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French regulator accepting CASP applications ahead of MiCA rollout

The AMF is giving firms registered under its current DASP rules ample time to transition, too.

France's financial markets regulator, Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), has begun accepting applications for crypto asset service providers (CASPs), six months ahead of Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations coming into force.

Beginning on Dec. 30, firms that provide any of ten crypto-related services will be required to have CASP authorization that will impose uniform rules for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, cybersecurity and other aspects of doing business.

The MiCA requirements will replace France’s PACTE (Action Plan for Business Growth and Transformation) regime. Firms whose activities were not previously subject to regulation or that have digital asset service provider authorization under PACTE will have until July 1, 2026, to transition to CASP authorization. There are over 100 such firms.

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A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

Hawaii crypto firms no longer need MT license, regulator rules

While being exempt from the Money Transmitter License requirement, crypto firms in Hawaii will still have to comply with any federal licensing laws.

Cryptocurrency firms in Hawaii are now officially exempt from the requirement to receive a Money Transmitter License (MTL) to run business in the state.

The Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) informed the public that the state concluded the collaborative crypto research project Digital Currency Innovation Lab (DCIL) on June 30, 2024.

Initiated in 2020, DCIL aimed to explore the landscape of digital currency activity within the state as well as assess the regulatory framework required for crypto-related companies.

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A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

Nigeria urged to adopt crypto regulations inspired by Europe

Nigerian data and policy analyst Obinna Uzoije noted that a unified regulatory framework for all ECOWAS member states would offer potential crypto investors much-needed clarity.

Nigeria’s crypto community has praised Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) stablecoin rules as a positive development, saying it is important for jurisdictions to prioritize their interests regarding crypto projects, thereby protecting their local currencies.

In an interview with Cointelegraph, Nigerian data and policy analyst Obinna Uzoije shared his thoughts on what the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) can learn from Europe’s MiCA. He highlighted the numerous advantages that ECOWAS’s regulatory framework regarding cryptocurrency would bring to its member states.

Uzoije pointed out that stablecoins are currently the most prominent use case for crypto assets. According to him, Africa, in particular, has more transactions using stablecoin than any other type of digital asset.

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A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

Banking Sector Poses Highest Money Laundering Risk, Singapore’s Central Bank Says

Banking Sector Poses Highest Money Laundering Risk, Singapore’s Central Bank SaysAccording to the Money Laundering Risk Assessment Report by Singapore’s central bank, the banking sector is identified as the highest money laundering risk to the country. The report also highlights risks related to digital assets and cryptocurrencies. To mitigate these risks, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has implemented stringent regulatory measures under the Payment […]

A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

North Dakota latest US state to revoke Binance.US license

North Dakota’s Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner pointed to Binance’s money transmitter and AML convictions to make its case.

North Dakota’s financial regulator has revoked a money transmitter license for Binance’s United States arm, Binance.US — making it the seventh state to do so.

North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Commissioner Lise Kruse said on June 17 that BAM Trading Services — conducting business as Binance.US — failed to comply with the state’s money transmitter laws.

A revocation order notes Binance and founder Changpeng Zhao’s November federal conviction for conspiracy to conduct an unlicensed money-transmitting business and a failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program as reasons to pull the license.

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A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

Crypto Friendly Evolve Bank Under Scrutiny: Cease and Desist Order Issued 

Crypto Friendly Evolve Bank Under Scrutiny: Cease and Desist Order Issued The Federal Reserve and Arkansas State Bank Department have mandated sweeping reforms at Evolve Bank & Trust following significant compliance breaches. The order highlights issues in anti-money laundering efforts and consumer protection, especially in its dealings with fintech companies and prominent crypto players like FTX. Compliance Concerns Trigger Regulatory Action Against Evolve Bank Evolve Bank […]

A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

Binance France changes ownership following regulator warning

Former CEO Changpeng Zhao cannot be Binance's beneficiary if it wants to keep its French license.

Binance France has new shareholders who own 100% of the company equally between them. The move was necessary after the country’s Financial Markets Authority (AMF) sent the company a warning in December.

According to a blog post, the AMF informed Binance France that it had to take action in response to the problems that arose between the original beneficial owner and the United States Justice Department, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. In other words, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao could no longer own the company.

The post indicated that Zhao had already withdrawn from the company. He pleaded guilty to the U.S. charges in November and has been sentenced to four months in prison in the United States, although he has yet to begin his prison term.

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A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

Taiwan proposes tougher AML measures for crypto service providers

Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice proposed four amendments to the country’s AML regulations focused on cryptocurrency firms that plan to impose hefty penalties for noncompliance.

Taiwan wants to amend its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations to combat fraud and AML measures for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). 

Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice has proposed amendments to existing AML laws that could impose jail terms of up to two years for noncompliant firms and fines of up to $1.5 million. The proposed amendments will be sent to Taiwan’s national parliament, the Legislative Yuan, for review.

The “New Four Laws to Combat Fraud” was proposed by Taiwan’s Executive Yuan. The amendments aim to strengthen the crackdown on fraud and strictly regulate money laundering prevention measures for crypto service providers.

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A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

New Restrictions on Anonymous Crypto and Cash Transactions Approved by EU Officials

New Restrictions on Anonymous Crypto and Cash Transactions Approved by EU Officials

European Union (EU) officials are greenlighting new restrictions on anonymous transactions that involve crypto assets and cash. Reporting on the social media platform X, Patrick Breyer, a German member of the EU Parliament, says that EU officials are banning cash payments over €10,000 ($10,862), anonymous cash payments over €3,000 ($3,258), and crypto payments to hosted […]

The post New Restrictions on Anonymous Crypto and Cash Transactions Approved by EU Officials appeared first on The Daily Hodl.

A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve

FATF Grey Listing Concern Prompts Kenya to Establish a Crypto Working Group

FATF Grey Listing Concern Prompts Kenya to Establish a Crypto Working GroupThe fears that Kenya’s lack of a regulatory framework for overseeing the crypto industry has prompted the government to establish a working group tasked with drafting crypto regulations. Authorities in the East African nation are confident that the approved regulations will designate a sole regulatory body to oversee the cryptocurrency industry. Lack of Regulation Threatens […]

A Theoretical Look at What Could Happen If Trump Creates a US Bitcoin Reserve