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MSCI to launch cryptocurrency index

Global securities index MSCI plans to launch a cryptocurrency index, according to CEO Henry Fernandez.

U.S. Republican Party to accept donations in cryptocurrency

The National Republican Congressional Committee in the US will begin accepting donations in cryptocurrency.

India reviews cryptocurrency ‘ban’ legislation

The Indian government and leading industry stakeholders are reviewing elements of legislation that proposed a ban on cryptocurrencies.

Is Chinese province Yunnan banning cryptocurrency mining?

Yunnan is getting prepared to ban cryptocurrency mining activities, BTC.top, one of the country’s major mining pools, today told Forkast.News, citing a screenshot of a notice.

China’s Xinjiang and Qinghai regions ban cryptocurrency mining

Xinjiang and Qinghai regions in China are now banning cryptocurrency mining, after Inner Mongolia tightened its crypto mining ban last month.

Cryptocurrency behind spike in illegal gambling, Asian racing body says

Illegal gambling in Asia is on the rise, facilitated in part by sites accepting bets in cryptocurrency.

Australian Tax Office issues reminder of cryptocurrency tax obligations

ATO will contact 400,000 Australian crypto holders over concerns that they may not be fully aware of their crypto tax obligations. Tax cheats beware!

Huge cryptocurrency scam boosts S. Korea’s crypto crime losses to US$5B

Police in South Korea have arrested 14 individuals in a cryptocurrency fraud case estimated to have cost 69,000 investors a total of US$3.85 billion, taking the country’s losses to US$5 billion over the past five years.

China’s cryptocurrency mining sector becomes target of fresh clampdown 

Chinese authorities’ latest regulatory offensive against the crypto industry may not be as bad for the sector as it appears.

Australia seeks fresh submissions on cryptocurrency rules

In a paper released today by a Senate committee, the Australian government announced it is seeking help in establishing a crypto regulatory framework.

China shuts banks, finance firms out of cryptocurrency business

China has slapped a ban on finance sector businesses, including payment firms, from offering cryptocurrency services.

U.S. cryptocurrency scams soar tenfold since October, FTC says

American consumers have lost an estimated US$80 million in cryptocurrency investments since October 2020, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission, which calculated that digital currency scams had jumped tenfold year on year.

Thailand tightens grip on cryptocurrency, increases KYC requirements

Thailand has issued fresh orders to tighten regulations on new cryptocurrency accounts, requiring customers to appear in person.

South Korean cryptocurrency industry claps back; Bitcoin’s nosedive | The Daily Forkast

Crypto investors in South Korea stir petitions to unseat the nation’s financial watchdog chief for his anti-crypto remarks.

China tightens cryptocurrency oversight with new regulations

Beijing’s new warning against cryptocurrency comes days before regulations aimed at preventing illegal crypto fundraising take effect May 1.

Dogecoin’s price no joke as DOGE rallies to become 8th largest cryptocurrency

The “joke” cryptocurrency has surged from less than a cent to hit a price of around US$0.25 today with a 24-hour trading volume of US$34.6 billion.

Asian governments urge ‘extreme caution’ before buying cryptocurrency

As Bitcoin and crypto market swells beyond $2 trillion, even crypto-friendly Singapore is warning the public about risks. Are more regulations coming?

India mandates new disclosure rules for cryptocurrency companies

Starting today, India’s crypto firms must report all cryptocurrency transactions to the government. What does this mean for India’s proposed crypto ban?
and

Chia Network launches eco-friendly blockchain and XCH cryptocurrency

Founded by BitTorrent creator Bram Cohen, Chia Network’s new ‘proof of space and time’ blockchain aims to be a more sustainable alternative to bitcoin.

Hong Kong plans to ban retail investors from trading cryptocurrency

Industry insiders warn that proposed rule to allow only ‘professional investors’ to buy and sell crypto could drive companies to crypto-friendlier shores.

US must embrace digital dollar and cryptocurrency: Blockchain institute report

The Blockchain Research Institute-led report for Biden’s administration also outlines recommendations for crypto regulations and a national blockchain strategy.

Is Signal experimenting with Stellar-based cryptocurrency?

Signal, which exploded in popularity after WhatsApp’s privacy stumbles, may be exploring a business strategy pursued by Big Tech. What are the risks?

S&P Dow Jones is adding cryptocurrency indices in 2021

Days after bitcoin broke its all-time high price, S&P Dow Jones announces that it will offer new cryptocurrency index products starting next year.

Is China trying to put its cryptocurrency industry out of business?

After crackdowns on crypto exchanges, China is now freezing bank accounts. Why is the world’s largest bitcoin producer tightening the vise over its miners?
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OECD shines light on the future of cryptocurrency taxation

As nations grapple with fitting cryptocurrency into existing tax regimes, OECD examines the crypto tax gaps and issues at its blockchain forum this week.

Ep. 37 | JPMorgan’s JPM Coin goes live. ConsenSys fueling CBDCs worldwide. Is DBS Bank planning a cryptocurrency exchange?

Other top blockchain and cryptocurrency news: Bitcoin paper’s 12th anniversary. New Huawei phone has DCEP wallet. FDA on blockchain and food safety.

Cryptocurrency’s carbon footprint is massive and not sustainable

Bitcoin and crypto mining now use more energy than some nations. To help lead fintech into a greener future, Ripple pledges to be carbon net-zero by 2030.

Ep. 36 | Bitcoin prices rise on PayPal cryptocurrency news. US wary of CBDC as China enacts digital currency law for DCEP rollout.

Other top crypto and blockchain news: USDC stablecoin coming to Solana blockchain. Investing in KYC/AML in India.

Can a victims‘ superfund save Europeans from cryptocurrency crime?

EU committee has turned down a petition for a tax on nodes to create a crypto fraud superfund for victims. But lawyer vows to try again.

Ep. 33 | BitMEX and John McAfee in legal hot water. Who is the cryptocurrency market betting on to be the next US president?

Other top news: Filecoin’s mainnet set to launch. Chinese banks help DCEP digital currency get market-ready. NetEase to preserve email forevermore.

Trump’s Covid ills are infecting cryptocurrency betting markets

Are US presidential candidate futures an accurate gauge of public opinion? Cryptocurrency exchange FTX’s TRUMP and BIDEN prices offer clues.

Cryptocurrency futures give thumbs down to Trump’s debate performance

FTX cryptocurrency traders are dumping TRUMP after the first US presidential debate, a raucous affair punctuated by insults and interruptions.

US bills could shake up cryptocurrency exchanges and ICO prosecutions

Proposed federal laws would upend SEC rules for digital tokens and give CFTC sweeping powers. Will it be enough to rein in crypto’s Wild West ways?

Why cryptocurrency exchanges need more regulations to protect investors

Being dodgy about office location and faking volume data are all part of Asian crypto exchanges’ Wild West ethos. What are the alternatives for investors?

Conflux’s Open DeFi project aims to bridge East and West — with its own cryptocurrency in China

Despite China’s bans on crypto and ICOs, the permissionless blockchain protocol has also done a ‘regulatory compliant fundraise.’ How is Conflux pulling it off?

How cryptocurrency fuels protests and anti-government movements

As mass demonstrations rock the world, technologies like blockchain, social media and AI are escalating unrest and state crackdowns to the next level.

India’s ongoing battle over cryptocurrency: What is the path forward?

Ripple recently laid out a framework for India to legalize crypto through regulations. But does the Indian government have the incentives and will to do so?

Crypto’s new dawn: the future of India’s burgeoning cryptocurrency landscape

India’s cryptocurrency market has vast potential — what’s holding it back? A continued lack of regulatory clarity as well as crypto education, says CoinDCX co-founder Neeraj Khandelwal.

Former banker Mike Novogratz is ‘petrified’ of China’s new state-issued cryptocurrency, and ConsenSys’ Joseph Lubin agrees

Two titans of blockchain discuss China’s DCEP, Covid-inspired technology and more with Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau, in video highlights from Ethereal Summit 2020.

How FATF’s anti-money laundering guidelines for cryptocurrency are putting the heat on banks and VASPs

David Jevans, CEO of CipherTrace, explains FATF’s global influence and recent enforcement actions that have proven to be expensive for those caught.

How the FATF’s travel rule could push cryptocurrency into the mainstream

How are crypto companies complying with the travel rule, and what does it mean for decentralization and privacy? In a Forkast.News exclusive, industry experts analyze FATF’s impact on regulations around the world and what to expect next.

China’s blockchain vision focuses on efficiency, not cryptocurrency

The Chinese government has identified blockchain technology development as an issue of national importance, along with other emerging technologies such as AI, deep learning and IoT. President Xi Jinping has outlined the importance of blockchain technology to China’s industrial maturity, urging continued development so China can lead the way in defining international standards.

India vs. the people: The battle over cryptocurrency ownership continues

Public support in India is strong for cryptocurrency ownership. But regulators’ blanket ban may lead to a gray market, increasing the chances of fraud.

More traditional investors are eyeing cryptocurrency to diversify their portfolios

Traders use commodity trading adviser funds to reduce risk of custody or money laundering, says Jan Brzezek, founder of Crypto Finance AG.

A China central bank exec is leading a cryptocurrency course on app De Dao

Mu Changchun, the Deputy Director at the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), launched an online audio course about Libra and digital currency in a popular Chinese education app De Dao on August 4, 2019. It is not the first time Mu talked about Facebook’s cryptocurrency Libra and digital currency. After Facebook announced Libra in June […]

Making it Rain in Bahrain – Joseph Dallago talks Cryptocurrency in the Middle East

What is the world of cryptocurrency like in the Middle East? How does it differ from other markets, and what challenges and opportunities arise from dealing with the industry in that region? Forkast.News Editor-in-Chief Angie Lau sits down with Joseph Dallago, Co-Founder and CEO of Rain, the first Bahrain-based digital currency exchange, in order to […]

LISTEN: Pegging Cryptocurrency to the Global Economy Growth?

Key Highlights There is a huge demand [for stablecoins] out there. When we look at the global economy, we’re suffering as a result of the US-China trade wars. The trade fluctuations this year have been defined by this growing tension between the US and China. Stablecoins are something that people inevitably will look at. We’ve […]

Insider Trading in Cryptocurrency: How to Avoid Trouble

As the saying goes, “ignorance of the law excuses no one.” It is a legal principle that holds even in the murky space of cryptocurrency trading. With securities and commodities regulators almost unanimously asserting jurisdiction over cryptocurrencies under the theory that such products are securities or commodities, it follows that insider trading abuses in the […]

LISTEN: U.S., Lithuania, and International Regulators Discuss the Potential and Need for Cooperation in Governing Cryptocurrency (Part II)

Key Highlights The inherent differences in policy that result from country-specific priorities and demands lead to opportunities for arbitrage across borders. It is in the interest of all parties involved to prevent this from happening, even if that means compromising on certain rules. The input of drastically different nations on their experiences with regulating cryptocurrency […]

WATCH: U.S., Lithuania, and International Regulators Discuss the Potential and Need for Cooperation in Governing Cryptocurrency (Part II)

Key Highlights The inherent differences in policy that result from country-specific priorities and demands lead to opportunities for arbitrage across borders. It is in the interest of all parties involved to prevent this from happening, even if that means compromising on certain rules. The input of drastically different nations on their experiences with regulating cryptocurrency […]

Paris Blockchain Week Summit (Part I) — Leading Financial Regulators Shed Light on the Universal Struggle to Regulate Cryptocurrency

Key Highlights From a regulatory standpoint, there is ample reason for governments and institutions to be interested in the cryptosphere. Giles Ward references how it stands to pose “investor protection and market integrity risks.” Marius Jurgilas, Board Member of the Bank of Lithuania, thinks about the potential for blockchain technology to be used in the […]

Opinion | Why the Cryptocurrency Exchange Model Is Prime for Disruption

Ever since the discovery of blockchain technology, we’ve heard a lot about inefficient systems that it can fix. From the internet to advertising, healthcare, the voting system, and the supply chain; the list of things that aren’t working optimally is long and laden with overpromises. Blockchain is not a panacea for all the world’s ills, […]

Facebook Unveils Libra – A Cryptocurrency With Big Goals

Facebook today unveiled its long rumored cryptocurrency, which will be known as Libra, and you won’t need a Facebook account to use it. That’s because Facebook says it wants to help those without bank accounts. “Libra holds the potential to provide billions of people around the world with access to a more inclusive, more open […]

First Big European Football Club Takes Cryptocurrency

LISBON — Portuguese champions Benfica are the first major European football team to accept cryptocurrency. Fans can now use crypto to purchase tickets and merchandise directly from the club. “We recognize that many of our supporters are now digital users first, so we want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting […]

Facebook to Launch Cryptocurrency?

Reports say Facebook will announce its rumored cryptocurrency sometime in June, and will allow employees working on the project to take their salary in it. Facebook appointed former PayPal executive David Marcus last year to explore opportunities with blockchain. Insiders say Marcus has focused on a digital currency, which users will be able to store, […]

Bitcoin NFTs continue to dominate the market with a 74% sales bump

Bitcoin leads the NFT market with a significant sales increase, outperforming Ethereum, Solana, and BNB

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.

Coinbase launches US$1 bln bond offering

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global, Inc. is set to raise US$1 billion through a bond sale.

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.

Bitcoin ETFs hit record inflows, propel BTC to new highs

Bitcoin ETFs have seen unprecedented inflows, with a single-day record of over US$1 billion, as the cryptocurrency maintains record high prices.

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.

Bitcoin extends ATH run, breaks US$72,000

Bitcoin trades above US$72,000 for the first time in its history.

Bitcoin briefly surges past US$70,000

Bitcoin sets a new price record for the second time this week.

Pantera Capital targets US$250 mln Solana purchase from FTX assets

Crypto firm Pantera Capital aims to acquire $250 million in Solana tokens from bankrupt FTX’s holdings at a significant discount.

SEC Chair Gensler remains silent on Ethereum’s status amid ETF reviews

Gary Gensler, SEC Chair, avoids commenting on Ethereum’s security status as the agency reviews spot ETF applications.

MicroStrategy boosts Bitcoin bet with US$700 million debt offering

MicroStrategy increases its convertible debt offering to US$700 million to fund additional Bitcoin acquisitions, reflecting confidence in cryptocurrency.

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.

Spain hits pause on Worldcoin’s data collection over privacy concerns

Spanish regulator orders Worldcoin to stop processing personal data, citing privacy violations.

BlackRock leads Bitcoin ETFs with record inflows

Bitcoin investment vehicles, including ETFs, now manage over 1 million BTC, with BlackRock’s ETF seeing a record $788 million in inflows as Bitcoin hits a new all-time high.