Cryptocurrency

Anti-Money Laundering

US Authorities Announce Charges Against Crypto Exchange KuCoin

By Editors | 27/03/2024

Four KuCoin units and two founders were charged by the CFTC and DOJ for serving US clients without registering and for AML-related violations.

Cryptocurrency

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.

PEPs & Sanctions

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.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

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.

Cryptocurrency

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”.

Cryptocurrency

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.

Anti-Money Laundering

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.

Cryptocurrency

US SEC Seeking Information About Ethereum Foundation – Reports

By Editors | 22/03/2024

The SEC has issued subpoenas to companies asking about their dealings with the foundation, purportedly in relation to the possible classification of Ethereum as a security.

DeFi & Web3

OECD Assesses DeFi’s Role in ASEAN to Promote Financial Inclusion

By Manesh Samtani | 20/03/2024

Innovation associated with DeFi, provided in a regulated and compliant form, could offer possible financial inclusion benefits such as in MSME financing.