s Ethereum ETF decision
Fidelity’s bid for a spot Ethereum ETF hits a snag as SEC delays decision.
Apple removes Binance, KuCoin apps in India
Major crypto exchanges vanish from Apple’s App Store in India, adhering to FIU mandates.
SEC decision looms: Cboe pushes for Bitcoin ETFs
Cboe appeals to SEC for fast-tracking Bitcoin ETFs.
SEC’s cybersecurity in question after ETF tweet blunder
Following a misleading tweet about Bitcoin ETFs, Senators Vance and Tillis demand answers from the SEC regarding its cybersecurity measures.
Bitcoin ETF applicants make swift amendments to filings following SEC’s response
Imminent SEC decision on Bitcoin ETFs could mark a watershed moment for crypto, spearheaded by industry giants BlackRock and VanEck, reshaping the investment world.
Upbit Singapore secures coveted MPI license
Upbit joins 15 other crypto firms permitted to provide digital payment token services in Singapore.
SEC’s Gensler warns of crypto risks amid Bitcoin ETF buzz
SEC Chair Gary Gensler cautions about cryptocurrency volatility, highlighting investor protection concerns, as his agency nears a decision on spot Bitcoin ETF applications.
November 2023
UK & EU push ahead on stablecoins, HK approves another crypto exchange & Apefest marred by complaints
The UK’s crypto hub dream is coming to life while some attendees of Apefest 2023 in Hong Kong complaint on severe eye pain post-event.
EBA proposes new liquidity guidelines for stablecoin issuers
The proposed guidelines will work as a liquidity stress test for stablecoin issuers, according to the EBA.
Dubai calls on crypto firms to finalize applications by Nov. 17
Over 1,000 crypto firms will have to complete their applications by Nov. 17 to avoid regulatory consequences.
Mitsubishi UFJ launches joint stablecoin study with Ginco, Progmat
The joint study aims to create the infrastructure for issuing regulatory-compliant stablecoins for improved cross-border settlement.
Bank of England, FCA to regulate sterling-denominated stablecoins
The central bank expects to release the final set of regulations by 2025.
Sam Bankman-Fried found guilty on all charges
Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28, 2024.
PayPal registers crypto service with UK FCA
The registration enables PayPal to advertise its crypto services to U.K. customers.
SBF trial enters final stage; Bankman-Fried lied about spending customer funds, prosecutors say in closing arguments
Bankman-Fried trial nears end: defense claims good faith as prosecution alleges misuse of funds.
SBF examined over “cozy relationship” with Bahamian government in fraud trail
This marked Bankman-Fried’s fourth and final day of testimony before Wednesday’s closing arguments.
October 2023
Sam Bankman-Fried’s credibility questioned by prosecutors during cross-examination
Prosecutors pointed out inconsistencies in Bankman-Fried’s public statements before FTX collapsed in a four-hour grilling.
UK plans to introduce fiat-backed stablecoin rules in early 2024
The U.K. intends to introduce rules on fiat-backed stablecoins in early 2024, according to the government’s latest cryptocurrency policy update published on Monday. See related article: Singapore, Thailand clarify crypto rules; NFTs become new cultural frontier Fast Facts See related article: Blockchain tech in Thailand gets boost from new pro-crypto lead
Taiwan introduces crypto regulation proposal
Taiwan’s new bill mandates crypto platform permits, addressing self-regulation gaps.
Gemini, Genesis, DCG sued by New York Attorney General
The lawsuit alleges that the companies defrauded over 230,000 investors.
Coinbase taps Ireland as European hub ahead of MiCA regime
Coinbase said that the regulatory clarity MiCA provides to the industry is “hugely welcome.”
EU adopts new crypto tax rules, mandate data sharing from crypto firms
The new data sharing rules will go into effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal.
Binance halts new user registration in the U.K.
The exchange added that it will also stop releasing new products and services in the country.
Australian Treasury to release crypto draft legislation by 2024
The Australian Department of the Treasury said it will accept feedback on the draft bill by December.
Digital assets are here to stay, Bahamas prime minister says
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said the island nation will continue to be a pioneer in the digital asset space.
FTX collapse helped the evolution of crypto regulation, says Bahamas securities regulator
FTX’s collapse and the crypto winter helped regulators familiarize themselves with the rapidly evolving crypto industry, said Christina Rolle of the Bahamas Securities Commission.
ESMA says DeFi can bring greater financial inclusion, but warns of volatility risks
The regulator said that DeFi doesn’t pose a risk to financial stability, due to its small size, but said it needs to be monitored in the future.
Brazilian congressional committee calls for Binance CEO Zhao’s indictment
The congressional committee accused Changpeng Zhao and three other executives, along with 45 individuals, of running a financial pyramid scheme in the country.
UK committee calls for tighter NFT copyright and fan token measures
The committee said fraudulent non-fungible token advertising could harm both NFT artists and investors.
Alameda had a US$65 bln line of credit, says FTX co-founder Gary Wang
Gary Wang, co-founder and former chief technology officer of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, testified on Friday that Alameda Research, the sister trading firm of the exchange, had a special line of credit of up to US$65 billion from FTX, that allowed the firm to spend US$8 billion of customer funds. See related article: Little-known FTX co-founder […]
ESMA publishes second MiCA consultation paper
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is seeking feedback on the second consultation paper on the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) bill, published on Thursday. See related article: Binance ICO raised less than US$5 mln: Forbes Fast Facts See related article: What Europe’s new spot Bitcoin ETF means for global markets
Crypto trust on trial: Bankman-Fried faces judgment
Top blockchain and crypto news: Spotlight on Bankman-Fried, Pudgy Penguins’ new revenue stream and Google’s Web3 goggles