Crypto / Digital Assets

Crypto / Digital Assets

ESMA Finalises First MiCA Rules, Issues New Consultation

By Manesh Samtani | 26/03/2024

The rules set out authorisation requirements for CASPs and notification requirements for regulated financial entities seeking to provide crypto services.

AML / KYC

Netherlands: Trial Against Tornado Cash Co-founder is Underway

By Editors | 26/03/2024

Alexey Pertsev is accused of participating in Tornado Cash’s money laundering activities. A verdict is expected six weeks after the trial concludes this week.

Crypto / Digital Assets

OFAC Sanctions Crypto Targets Over Russia Sanctions Evasion

By Editors | 26/03/2024

The sanctioned entities either helped build or operate blockchain-based services or enabled virtual currency payments in the Russian financial sector, enabling potential sanctions evasion.

Enforcement

ASIC Bans Director for Operating Unlicensed Crypto Fund Dishonestly

By Mark Johnston | 26/03/2024

ASIC found, among other things, that Brian Creigh used investor money to invest in an overseas investment scam. costing them A$7.7mn.

AML / KYC

Crypto Firm OKX to Cease Services in India, Citing Regulations

By Ajoy K Das | 25/03/2024

OKX said it will cease operations in the country due to “local regulations directed at offshore exchanges that make CeFi trading available in India”.

Enforcement

Montenegro Halts Do Kwon Extradition to South Korea

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/03/2024

Montenegro’s top prosecutor said only the Minister of Justice can decide on extradition, not the High Court, so now the Supreme Court will weigh in.

Big Picture

New Mediums of Exchange Will Add to HK’s GDP: Report

By Manesh Samtani | 25/03/2024

BCG, DLA Piper, HKT Payment Limited, paywith.glass, VSFG and ZA Bank say CBDC, tokenised deposits and stablecoins will add HK$160bn to Hong Kong’s GDP by 2032.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan GPIF Considers Diversifying Holdings Into Forests and Bitcoin

By Editors | 22/03/2024

World’s largest pension fund seeking information on investing in forests, farmland, gold, and crypto-assets; plans to resume foreign stock lending.

Enforcement

London Court Convicts Chinese Woman in Bitcoin Laundering Case

By Mark Johnston | 22/03/2024

A London court has found a 42-year-old woman guilty of laundering bitcoin linked to an alleged $6.3bn investment fraud.