CRYPTO / DIGITAL ASSETS

AML / KYC

Malaysia Restricts Crypto Activity Until New Guidelines in Place

By Manesh Samtani | 17/01/2019

Crypto exchange operators are prohibited from accepting new clients and ongoing ICO projects must return all client funds, until the securities regulator is ready to formally authorise their activities.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong, Luxembourg Sign Mutual Recognition of Funds Agreement

By Editors | 16/01/2019

Eligible general equity, bond or mixed funds authorised by the SFC can seek authorisation to be marketed to retail investors in Luxembourg.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Two Thirds of Korean Crypto Exchanges Vulnerable to Hacking

By Manesh Samtani | 14/01/2019

Only 7 of 21 crypto exchanges in South Korea passed the government’s security audit; the rest are “vulnerable to hacking attacks at all times.”

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA to Crack Down on Unlicensed Crypto Investment Firms

By Editors | 10/01/2019

Currently, investment firms collecting funds from investors in cryptocurrency do not explicitly fall under Japan’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Crypto / Digital Assets

UPDATED – Japan FSA Considers Approving Crypto ETFs

By Editors | 08/01/2019

The FSA is gauging industry interest in crypto ETFs, following its release of a new draft framework for the sector that could become law in 2020.

Enforcement

S. Korea’s Largest Crypto Exchange Accused of Inflating Volumes, Prices

By Editors | 27/12/2018

South Korea’s Upbit is alleged to have used bots to manipulate trading volumes and prices to attract investors to the exchange. Two officers and an employee have been indicted.

Crypto / Digital Assets

India Eyes Introduction of Sandbox Policy to Boost Capital Markets Innovation

By Editors | 24/12/2018

SEBI is examining whether legislative changes are required for the sandbox, as it seeks to enable the use of machine learning, artificial intelligence and blockchain in capital markets.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan FSA Publishes New Draft Framework on Crypto Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 19/12/2018

The framework will impose restrictions on privacy coin listings, margin trading, derivative transactions and ICOs, and introduce new requirements to protect investors against hacks.

AML / KYC

Malaysia Clarifies Regulatory Treatment of Cryptocurrencies

By Editors | 07/12/2018

ICO issuers and digital asset exchanges will be regulated by the Securities Commission and subject to AML/CTF guidelines, as well as BNM laws and regulations relating to payments.