SEC Engages with Bitcoin ETF Applicants, Potential Approval on the Horizon

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set a December 29 deadline for Bitcoin spot ETF applicants to submit final S-1 amendments, indicating a potential move forward in the approval process. The SEC recently held meetings with representatives from seven firms seeking to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs in the coming year, including BlackRock, Grayscale […]

Deadline Approaching for Spot Bitcoin ETF Filings with SEC

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set a deadline for spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applicants to file final S-1 amendments by December 29. The SEC officials recently met with representatives from several firms, including BlackRock, Grayscale Investments, ARK Investments, and 21 Shares, who are hoping to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs in […]

Swiss Banking Regulator Faces Criticism Over Handling of Credit Suisse Collapse

A recent article raises questions about the actions of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) in relation to the Credit Suisse (CS) bank. The article suggests that the Swiss government may have favored UBS as a potential buyer for CS, leading to certain decisions being made.The article highlights the issue of Too Big To […]

Nigeria Lifts Restrictions on Crypto Transactions, Paving the Way for Intense Competition between Exchanges and P2P Merchants

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted restrictions on Nigerian banks facilitating cryptocurrency transactions, according to a circular sent on Dec. 22. This move is expected to intensify competition between crypto-fiat exchanges and peer-to-peer (P2P) merchants. The initial ban by the CBN on banks aiding crypto transactions had led to the dominance of P2P […]

Hong Kong Regulators Open to Spot Crypto ETF Applications

Hong Kong’s financial regulatory bodies, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), have announced that they are open to receiving applications for spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This comes after a review of their current policy on ETFs, acknowledging the evolving virtual asset environment since 2018.The SFC and HKMA […]

SEC Sets Year-End Deadline for Bitcoin ETF Changes, Approvals Expected in January

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set a strict year-end deadline for final changes to spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The SEC officials have confirmed that the first wave of approvals for these ETFs will come in January 2024.In a recent meeting with the issuers, the SEC made it clear that any firm missing […]

Turkey’s Central Bank Appoints Crypto Expert to Monetary Body

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has appointed Professor Fatma Ozkul, an expert in crypto assets and blockchain technology, to the central bank’s monetary body. Ozkul, a lecturer at Marmara University in Istanbul, has a strong academic background in accounting, finance, and auditing, with a focus on blockchain technology and digital assets. She recently authored a […]

Nigeria Lifts Ban on Crypto Transactions, Opening Doors for Financial Institutions

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted the ban on cryptocurrency transactions in the country, allowing Nigerian banks and financial institutions to resume operations with cryptocurrency service providers. The initial ban, imposed in February 2021, was due to concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing risks associated with crypto assets.Under the new guidelines, financial […]

Circle Receives Conditional Registration as Digital Asset Service Provider in France

Stablecoin issuer Circle has announced that it has received conditional registration under France’s cryptocurrency laws. This marks a significant regulatory stride for the company as it aims to comply with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regime. Circle’s Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy, Dante Disparte, highlighted France’s clear rules for responsible innovation […]

Paxos Receives Regulatory Approval to Expand Stablecoin Products to Solana Blockchain

The leading stablecoin issuer Paxos has received regulatory approval to expand its products to the Solana blockchain, which it plans to launch on Jan. 17, 2024. This expansion is a significant step for Paxos, as it competes with other stablecoin issuers like Circle and Tether for market share.Paxos prides itself on being the most regulated […]