Economy & Regulation

Muslim countries around the world are planning to push back against the U.S. dollar’s long global dominance by creating a common digital currency for use in Islamic states. The dollar has evolved into a “sanctioning tool,” charged Erol Yarar, chairman of the Muslim-focused business lobby group International Business Forum (IBF).Continue Reading

The government of Poland recently submitted amended income tax regulations for approval by President Andrzej Duda. The updated framework, which includes provisions referring to cryptocurrencies, is expected to enter into force on Jan. 1, 2019. Also read: Growing Number of Crypto Companies Operating From Belarus Crypto-To-Crypto Transactions Will Not BeContinue Reading

Cryptocurrencies do not pose a threat to global financial stability, but the diverse range of national regulatory regimes throughout the world continues to complicate efforts to establish an international legislative framework overseeing their use, the Financial Stability Board says in a new report.  Also Read: Billion-Dollar Startups Flourishing in Switzerland’s ‘Crypto Valley’ ReportContinue Reading

The number of cryptocurrency ATMs in Belgium and the Netherlands is growing, according to newly released data. Amsterdam is leading among major cities in the Benelux region, with 12 machines supporting digital coin transactions. Luxembourg, which is a global center of traditional finances, is lagging behind in terms of availableContinue Reading

This week Dutch authorities revealed to the public that the Netherlands’ largest financial services provider, ING, had violated numerous money laundering laws because they didn’t scrutinize unusual transactions and certain accounts. Also Read: Public Anger Forces Bank CFO to Quit Over Huge Money Laundering Affair Netherlands’ Largest Bank Admits: “ING ClientsContinue Reading

Cryptocurrencies are becoming more prevalent to residents living in South Africa and over the past year bitcoin interest stemming from the region has grown exponentially. Furthermore, just recently the South African Treasury has proposed a few amendments that apply to the country’s Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB) and how cryptocurrenciesContinue Reading

Eastern European nations have been following closely regulatory developments in the West to better understand where the wind is blowing before addressing the challenges presented by cryptocurrencies. This strategy has proved fruitless, however, as developed western countries, and international organizations, have not been able to come up with a unifiedContinue Reading

Russian ICOs attracted a total of $300 million last year but half of the funds went to financial pyramids, according to the Russian Association of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain. The organization that represents the crypto community in the country is now working on an ICO standard to help investors distinguish realContinue Reading

Reports are increasingly indicating that bitcoin’s recent drop of 70% from its December record highs of nearly $20,000 has spurred a renewed interest in the BTC and cryptocurrency markets from institutional investors. Also Read: Markets Update: Broken Trendlines and Bullish Bounces Reports Indicate Influx of Institutional Investment Jeffrey Van de Leemput,Continue Reading

Private digital currencies are better than any state-issued version, admitted a high-ranking representative of the Swiss National Bank. Cryptocurrencies are also less risky, according to Andrea Maechler, member of the central bank’s governing board. Her comments indicate that Switzerland has no intentions to emit a state-sponsored crypto.   Also read:Continue Reading

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has been studying cryptocurrency developments and there is no strong case to ban crypto trading, a high-ranking government official told lawmakers. The adoption of regulations in other countries in the region has increased pressure on authorities in the city-state to clarify their stance on bitcoin,Continue Reading