South Korea has delayed its efforts to relax its crypto regulations and the prohibition on spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This development follows closely behind the People Power Party’s contemplation of removing certain regulations and the ETF ban before the commencement of South Korea’s general election. South Korea Holds Back on Crypto Regulation and Reported […]
Bitcoin’s Swift Climb Triggers Soaring Premium in South Korea During Worldwide Rally
On Wednesday, bitcoin’s value ascended past the $ 60K threshold, peaking at a 24-hour high of $ 61,389 by 10:45 a.m. (ET). Concurrently, South Korea observed a pronounced premium over the international exchange rate, with local platforms such as Upbit and Bithumb displaying prices that are $ 2,251 higher. In a Worldwide …
South Africa Regulators to Unveil Document Categorizing Stablecoins as a ‘Particular Type of Crypto Asset’
In 2024, the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group, a consortium of South African regulators that unveiled a position paper on crypto assets in 2021, is expected to “publish additions to include stablecoins as a particular type of crypto asset.” The consortium is also considering the impact of tokenisation on domestic financial markets and is expected to […]
Major Party in South Korea Proposes to Defer Cryptocurrency Taxation
The People Power Party, a major political party in South Korea, has proposed to defer cryptocurrency taxation for up to two years as part of a general election pledge. The Korean government has already postponed establishing cryptocurrency taxation until 2025 when income generated from cryptocurrencies will be taxed at 22%. South Korea to Delay Cryptocurrency […]
Blockchain Basics Act Introduced in Ohio, South Carolina, and Mississippi
The Blockchain Basics Act, a series of regulations aimed at safeguarding people’s cryptocurrency rights at a state level, has been introduced in three more U.S. states: Ohio, South Carolina, and Mississippi. With this move, similar cryptocurrency regulation has been introduced in seven states and passed in Missouri. Blockchain Basics Act Regulation Reaches Ohio, South Carolina […]
South Korea to Expel Crypto Exchanges Failing to Meet Its Stringent Conditions
Cryptocurrency exchanges that fail to meet South Korea’s stringent operating standards will be expelled from the crypto market, the country’s financial intelligence agency has said. The Financial Intelligence Unit said its annual work plan incorporates the insights of cryptocurrency experts serving on its advisory committees. South Korea to Deploy System for Identifying Suspicious Transactions South […]
South Korean Regulator Plans to Discuss Crypto Rules With US SEC Chair Gary Gensler
South Korea’s financial watchdog chief is planning to visit the U.S. to discuss crypto regulation with the chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, with a focus on the SEC’s recent decision to approve spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). He stressed that currently, the impact of SEC policies on the world […]
Former Terraform Labs Financial Officer Has Been Extradited to South Korea — Montenegro Police
Montenegro recently extradited the former Terraform Labs financial officer Han Chang-joon to South Korea where he faces fraud-related charges. According to the Montenegro police, the decision to extradite Han was made by the country’s Justice Ministry. Han Faces Criminal Charges in South Korea Han Chang-joon, the former financial officer of Terraform Labs, has been …
South Korean Prosecutor in Court for Passing Information to a Virtual Asset Investment Fraudster
On Jan. 30, a South Korean court continued with the trial of a prosecutor who is accused of passing sensitive information on the progress of an investigation to an alleged virtual asset investment fraudster. According to the Gwangju District Prosecutor’s Office, the acts by the prosecutor constitute a violation of the Attorney General Act. Prosecutor […]
South African Regulator Expects to Determine Fate of 50 Crypto License Applications in ‘Coming Weeks’
The head of enforcement at South Africa’s financial industry watchdog said on Jan. 24 that he expects the organization to decide the fate of 50 crypto firms’ license applicants in the coming weeks. The watchdog stated that from the more than 100 entities that applied for a license, 20 have since withdrawn from their respective […]
South African Fintech Startup Ukheshe Acquires 100% Stake in EFT Corporation
South African fintech startup Ukheshe recently announced that it has acquired a 100% stake in EFT Corporation, an Africa-focused payment services provider. According to the startup, the acquisition takes Ukheshe closer to its stated goal of attaining a larger footprint in Africa and beyond. Access to New Technologies and Markets The South African fintech …
South Korea Mulls Issuing Crypto Mixing Regulations to Curb Money Laundering
Financial authorities are preparing to issue cryptocurrency mixing-specific regulations in South Korea to stop criminal groups from using these tools to launder funds obtained illegally. The Korean authorities are discussing whether to allow virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to reject transactions from these privacy-enhancing services. South Korea Starts Discussing Cryptocurrency Mixing Regulations Korea might enact […]
South Korea’s Crypto Volumes Peak in 2024 as Upbit and Bithumb Dominate Local Market
In the last 100 days, South Korea’s crypto trading activity has experienced a significant upswing. The country’s leading crypto exchanges, Upbit and Bithumb, recorded their highest trading volumes in the initial week of January 2024. Despite the noticeable premium on South Korea’s crypto assets, the most popular traded coins in this region differ from the […]
South Korea Upholds Crypto ETF Ban Amid Country’s Rising Bitcoin Premiums
South Korea persists in its stance against allowing financial institutions to invest in digital currencies, effectively blocking the launch of any crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) within its borders. A representative from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) clarified to local journalists that this policy will remain in effect. Concurrently, bitcoin’s value in South Korea is experiencing […]
South Korea Proposes Ban on Credit Card Crypto Purchases
Amidst a national surge in crypto trading, South Korea’s FSC is proposing a significant change to their credit finance laws, potentially barring citizens from the use of credit cards in cryptocurrency transactions. South Korea Aims to Tighten Crypto Regulations with Proposed Credit Card Ban The South Korean Financial Services Commission (FSC) is considering an amendment […]