Regulation

Blockchain Secretary General for Europe speaks on the state of global crypto regulation | Video

Published

6 months ago

29 May, 2024

We are now joined by Blockchain General Secretary for Europe, Robert Koch. Robert. Welcome to the show. Thank you for. Okay, Robert, we were just looking at our little consensus ad over there and we saw Lefty the, I don’t know if it was a Llama or an Alpaca. I think, I think it was a L Lefty the llama. All right. From last year, one of my highlights. And do you remember Lefty? No, the llama. Do you remember the llama? Actually, it’s nice because you know, we were there and uh my assistant is a big fan of llamas and uh he has a tattoo on his arm because it’s his totem animal and he was so excited. And I was like, yeah, okay, let’s do the Instagram story and get it over with and it was great. People loved it and you should have more animals here. RIGHT. I agree. We should have more animals here. Maybe we’ll find a little puppy pen or something we can reach by consensus. I feel like this would really help the people she hangs out with. We can bring everything in, come in for an in-depth conversation. Stay for the cute and cuddly animals. All right, we’ll start talking about regulation in a second. But I must have what you think. You have already reached a consensus. How do you feel? In fact, we’re just starting the year 2024. Great. I mean, my first consensus was always New York. So it was a bit of a different experience. It was more, I don’t want to say old school, but New York is, you know, a little different than Austin. And since then, we have seen that the consensus always evolves with the market. So, you know, last year was a little less than enthusiastic and the year before that was amazing. I think this year will be amazing. Again, there’s a lot of positive vibes, uh, a lot of things happening and adoptions and regulations emerging. Um, you know, like that, legal certainty will be there, businesses will be happy. I think at least in Europe, I think in the United States, you’ve also made progress now, you know, everything is good. No, it’s a great transition, you know, the regulatory framework for marketing crypto assets comes into effect this year. What are you waiting for? What are you seeing from companies and businesses trying to prepare for this? Um, expectations range from very high to dire. Um, there’s a big difference depending on which angle you take, right? I mean, the regulation itself generates a lot of legal certainty for the market. So it’s a real opportunity to establish yourself in Europe, you know, open a business and be sure that what you’re doing is legally sound and allows you to grow. RIGHT? This is the key element. On the other hand, the question still arises of how regulators will implement this measure. And you know, the European Union has 27 member states and not all countries are equally crypto savvy. I mean, it’s the same in the United States, right? I mean, there’s a difference between, but, uh, I don’t want to name and shame many states, but there are differences between states and it’s the same in Europe. And if you’re local to a place where regulators are a little more conservative, it can be a little harder to get things done. But I think overall, most companies will locate in a handful of countries and once Mica is in place, right? So stablecoins, some of it will go into effect at the end of June and the rest at the end of the year and then you’ll have rules that aren’t perfect, but I think it’s a great starting point, don’t is this not ? I mean, no regulation has ever been perfect. But uh you have to start somewhere and uh as an industry player we will continue to work to improve this and it’s all about, you know, the innovators in the field. And that’s why we’re also here, you know, to talk to them to see what they’re interested in, what they’re looking for, why it’s important. And then, I hope, go back to Europe and tell our policymakers to adapt over time. So, regarding these adjustments, uh, the European elections are in a little over a week. Um, are there any expectations that, you know, re-elected people or newly elected officials might seek to change or update. Um, you know, the 27 members, you know, the framework before the individual nations do it or just what do you expect from the elections? I mean, I love this question because I have a very strong opinion on this. Many changes are coming and the last parliament was rather center-left, traditionally more focused on social issues and consumer protection climate, which is not a bad thing, is it? But when it comes to innovation and business, they are always very cautious. So first there’s consumer protection, and then let’s see if there’s room for innovation. Parliament will move a bit to the right, which in some ways isn’t so great, to be honest. But when it comes to business, fintech and crypto, I think it will be a good thing because there will be more open-mindedness and there will be more young parliamentarians who will arrive already accustomed to wallets, to cryptocurrencies , stablecoins and all these things. So the discussions will be different and hopefully better. So I think the opportunity for the industry to move that needle toward a more positive future is very much there. And an opportunity, but maybe I’m completely wrong. RIGHT. And they all elect old guys and they all want a central bank and uh and we all screwed up, but, you know, I’m optimistic. Oh yeah, we’ll have to, we’ll have to wait and see, talk to me about uh getting everyone working together on the drafting, the passage and now the implementation of Mica. This seems like a real challenge. Oh my God, yeah, we had over 200 meetings with policy makers over those two years. And uh, I remember one day when we received the proposed Bitcoin ban in parliament and I was at the Dubai Expo on Saturday night and uh, they asked me, hey, what do you think? -you? Like, it’s terrible. We have to get rid of it, which we finally did. But, you know, actually, I was on vacation in the evening with my family and uh, that’s not how you want to spend your time, to be honest, but, you know, we did it and I think we did a great job. . The only thing that probably wasn’t, it turned out not to be as good as it should have been, because the ST, the stablecoins, just because everyone else was, this big technology comes in and takes over the banking pie. And that’s why they’re very tough on stablecoins compared to a lot of other places, that doesn’t mean it won’t change, especially since the digital euro will take a while and there now has a gap and someone needs to fill it. So maybe they turn a blind eye and say, okay, let them go until we have a digital euro or it will just be an unknown situation where, you know, Teta won’t be there in Europe because It is not me. compliant and a few others could also disappear. And yes, the process was great because it was a collaborative effort and there was a lot of enthusiasm in parts of parliament and the commission because they knew what change it could make, what what it brought and the opportunities. But it was a huge, uphill battle with certain groups and certain mindsets and uh because you know what, we don’t know, we’re afraid most of the time and we spend a lot of time eliminating the fear. And I think overall it went pretty well, but you know, some things we can’t control, right, like uh FTX uh Terra Lua. And uh, luckily Terra Lua came along after Mia was adopted, otherwise it probably would have been different. And uh yeah, so, yeah, but it was exciting, I think, a great process and it was a big fight until the last minute. So, at the end of the trilogue, the French ambassador said thank you. That’s it. Um A minute before I made some decisions on NFTS that no one knew about and they just went into law and that was it, right. So it was, uh, it was quite a journey, as I’ve been saying all morning, we’re talking to other governments, uh, regulators on the show this morning, to try to understand what’s going on and in different regions. Worldwide, do you follow the regulations in different parts of the world? Is there a particular region that you’re watching that you think is doing things incrementally? I mean, we actually track all regions a little more, some less. I mean, you always have to follow the US just because when there’s a global level to this, then normally the US and the UC get together and talk. And uh, the irony is that most of the time when you see what the United States does globally, it’s at odds with what it does at home. They just impose this on everyone. Then people are pissed and, uh, they look at the United States and, like, why don’t you guys implement any of this? Yes, we thought it was a bad idea. It’s like, yeah, we knew it but we did it anyway. And we’re also looking at a lot of things in the Middle East, there are positive developments there and obviously in the major jurisdictions, right? The UK is still relevant to some extent to Switzerland, Japan, Singapore and also what the Chinese are doing, right? Rather, it is surveillance. I mean, there’s not a lot of engagement there, but Hong Kong, for example, is quite interesting. And uh, the next item that will be particularly interesting for the rest of us is probably what’s happening in Africa, right? Because they have a huge problem there with foreign currencies. So CBD C stablecoins, these things that are highly toxic. I would even say that when you look at Nigeria for example, but on the other hand, the adoption in those markets is just huge, right? What if you go to South America or Africa and that’s a great use case, right? Because in the West, people always wonder what is the use case for crypto? And because we have these payments and these infrastructures and, uh, these banks and all these things, and then when you look at people who live abroad or especially in emerging markets, it’s just normal for them, is not it ? It’s like everyone uses it before a certain age and I think it’s something that’s slowly evolving in the mindset of Europeans and Americans probably as well. Robert, thank you very much. For joining our programming this morning. This was the Secretary General of Blockchain for Europe, Robert Kit.

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Regulation

Crypto community gets involved in anti-government protests in Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

1 August, 2024

BlockChainBulletin Staff

Crypto Community Engages in Nigeria's Governance Protests

Amid the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests in Nigeria, a notable shift is occurring within the country’s cryptocurrency sector. As the general public demands sweeping governance reforms, crypto community leaders are seizing the opportunity to advocate for specific regulatory changes.

Rume Ophi, former secretary of the Blockchain Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), stressed the critical need to integrate crypto-focused demands into the broader agenda of the protests.

Ophi explained the dual benefit of such requirements, noting that proper regulation can spur substantial economic growth by attracting investors and creating job opportunities. Ophi noted, “Including calls for favorable crypto regulations is not just about the crypto community; it’s about leveraging these technologies to foster broader economic prosperity.”

Existing government efforts

In opposition to Ophi’s call for action, Chimezie Chuta, chair of the National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee, presents a different view. He pointed out The Nigerian government continued efforts to nurture the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries.

According to Chuta, the creation of a steering committee was essential to effectively address the needs of the crypto community.

Chuta also highlighted the creation of a subcommittee to harmonize regulations for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). With the aim of streamlining operations and providing clear regulatory direction, the initiative involves cooperation with major organizations including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). “Our efforts should mitigate the need for protest as substantial progress is being made to address the needs of the crypto industry,” Chuta said.

A united call for support

The ongoing dialogue between the crypto community and government agencies reflects a complex landscape of negotiations and demands for progress.

While actors like Ophi are calling for more direct action and the inclusion of crypto demands in protest agendas, government figures like Chuta are advocating for recognition of the steps already taken.

As protests continue, the crypto community’s push for regulatory reform highlights a crucial aspect of Nigeria’s broader fight to improve governance and economic policies. Both sides agree that favorable regulations are critical to the successful adoption and implementation of blockchain technologies, signaling a potentially transformative era for Nigeria’s economic framework.

Read also : OKX Exchange Exits Nigerian Market Amid Regulatory Crackdown

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Regulation

Cryptocurrency Regulations in Slovenia 2024

Published

4 months ago

1 August, 2024

BlockChainBulletin Staff

Cryptocurrency Regulations in Slovenia 2024

Slovenia, a small but highly developed European country with a population of 2.1 million, boasts a rich industrial history that has contributed greatly to its strong economy. As the most economically developed Slavic nation, Slovenia has grown steadily since adopting the euro in 2007. Its openness to innovation has been a key factor in its success in the industrial sector, making it a prime destination for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Many believe that Slovenia is poised to become a powerful fintech hub in Europe. But does its current regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies support such aspirations?

Let’s explore Slovenia’s cryptocurrency regulations and see if they can propel the country to the forefront of the cryptocurrency landscape. My expectations are positive. What are yours? Before we answer, let’s dig a little deeper.

1. Cryptocurrency regulation in Slovenia: an overview

Slovenia is renowned for its innovation-friendly stance, providing a supportive environment for emerging technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Under the Payment Services and Systems Act, cryptocurrencies are classified as virtual assets rather than financial or monetary instruments.

The regulation of the cryptocurrency sector in Slovenia is decentralized. Different authorities manage different aspects of the ecosystem. For example, the Bank of Slovenia and the Securities Market Agency oversee cryptocurrency transactions to ensure compliance with financial laws, including anti-money laundering (AML) and terrorist financing regulations. The Slovenian Act on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ZPPDFT-2) incorporates the EU’s 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5MLD) and aligns with the latest FATF recommendations. All virtual currency service providers must register with the Office of the Republic of Slovenia.

2. Cryptocurrency regulation in Slovenia: what’s new?

Several notable developments have taken place this year in the cryptocurrency sector in Slovenia:

July 25, 2024:Slovenia has issued a €30 million on-chain digital sovereign bond, the first of its kind in the EU, with a yield of 3.65%, maturing on 25 November 2024.

May 14, 2024:NiceHash has announced the first Slovenian Bitcoin-focused conference, NiceHashX, scheduled for November 8-9 in Maribor.

3. Explanation of the tax framework for cryptocurrencies in Slovenia

The Slovenian cryptocurrency tax framework provides clear guidelines for individuals and businesses. According to the Slovenian Financial Administration, the tax treatment depends on the status of the trader and the nature of the transaction.

People:Income earned from cryptocurrencies through employment or ongoing business activities is subject to personal income tax. However, capital gains from transactions or market fluctuations are exempt from tax.
Companies:Capital gains from cryptocurrency-related activities are subject to a 19% corporate tax. Value-added tax (VAT) generally applies at a rate of 22%, although cryptocurrency transactions that are considered as means of payment are exempt from VAT. Companies are not allowed to limit payment methods to cryptocurrencies alone. Tokens issued during ICOs must follow standard accounting rules and corporate tax law.

4. Cryptocurrency Mining in Slovenia: What You Need to Know

Cryptocurrency mining is not restricted in Slovenia, but income from mining is considered business income and is therefore taxable. This includes rewards from validating transactions and any additional income from mining operations. Both individuals and legal entities must comply with Slovenian tax regulations.

5. Timeline of the development of cryptocurrency regulation in Slovenia

Here is a timeline highlighting the evolution of cryptocurrency regulations in Slovenia:

2013:The Slovenian Financial Administration has issued guidelines stating that income from cryptocurrency transactions should be taxed.
2017:The Slovenian Financial Administration has provided more detailed guidelines on cryptocurrency taxation, depending on factors such as the status of the trader and the type of transaction.
2023:The EU adopted the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, establishing a uniform regulatory framework for crypto-assets, their issuers and service providers across the EU.

Endnote

Slovenia’s approach to the cryptocurrency sector is commendable, reflecting its optimistic view of the future of cryptocurrencies. The country’s balanced regulatory framework supports cryptocurrency innovation while protecting users’ rights and preventing illegal activities. Recent developments demonstrate Slovenia’s commitment to continually improving its regulatory environment. Slovenia’s cryptocurrency regulatory framework sets a positive example for other nations navigating the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

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Regulation

A Blank Sheet for Cryptocurrencies: Kamala Harris’ Regulatory Opportunity

Published

4 months ago

1 August, 2024

BlockChainBulletin Staff

A Blank Sheet for Cryptocurrencies: Kamala Harris' Regulatory Opportunity

photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash

As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, the need for clear regulation has never been more pressing.

With Vice President Kamala Harris now leading the charge on digital asset regulation in the United States, this represents a unique opportunity to start fresh. This fresh start can foster innovation and protect consumers. It can also pave the way for widespread adoption across industries, including real estate agencies, healthcare providers, and online gaming platforms like these. online casinos ukAccording to experts at SafestCasinoSites, these platforms come with benefits such as bonus offers, a wide selection of games, and various payment methods. Ultimately, all this increase in adoption could propel the cryptocurrency market forward.

With this in mind, let’s look at the current state of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States, a complex and confusing landscape. Multiple agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), have overlapping jurisdictions, creating a fragmented regulatory environment. This lack of clarity has stifled innovation as companies are reluctant to invest in the United States, fearing regulatory repercussions. A coherent and clear regulatory framework is urgently needed to realize the full potential of cryptocurrencies in the United States.

While the US struggles to find its footing, other countries, such as Singapore and the UK, are actively looking into the cryptocurrency sector by adopting clear and supportive regulatory frameworks. This has led to a brain drain, with companies choosing to locate in more conducive environments.

Vice President Kamala Harris has a unique opportunity to change that narrative and start over. Regulation of cryptocurrencies. By taking a comprehensive and inclusive approach, it can help create a framework that balances consumer protection with innovation and growth. The time has come for clear and effective regulation of cryptocurrencies in the United States.

Effective regulation of digital assets is essential to foster a safe and innovative environment. The key principles guiding this regulation are clarity, innovation, global cooperation, consumer protection, and flexibility. Clear definitions and guidelines eliminate ambiguity while encouraging experimentation and development to ensure progress. Collaboration with international partners establishes consistent standards, preventing regulatory arbitrage. Strong safeguards protect consumers from fraud and market abuse, and adaptability allows for evolution in response to emerging trends and technologies, striking a balance between innovation and protection.

The benefits of effective cryptocurrency regulation are multiple and far-reaching. By establishing clear guidelines, governments can attract investors and mainstream users, driving growth and adoption. This can, in turn, position countries like the United States as global leaders in fintech and innovation. Strong safeguards will also increase consumer confidence in digital assets and related products, increasing economic activity.

A thriving crypto industry can contribute significantly to GDP and job creation, which has a positive impact on the overall economy. Furthermore, effective regulation has paved the way for the growth of many businesses such as tech startups, online casinos, and pharmaceutical companies, demonstrating that clear guidelines can open up new opportunities without stifling innovation. This is a great example of how regulation can allay fears of regressive policies, even if Kamala Harris does not repeal the current progressive approach. By adopting effective regulation, governments can create fertile ground for the crypto industry to thrive, thereby promoting progress and prosperity.

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Regulation

South Korea Imposes New ‘Monitoring’ Fees on Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Published

4 months ago

1 August, 2024

BlockChainBulletin Staff

South Korea Imposes New 'Monitoring' Fees on Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Big news! The latest regulatory changes in South Korea are expected to impact major cryptocurrency exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb. Under the updated regulations, these platforms will now have to pay monitoring fees, which could cause problems for some exchanges.

Overview of new fees

In the latest move to regulate cryptocurrencies, the Financial Services Commission announced on July 1 the revised “Enforcement Order of the Act on the Establishment of the Financial Services Commission, etc.” update “Regulations on the collection of contributions from financial institutions, etc.” According to local legislation newsThe regulations require virtual asset operators to pay supervisory fees for inspections conducted by the Financial Supervisory Service starting next year. The total fees for the four major exchanges are estimated at around 300 million won, or about $220,000.

Apportionment of costs

Upbit, which holds a dominant market share, is expected to bear more than 90% of the total fee, or about 272 million won ($199,592) based on its operating revenue. Bithumb will pay about 21.14 million won ($155,157), while Coinone and GOPAX will contribute about 6.03 million won ($4,422) and 830,000 won ($608), respectively. Korbit is excluded from this fee due to its lower operating revenue.

Impact on the industry

The supervision fee will function similarly to a quasi-tax for financial institutions subject to inspections by the Financial Supervisory Service. The new law requires any company with a turnover of 3 billion won or more to pay the fee.

In the past, fees for electronic financial companies and P2P investment firms were phased in over three years. However, the taxation of virtual asset operators has been accelerated, reflecting the rapid growth of the cryptocurrency market and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Industry reactions

The rapid introduction of the fee was unexpected by some industry players, who had expected a delay. Financial Supervisory Service officials justified the decision by citing the creation of the body concerned and the costs already incurred.

While larger exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb can afford the cost, smaller exchanges like Coinone and GOPAX, which are currently operating at a loss, could face an additional financial burden. This is part of a broader trend of declining trading volumes for South Korean exchanges, which have seen a 30% drop since the new law went into effect.

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