Regulation & Policy
Global regulatory and policy developments affecting crypto and digital assets. Each article is summarised by AI into a factual overview of 30 words or fewer.

Messari: KYC Essential to Mitigate Insider Trading on Prediction Markets
Messari's Austin Weiler states that while KYC can help reduce insider trading in prediction markets, it cannot completely eliminate the potential for abuse.

Hong Kong group cautions on crypto licensing risks of industry shutdowns
A Hong Kong group has issued a warning regarding the potential forced shutdowns of crypto businesses due to new licensing regulations for virtual asset advisory and management, which expand oversight beyond trading platforms.

SEC's Crypto Regulation Strategy Changes a Year After Gensler's Departure
Since Gary Gensler's exit from the SEC, the agency's approach to cryptocurrency regulation has evolved. The shift comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of crypto regulation, including remarks made by Donald Trump regarding potential changes to the SEC's leadership if he were to become president.

India Proposes Linking BRICS Digital Currencies for Future Trade Discussions
India's central bank has suggested that BRICS nations consider linking their central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for trade and tourism. This proposal is set to be discussed at a future summit among BRICS members, following a report by Reuters.

Hong Kong group advocates for relaxed CARF regulations and flexible recordkeeping
The Hong Kong Securities & Futures Professionals Association supports the OECD’s CARF and enhanced tax transparency measures, but is seeking a softer approach and more adaptable recordkeeping requirements.

Kazakhstan establishes regulations for licensed crypto exchanges and approved currencies
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has enacted laws that permit licensed crypto exchanges. The new regulations grant the central bank the authority to approve specific cryptocurrencies for trading, aiming to regulate the growing digital currency market in the country.

US Senate Panel Proposes Removing Developer Protections from Crypto Legislation
Leaders from both the Republican and Democratic parties in the Senate Judiciary Committee have suggested amendments to a proposed market structure bill, stating that the current version would undermine the regulation of money transmitters.

Analyst Claims CLARITY Act Delay Benefits Crypto Sector amid Overregulation Concerns
Michaël van de Poppe suggests that the stalling of the CLARITY Act is beneficial for the crypto industry. He warns that excessive regulation could harm markets and undermine decentralized finance (DeFi), highlighting the potential negative effects of overregulation on the sector.

Scaramucci criticises stablecoin yield ban for harming US dollar competitiveness
Scaramucci commented that the extension of the prohibition on stablecoin yields in the CLARITY Act diminishes the competitiveness of the US dollar compared to the digital yuan.

Coinbase CEO Addresses Ongoing Negotiations Over CLARITY Market Structure Bill
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong clarified that there is no conflict with the White House. He mentioned that the cryptocurrency industry is collaborating on various proposals aimed at assisting community banks in relation to the CLARITY market structure bill.



White House may withdraw support for crypto bill following Coinbase's withdrawal
Coinbase has withdrawn its backing for the CLARITY Act, citing concerns that it would restrict decentralised finance, ban tokenised equities, and eliminate stablecoin rewards. In response, the White House is considering pulling its support for the bill.

Goldman Sachs CEO notes slow progress of CLARITY Act on market structure bill
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon remarked on the uncertainty surrounding the US CLARITY Act. He highlighted the importance of the bill in relation to tokenisation and stablecoins, stating that the bank is keeping an eye on its development, though it has a considerable way to progress.


Trump Intensifies Criticism of Fed Chair Amid Italy's Crypto Market Oversight
Former President Trump has increased his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, coinciding with the Department of Justice's review of renovation spending claims. Meanwhile, Italy and other countries are enhancing regulatory scrutiny over cryptocurrency markets.

Belarus Introduces Regulatory Framework for 'Cryptobanks' in New Decree
A new presidential decree in Belarus establishes a legal framework for 'cryptobanks'. The regulations permit banks to integrate token activities with payment and financial services, while remaining under the supervision of the central bank and technology parks.

South Korean Crypto Exchanges Risk Ban as Google Play Updates Compliance Rules
Google has revised its rules for crypto applications, mandating proof of Financial Intelligence Unit registration. This new requirement poses increased compliance challenges for offshore exchanges that cater to South Korean users, potentially restricting their operations in the region.

Moldova to Introduce Crypto Regulation Based on EU MiCA Framework by 2026
Moldova is set to implement its first cryptocurrency legislation in 2026, mirroring the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The government emphasizes caution regarding the risks associated with digital assets for its citizens.

US Housebuilder Introduces Crypto Rewards Programme for Rent Payments
Megatel Homes has announced a new initiative allowing renters to earn rewards by paying rent with a cryptocurrency token, following a 'no-action' letter from the SEC. The programme aims to incentivise rental payments through digital currency.

Crypto Fear & Greed Index Falls Due to US Market Structure Bill Concerns
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index decreased by 12 points, reaching a 'neutral' status. This decline reflects increased apprehension regarding a pending cryptocurrency bill in the United States, contributing to a shift in market sentiment.

Nexo Fined $500K by California Regulator for Unlicensed Loan Practices
California's finance regulator has imposed a $500,000 fine on Nexo for issuing nearly 5,500 loans to residents without a valid licence. The regulator noted that Nexo did not adequately evaluate the borrowers' repayment capabilities.

West Virginia Lawmaker Proposes Bill for State Investment in Digital Assets
A West Virginia lawmaker has introduced legislation permitting the state treasury to invest in digital assets. The bill specifies that investments can only be made in assets with a market capitalisation exceeding $750 billion, which, as of January, applies solely to Bitcoin.

Coinbase CEO warns of potential delays to market structure bill markup
Brian Armstrong stated on X that Coinbase cannot support the current version of the market structure bill, which may delay its consideration. The CEO expects a markup in a few weeks, highlighting potential issues that may need to be addressed before proceeding.

BofA CEO highlights $6 trillion deposit risk from yield-bearing stablecoins
During an earnings call, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan referred to studies estimating that yield-bearing stablecoins could attract significant funds from the banking sector, potentially impacting bank deposits by trillions.


US Lawmakers Urge SEC to Address Justin Sun Case Amid Investor Concerns
Three House Democrats expressed concerns that an unresolved enforcement case against Justin Sun, founder of Tron, could negatively impact investor confidence in the Securities and Exchange Commission. The lawmakers are pressing for action on the paused case to ensure regulatory accountability.

UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s Following Online Safety Act Enforcement
The UK government is considering a social media ban for individuals under 16 years old. This potential action aligns with enforcement measures associated with the Online Safety Act and follows similar initiatives implemented in Australia.

US Senate delays crypto market structure bill amid industry disagreements
The US Senate's crypto market structure bill has been postponed due to conflicts among lawmakers and key cryptocurrency firms. The delay reflects ongoing tensions within the industry regarding the proposed legislation.

Indian Crypto Platforms Advocate Tax Revisions Before February Budget
Industry leaders in India are urging a reconsideration of transaction-level taxes and loss restrictions. They claim these measures are adversely affecting liquidity as the country strengthens its cryptocurrency compliance and enforcement regulations.

Russia to Introduce Bill for Retail Crypto Market Deregulation
A senior Russian legislator has announced intentions to introduce a bill aimed at deregulating the cryptocurrency market for retail investors, suggesting that crypto will become a more common aspect of the country's financial landscape.

Crypto Executives Divided on Market Structure Bill Following Coinbase's Position Change
The crypto industry is experiencing internal conflict regarding the current form of the CLARITY Act. While some executives advocate for significant amendments, others express support for the bill as it stands, reflecting differing perspectives within the sector.

US Senate Banking Committee Delays Crypto Bill Markup for Further Negotiations
The US Senate Banking Committee has postponed the markup of a significant crypto-regulating bill. Chairman Tim Scott indicated that additional negotiations are required to secure bipartisan support before the bill can progress.

Coinbase CEO Critiques Proposed Crypto Legislation, Prefers No Bill Over Harmful One
Coinbase's CEO Brian Armstrong outlined concerns regarding a proposed crypto bill, stating it could negatively impact the US crypto industry. He highlighted four key points that could worsen the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency, emphasising the importance of thoughtful legislation in the sector.

Republicans Criticise Digital Asset Market Structure Bill's Industry Impact
US Senate Republicans have described a digital asset market structure bill as a bipartisan initiative. However, they noted that certain provisions have faced opposition from some Democrats, raising concerns about the bill's alignment with industry interests.

Zcash Foundation Reports SEC Closes 2023 Investigation into Privacy Coin
The Zcash Foundation announced that the SEC has concluded its investigation into Zcash. The probe, initiated with a subpoena regarding specific crypto asset offerings, has now officially ended.





