Crypto / Digital Assets

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC, HKMA Issue New Joint Circular on Virtual Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 22/10/2023

The circular supersedes a similar circular from January 2022, setting out additional requirements for intermediaries providing virtual asset services to retail investors.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Eurex Set to Add Options to Crypto Derivatives Suite

By Mark Johnston | 21/10/2023

The new options contracts will allow investors to deploy new trading strategies with institutional grade trading and clearing safeguards, Eurex said.

Crypto / Digital Assets

DTCC to Build Infrastructure to Support Adoption of Digital Assets

By Mark Johnston | 20/10/2023

DTCC is acquiring digital asset technology provider Securrency; will offer new blockchain-based products and “unlock the power of institutional DeFi”.

Enforcement

NYAG Sues Crypto Firms Gemini, Genesis, DCG for Fraud

By Manesh Samtani | 20/10/2023

“Gemini hid the risks of investing with Genesis, and Genesis lied to the public about its losses,” said AG Letitia James. The lawsuit says 230,000 investors lost more than $1bn.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Korea FSS Developing Rules to Implement Virtual Asset Law

By Mark Johnston | 20/10/2023

Regulations to implement the Virtual Asset Users Protection Act, which was passed in June, will be ready by January 2024.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ECB Launches Two-Year Preparation Phase for Digital Euro

By Mark Johnston | 20/10/2023

The ECB said its Governing Council will decide after the two year preparation phase whether to proceed to the next stage.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ESMA Calls on NCAs, Crypto Firms to Start Preparing for MiCA

By Manesh Samtani | 20/10/2023

ESMA is concerned that MiCA’s optional grand-fathering period might allow some crypto firms to continue operating without a full licence all the way until July 2026.

AML / KYC

KoFIU Calls on Financial Industry to Bolster AML Efforts

By Manesh Samtani | 20/10/2023

AML evaluations identified independent audit, customer verification, and manpower shortages as areas for improvement. More attention is also needed on virtual assets.

AML / KYC

FinCEN to Require FIs to Report Transactions Involving Crypto Mixers

By Editors | 19/10/2023

FIs would have to report information about transactions they know or suspect could involve crypto mixing, whether in the US or in another jurisdiction.