Forkast.News is now Forkast Labs

Articles filed under

Regulation & Law

584 articles
Page of 9

September 2022

India’s ED freezes more crypto in E-Nuggets money laundering case

India’s financial crime fighting agency has frozen additional cryptocurrencies worth around US$58,000 as part of an ongoing money laundering probe against mobile gaming application E-Nuggets and its former executive. See related article:  Indian authorities probe alleged $125 mln money laundering cases involving crypto, report says Fast facts The additional cryptocurrencies include WRX, the utility token […]

Institutional finance, role of regulators in focus at TOKEN2049 crypto conference

The second Forkast report on Asia Crypto Week’s anchor event explores what bets TradFi players are making, how Asian investment patterns differ from those elsewhere, and what cooperation between crypto companies and regulators should look like

SEC charges Hydrogen Technology for selling unregistered securities 

The SEC has filed charges against Hydrogen Technology Corporation and former chief executive Michael Ross Kane for alleged sales of unregistered “crypto asset securities” in the form of Hydro tokens. See related article: SEC’s Gensler says proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies may be securities Fast facts Moonwalkers Trading Limited CEO, Tyler Ostern, is also being charged for allegedly […]

Bitcoin ‘might double in price’ under CFTC regulation, its chairman says

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chairman Rostin Behnam said Thursday the crypto industry has “a massive opportunity for institutional inflows that will only occur if there’s a regulatory structure,” pushing for his office to lead the effort. See related article: Crypto community pushes back following CFTC charges against Ooki DAO Fast facts “Growth might occur […]

India ED freezes US$1.57 mln in crypto allegedly laundered through WazirX, Binance

India’s financial crime fighting agency has frozen over US$1.5 million in cryptocurrencies as part of a money laundering investigation against mobile gaming application E-nuggets, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Wednesday.   See related article: Indian authorities probe alleged $125 mln money laundering cases involving crypto, report says Fast facts The ED launched a money laundering […]

Binance law enforcement training program to seek out ‘bad actors’

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has launched a dedicated program to “help law enforcement detect financial and cyber crimes,” in a move it claims to be an industry first to combat crypto crimes, the exchange said Tuesday, as it navigates regulatory headwinds and ramps up compliance efforts. See related article: Binance says it complies […]

Crypto community pushes back following CFTC charges against Ooki DAO

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission faces criticism from cryptocurrency industry as opposition grows over “unprecedented” charges against the Ooki DAO.

California governor vetoes bill requiring crypto-related businesses to obtain special license

A bill that proposed a regulatory and licensing framework for crypto companies was rejected by Gov. Gavin Newsom amid a broader national debate concerning the policing of digital assets.

Binance taps ex-U.S. senator Max Baucus to chair global advisory board

Binance has tapped Max Baucus, a former U.S. senator and ambassador to China, to chair its new global advisory board, to advise the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange on regulatory, political and social issues. See related article: Binance stablecoin conversion controversial, but what does it mean for users? Fast facts Binance said on Thursday in a […]

Ripple objects to SEC’s relief suggestion in XRP lawsuit

Ripple Labs Inc. has objected to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s suggestion that it may seek additional time and pages if other amici curiae (Latin for friends of the court) submit briefs, as the lawsuit the SEC filed in 2020 against Ripple drags on. See related article: SEC, Ripple seek summary judgment in attempt […]

South Korea unlikely to push out crypto regulation before the U.S., authority says

South Korea’s top financial watchdog Monday said it is difficult for the country to establish laws overseeing the cryptocurrency industry in the country ahead of a common global regulatory framework as cross-border enforcement would be a key determinant of effectiveness.

Crypto research firm founder accused of promoting ICO for compensation

Self-described crypto influencer charged with violating SEC regulations by trading and promoting an initial coin offering under undisclosed financial terms.

If the UK wants to become a crypto hub, it must do better

Britain’s internal divisions could thwart its crypt ambitions, writes Nick Saponaro of Divi Labs. Will it be eclipsed by crypto-friendly Dubai?

SEC, Ripple seek summary judgment in attempt to speed up XRP lawsuit

The argument centers around if Ripple’s XRP sales were offerings of unregistered securities.

S.Korea finance regulator: crypto can be subject to capital markets law

South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) governor Lee Bok-hyun says he disagrees with the view that crypto cannot be seen as financial investment products or securities, while revealing he assisted local prosecutors in designating Terra-LUNA tokens as securities, according to local media reports. See related article: Securities or not? South Korea to evaluate Terra’s LUNA […]

South Korea will not rule the metaverse with game laws, science ministry says

South Korea will issue a guideline for regulating the metaverse instead of applying existing law on video games, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced at a government briefing on Wednesday. See related article: S.Korea’s science ministry announces ethical principles for the metaverse Fast facts The guideline that will be used to better promote […]

Fed vs The Merge; Crypto regulation conversations

Welcome to The Daily Forkast – September 14, 2022 – presented by Megha Chaddah. Coming up on today’s show: Will the Merge solve the market’s woes? Regulators paying heed to crypto. We’ll have more on those stories — and other news shaping the cryptocurrency and blockchain world — in this episode of The Daily Forkast […]

Crypto Fraud and Asset Recovery Network in U.K. launches Hong Kong chapter

The Crypto Fraud and Asset Recovery Network (CFAAR), which calls itself the first global network of its kind, has launched a Hong Kong-based chapter in collaboration with seven local finance, law, and crypto regulation experts.  See related article: Australia establishes federal crypto police unit Fast facts The Crypto Fraud and Asset Recovery network began in […]

Regulator alleges Celsius resembled Ponzi scheme in new filing

A financial regulator in Vermont has all but said that bankrupted Celsius Network LLC resembled a Ponzi scheme at times, alleging the crypto lender had used new investor funds to repay previous investors, as well as misled investors about its financial health and bolstered its balance sheets by using its CEL token. See related article: […]

‘Doctor Bitcoin’ claims to be heading to prison for P2P BTC sale

Crypto entrepreneur Mark Hopkins, also known as Doctor Bitcoin” or “Rizzn”, claimed on Twitter that he has been sentenced to six to 15 months in federal prison for allegedly participating in peer-to-peer Bitcoin sales without a federal license. See related article: Tornado Cash arrest heralds storm season for crypto mixers Fast facts P2P sale of […]

Crypto exchange Bybit barred from brokering securities in Brazil

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil (CVM) has banned Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit from brokering “securities” within the country.   See related article: Thailand mandates warnings on crypto ads Fast facts The CVM released a declaratory act, in an announcement on Monday, that ordered the suspension of Bybit’s security offerings and intermediation services directly or […]

Anti-crypto U.S. congressman says too much power, money prevent all-out ban

U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman, who chairs a House subcommittee on investor protection and a leading crypto skeptic in Washington, is seeking more stringent cryptocurrency regulation, if not all-out bans, according to a report by the LA Times. See related article:  CFTC, SEC seek input on hedge fund crypto reporting rules Fast facts In an interview […]

Binance says it complies with regulators following US anti-money laundering probe report

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, said it has worked with regulatory agencies from around the world to address outstanding compliance questions, following a Reuters report that U.S. federal prosecutors asked the exchange to offer internal records involving founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao for anti-money laundering checks in late 2020. See related […]

August 2022

Fed’s inflation fight batters crypto market as pressure mounts

Top blockchain and crypto news: Is crypto in for a long cold spell? Ava Labs lashes out at CryptoLeaks claims. China eyes blockchain power trading.

Crypto lender Hodlnaut placed under creditor protection by Singapore court

Singapore-based crypto lender Hodlnaut has been placed under Interim Judicial Management (IJM), a form of creditor protection, and will now be managed and controlled by interim judicial managers appointed by court order. See related article: Singapore’s central bank says cryptocurrencies have ‘no fundamental value’ Fast facts Hodlnaut said its legal representatives attended the IJM hearing […]

SEC, Ripple take XRP lawsuit battle to media as well

The ongoing battle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Ripple Labs over the latter’s token XRP is playing out not just in a courtroom but in media channels as well. See related article: SEC files no objection to Ripple request to seal non-party identities in XRP lawsuit Fast facts Stu Alderoty, general counsel […]

Singapore’s MAS says needs to do better job explaining crypto policy

The city-state hosted a seminar with a title that it hopes sums up its crypto approach: “Yes to digital asset innovation, No to cryptocurrency speculation.”

Crypto regulation in focus

Crypto experts weigh in on the direction crypto regulation is headed in APAC and beyond.

Huobi warning issued; Singapore’s blockchain aims

Huobi in hot water after being put on investor alert list. Meanwhile, we take a closer look into crypto regulation in Asia.

Huobi Global talking to Malaysian regulator about being put on investor alert list

Huobi Global told Forkast it is working towards being in compliance with Malaysia after its securities regulator put the Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange on its investor alert list for operating the digital asset business without proper registration. See related article: Huobi to end crypto derivatives trading in New Zealand Fast facts “We are currently in discussions […]

Australia’s crypto industry split on Treasury’s ‘token mapping’ scheme

The Treasury Department says its plan for how to regulate cryptocurrencies is unlike anything else in the world, but the country’s crypto industry isn’t sure that’s a good thing.

S. Korea tax authority says crypto airdrops subject to gift tax: report

Virtual asset airdrops could be subject to gift taxes in South Korea, local publication Yonhap News Agency reported on Monday, citing tax authorities. See related article: S. Korea’s 20% crypto tax delayed by two more years Fast facts In response to a tax law interpretation inquiry, a government official said recipients of free virtual asset […]

Australia to keep pace with crypto laws with “token mapping”

The Australian Treasury under the ruling Albanese Government will prioritize “token mapping” in 2022 to help regulations Down Under keep pace and adapt with the crypto sector.  See related article: Singapore’s MAS to further strengthen crypto regulations Fast facts “Token mapping”, the primary step in the government’s reform agenda, intends to identify the appropriate direction […]

Australian superannuation and institutions await clarity to invest in crypto

There’s growing interest from Australian self-managed super [retirement] funds (SMSF) to invest in crypto but are being let down by a lack of regulatory clarity, Caroline Bowler, chief executive officer of Australian exchange BTC Markets said at an industry panel on Wednesday. See related article: Australia’s Holon Global got ahead of BlackRock with funds shrugging […]

Tencent’s Huanhe allows NFT refunds, halts further sales

Tencent’s non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace Huanhe says it will allow buyers to refund purchased NFTs but will no longer issue the digital assets, citing a “focus on the company’s core strategic considerations.” See related article: Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com offers NFTs despite state media criticisms Fast facts The marketplace’s app will remain, but it will […]

Fed issues guidelines for crypto banks to enter central banking system

The U.S  Federal Reserve published what it called “final guidelines” for how crypto banks could be granted “master accounts” that are needed to transact directly with the Fed and the broader global banking system.  See related article: Federal Reserve to taper bond purchases, prompting concerns over BTC impact  Fast facts The Fed referred to these […]

Why crypto firms should embrace regulations and compliance 

Regulatory compliance will be critical to improving crypto’s ‘Wild West’ image and public acceptance, writes Karen Er and Benjamin Bai of Amber Group. Here’s why.
and

India authorities block crypto exchange Bitbns’ bank account

Indian crypto exchange Bitbns said on Thursday that withdrawals in Indian rupees (INR) have been delayed as law enforcement officers have blocked its bank account.  See related article: India authorities freeze Vauld exchange’s assets worth $46.5 mln Fast facts “If a cybercrime case is raised for say even an amount of 10,000 Indian rupees (US$125), […]

Philippine central bank halts crypto service provider applications for 3 years

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) slaps a moratorium on new virtual asset service provider (VASP) license applications starting Sept. 1.

South Korea’s top financial regulator to accelerate new crypto legislation

A task force comprising private-sector experts and relevant ministries will “expedite the review process of bills on virtual assets,” said chairman of South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) Kim Joo-hyun at Thursday’s National Assembly meeting. See related article: South Korea’s all-encompassing crypto law is coming — what we know so far Fast facts Kim said […]

Thailand’s central bank to get more power in crypto regulation overhaul: report

Thailand’s central bank will receive more power as the South-East Asian nation steps up regulation of digital assets, said Thai Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. See related article: Thailand bans Bitcoin and crypto payments Fast facts Thailand plans to tighten its supervision of platforms and exchanges that offer trading in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, Bloomberg […]

UK seeks guidance on how to regulate crypto, digital assets

A U.K. parliamentary group is seeking advice from both industry players and policymakers on regulating cryptocurrencies and the digital asset sector, according to a press release. See related article: UK seeks to regulate stablecoins for payments in new markets bill Fast facts See related article: Bank of England calls for greater crypto regulation

New US bill to give CFTC oversight of cryptocurrencies may speed up crypto legislation in other markets   

The U.S. bill to bring cryptocurrencies under the oversight of the Commodities Futures and Trading Commission is likely to hasten legislation of such digital assets around the world.

South Korea’s all-encompassing crypto law is coming — what we know so far

Lawmakers are pulling together regulations for trading in digital assets. If all goes to plan, the so-called Digital Asset Basic Act will be in shape by the first half of 2023.

Philippines’ SEC warns public not to invest with Binance

The Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cautioned the public not to invest with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, in response to think tank Infrawatch PH’s request to ban Binance in the Philippines. See related article: Philippines think tank calls for ban on Binance Fast facts In a letter responding […]
and

New US crypto bill seeks to make CFTC top Bitcoin, Ethereum watchdog

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee introduced a bill on Wednesday to put the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) at the helm of regulating all cryptocurrencies classified as commodities.  See related article: US crypto bill could undermine market protections: SEC, Gensler Fast facts The bill would give the CFTC “exclusive jurisdiction” over all “digital commodities,” which […]

Robinhood’s crypto arm fined US$30 mln for compliance failures

The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) slapped a US$30 million fine on the crypto arm of trading app Robinhood on Tuesday for allegedly violating the bank secrecy act, anti-money laundering, and cybersecurity regulations. See related article: Sam Bankman-Fried buys 7.6% of Robinhood; stock jumps Fast facts The financial regulator also asked the firm […]

Binance spent over US$1B on compliance, founder Changpeng Zhao says

Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao Monday said the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume spent over US$1 billion on compliance efforts with its market share continuing to increase. See related article: Binance’s Changpeng Zhao sues Bloomberg publisher in HK Fast facts Zhao Monday said on his verified Twitter handle that a recent CoinDesk […]

Recovering crypto from insolvent companies may be easier than you think

A stolen painting may be lost forever, but a fraudulent Bitcoin transaction — with these legal strategies and tracing tools — can lead right to the criminal.
, and

July 2022

Bitcoin back above US$23,000; Ethereum on a tear

Bitcoin and Ethereum see significant gains in spite of Fed rate hike. Meanwhile, Dubai Police announces NFT launch.

Binance’s Changpeng Zhao sues Bloomberg publisher in HK

Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao is suing the Hong Kong publisher of Bloomberg Businessweek for defamation for an article published last month. See related article: Binance fined by Dutch central bank for improper registration Fast facts Zhao Monday filed a lawsuit in Hong Kong against Modern Media Co. Ltd., which publishes the Chinese edition […]

What is the crypto industry’s public responsibility?

The crypto world is consumed by a spiritual battle between its believers and haters, and it is in need of a rebirth and new identity, writes Prof. Yanto Chandra of Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Taiwan says credit cards can’t be used to buy crypto

Taiwan’s financial regulator is asking banks and credit card companies not to allow credit cards as a means of payment for virtual assets services, local media reported Thursday. See related article: Taiwan has a chance to develop crypto amid China’s clampdown, Filecoin Foundation director says Fast facts Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission Friday told Forkast that […]

UK seeks to regulate stablecoins for payments in new markets bill

The Financial Services and Markets Bill introduced in the U.K. parliament on Wednesday seeks to regulate stablecoins as a means of payment.  See related article: Financial Stability Board calls for high regulatory standards for stablecoins Fast facts The legislation was largely awaited as it aimed at strengthening the U.K. financial system post-Brexit.  In April, then-Chancellor […]

US crypto bill may not pass the Senate this year, Lummis says

The U.S. Senate is unlikely to vote on the bipartisan cryptocurrency bill this year, Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis said Tuesday at the Bloomberg Crypto Summit.  See related article: US crypto bill leaves ‘open question’ on securities: Tessler Fast facts “It’s a big topic, it’s comprehensive, and it’s still new to many U.S. senators,” Lummis said […]

Singapore’s MAS to further strengthen crypto regulations

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said it will seek consultation in the next months on proposed measures toward regulating the crypto industry. See related article: Singapore’s central bank says cryptocurrencies have ‘no fundamental value’ Fast facts Singapore’s regulatory focus on crypto has been mainly toward containing money laundering and terrorist financing risks, MAS Managing […]

The Lummis-Gillibrand bill could reshape global crypto regulations

As a world leader, the US now offers a regulatory template for crypto that others are sure to follow, writes Michael Shing of XREX. Here are the key provisions.

Binance fined by Dutch central bank for improper registration

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has been fined in the Netherlands for operating without proper registration, the Dutch central bank said on Monday. See related article: Binance gets nod from Spain to offer crypto exchange, custody services Fast facts De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), which oversees crypto service provider registrations, said it imposed a 3.3 million euro (US$3.4 […]

Huobi applies for trading license with Hong Kong SFC

Huobi Technology has applied to become a regulated virtual asset trading platform with Hong Kong’s securities watchdog, as the city moves on to clarify and tighten rules on cryptocurrency-related businesses.  See related article: Hong Kong to propose bill to license crypto exchanges Fast facts Huobi said on Thursday the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has […]

Bitcoin below US$20,000; Voyager refund questions

Bitcoin once again falls below the US$20,000 mark. Meanwhile, Celsius pays over US$113 million in debt and recovers more.

Financial Stability Board calls for high regulatory standards for stablecoins

The failure of a crypto market player may have spillover effects on traditional finance such as short-term funding markets, says the Basel-based international body.

Why Singapore needs to rethink its approach to regulating crypto

Singapore wants to attract institutional capital while shielding its people from crypto — but it can’t have it both ways, writes Donovan Choy.

Binance gets nod from Spain to offer crypto exchange, custody services

Binance’s third approval in Europe came after the Bank of Spain allowed its Spanish subsidiary to register as a virtual asset services provider (VASP), the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume said Friday.  See related article: SEC said to probe Binance for rule violation in 2017 initial coin offering: report Fast facts The registration will […]

Crypto investments to count when determining conflict of interest: US gov’t ethics watchdog

The U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) said federal employees of the executive branch owning cryptocurrencies or mutual funds investing in the sector need to recuse themselves from any matter related to the industry. See related article: CFTC Commissioner Pham suggests regulators stay tech-neutral on stablecoins Fast facts The July 5 memo clarified that the […]

Hong Kong SFC boss Ashley Alder to head UK’s Financial Conduct Authority

The U.K. Treasury on Friday named Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) CEO Ashley Alder as chairman of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). He is expected to start in January next year. See related article: UK finance watchdog to spend £11M to warn young people off crypto investment Fast facts See related article: […]

Three Arrows Capital collapse sends tremors through crypto industry

Top blockchain and crypto news: Three Arrows target bankruptcy protection. Polium’s Web3 game plan pilloried. China’s tech giants get hands-on with NFTs.

EU’s new crypto rule requires stablecoin issuers to hold more reserves

European Union officials agreed to the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) law on Thursday, placing cryptocurrencies, issuers and service providers under the EU’s first regulatory framework for the industry. The rules are expected to kick in as early as 2024. See related article: European Union to track all crypto transfers Fast facts All stablecoins will fall […]

China’s Ant Group, Tencent, Baidu, JD.com push for NFT self-regulation

Chinese tech giants including Ant Group, Tencent, Baidu and JD.com are joining yet another self-disciplinary initiative on eliminating speculation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), also known as “digital collectibles.” See related article: China’s diktat against NFT flipping spawns an ingenious industry Fast facts The companies pledged to resist secondary trading and ensure real-name identification in a […]

June 2022

Why tougher crypto regulations are urgently needed

Lack of public trust remain a big barrier to crypto adoption, writes Tristan Roozendaal. Here’s why regulators should ‘move fast and break things.’

Chinese marketplace repurchases NFTs, citing uncertain policies

Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace Yucang Digital Collectibles announced that it is buying back assets sold on its platform due to lack of regulatory clarity.  See related article: NFTs in China must be reviewed: China media watchdog Fast facts The marketplace said operations will continue, but sales and transfers of digital collectibles will be frozen and […]

What will be the law of the metaverse?

The legal and ethical dilemmas plaguing technology today will only grow more acute in the metaverse, writes Brian Harley. How will real-world laws apply?

Warnings on crypto, Bitcoin have materialized, says central bank body BIS

Deeper structural flaws in crypto make it unsuitable as the basis of a monetary system that serves society, the Bank for International Settlements said in its annual report.
and