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The possibility of nations issuing digital versions of their domestic currencies seemed utopian only a few years ago. Today, we are witnessing central banks worldwide racing against time and each other to create and regulate digital currencies for national and international use. The two largest economies in the world, the US and China, are going head to head in almost every competition imaginable. The issuing of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) does not make an exception. Lately, there have been plenty of tensions between…

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is a US-based agency established by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act of 1974 to regulate the commodity futures and derivatives markets, including option markets, futures, and Swaps.  The commission's primary goal is to promote futures markets' competitiveness and efficiency while protecting traders against unscrupulous activities, fraud, and abusive trade practices.  CFTC has five committees; Agriculture, Global markets, Technology, Energy & environmental markets, and Coordination between the CFTC and SEC, each headed by a…

Alexander Vinnik was arrested in Greece on an extradition order from the U.S. as prosecutors said he allegedly controlled a Bitcoin exchange that laundered billions of dollars for criminal networks. After his arrest in 2017, he was extradited to France where he is still in custody. He was said to have allegedly laundered 300,000 Bitcoin (about $4 billion) within six years through BTC-e, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world at the time. Further, he was accused of facilitating money…

Despite their growing popularity, Bitcoin and other virtual currencies are still not accepted in many states and nations. There are varying levels of ‘crypto-friendliness’ in different countries, which refers to each government’s policy regulations to support (or against) cryptocurrencies. Some, like Ecuador and Bolivia, have banned the use of decentralized currencies altogether. However, others have a more accepting or positive stance towards crypto. These five are some of those countries that are generally crypto-friendly: Malta The small nation of Malta,…

The United States government sent ten nominations and one withdrawal to the senate on June 2. One of the nominees is Hester Peirce who is affectionately called ‘Crypto Mom.’ According to the website of the White House, it seems she will serve on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission until 2025. “Hester Maria Peirce, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a term expiring June 5, 2025.  (Reappointment)” Pierce is among the individuals with great enthusiasm…

Are governments keen to regulate cryptocurrencies to prevent financial fraud and protect citizens, or are they using regulation to Stifle Decentralized Finance? "What Was TON And Why It Is Over" is the title that was given to the parting statement made by Telegram's co-founder after Telegram was recently forced to abandon the TON blockchain project. After a continuous legal battle with the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), this ensued, which accused Telegram of conducting an illegal ICO sale and issuing…

Regulations in the cryptocurrency space have been a major point of focus. In February this year, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin noted that cryptocurrency regulations will soon arrive in the United States. Some people consider cryptocurrency regulations as a hindrance to innovation and adoption. However, the cryptocurrency space is at higher risk due to the absence of clear regulation. Due to unclear regulations, numerous cryptocurrency exchanges have moved their base to other countries. Recently, Jason Williams of Morgan Creek Digital featured…

Investors across the globe have always avoided the crypto market for its baffling qualities. The crypto world is renowned for its volatile prices that can ordinarily see prices fluctuate by a margin of up to 20%. This is why large investors are skeptical about joining the market. Sleeping a rich man and waking up impecunious as you lost all your wealth is common. However, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, to join the industry might change the perception of…

The backdrop of current worldwide economic trouble is a concern when it comes to the performance of Bitcoin. However, up till this moment, Bitcoin has done well such that it posted year-to-date gains while the performance of equities market is still well beneath its level in the beginning of 2020. At the moment, there are two swiftly emerging events which may prompt both prevalent adoption and accumulation for Bitcoin. These two events have the potential to bolster the benchmark cryptocurrency…