Tag: Ban

  • European Parliament Committee Rejects Bitcoin Ban

    European Parliament Committee Rejects Bitcoin Ban

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    The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) has
    reportedly rejected a bill that aimed to ban Bitcoin (BTC) in the European
    Union. According to Patrick Hansen, head of growth and strategy at Unstoppable DeFi, 32 members of the Parliament voted against, and
    24 in favor.

    The report noted that a majority of MEPs from the European
    People’s Party (EPP), the European Conservatives and Reformists (ERC), Renew
    Europe (Renew), and Identity and Democracy (ID) voted against it. In contrast,
    a minority of MEPs from Greens, S&D, and GUE mainly voted in favor.

    “Big relief & political success for the bitcoin &
    crypto community in the EU,” Hansen said. However, he added that the MICA
    regulation would likely no longer address mining but instead add the issue to
    the EU sustainable finance taxonomy.

    Next in the Parliament is that during the so-called “trilogues”
    between the EU Commission/Parliament/Council, the MiCA draft will be
    negotiated. The law will go into effect after their final agreement (in a
    couple of months). Companies, however, will have a six-month transition period
    to comply with the requirements.

    Amendment Approved

    Stefan Berger proposed an alternative amendment that does
    not restrict Bitcoin mining, which was approved by the MEPs.

    “Any chances left for the POW-ban? The groups that lost the
    vote have one last option. They could veto a fast-track procedure of MiCA
    through the trilogues & bring the discussion to the plenary of the
    Parliament. They need 1/10 of the votes of the EP to do so, which they have,”
    Hansen pointed out. He added: “That would bring the discussion around POW into
    the high-level policy arena. As we can’t predict how that would play out, it
    should be prevented. Even if it doesn’t change the vote on POW, it would
    unnecessarily delay the regulation for at least a couple of months.”

    The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) has
    reportedly rejected a bill that aimed to ban Bitcoin (BTC) in the European
    Union. According to Patrick Hansen, head of growth and strategy at Unstoppable DeFi, 32 members of the Parliament voted against, and
    24 in favor.

    The report noted that a majority of MEPs from the European
    People’s Party (EPP), the European Conservatives and Reformists (ERC), Renew
    Europe (Renew), and Identity and Democracy (ID) voted against it. In contrast,
    a minority of MEPs from Greens, S&D, and GUE mainly voted in favor.

    “Big relief & political success for the bitcoin &
    crypto community in the EU,” Hansen said. However, he added that the MICA
    regulation would likely no longer address mining but instead add the issue to
    the EU sustainable finance taxonomy.

    Next in the Parliament is that during the so-called “trilogues”
    between the EU Commission/Parliament/Council, the MiCA draft will be
    negotiated. The law will go into effect after their final agreement (in a
    couple of months). Companies, however, will have a six-month transition period
    to comply with the requirements.

    Amendment Approved

    Stefan Berger proposed an alternative amendment that does
    not restrict Bitcoin mining, which was approved by the MEPs.

    “Any chances left for the POW-ban? The groups that lost the
    vote have one last option. They could veto a fast-track procedure of MiCA
    through the trilogues & bring the discussion to the plenary of the
    Parliament. They need 1/10 of the votes of the EP to do so, which they have,”
    Hansen pointed out. He added: “That would bring the discussion around POW into
    the high-level policy arena. As we can’t predict how that would play out, it
    should be prevented. Even if it doesn’t change the vote on POW, it would
    unnecessarily delay the regulation for at least a couple of months.”



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  • Russia’s Central Bank Proposes Ban on the Use and Mining of Crypto

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    On Thursday January 20, the Bank of Russia published a report that proposes ban of the use and mining of cryptocurrencies within Russian territory. In the report, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation stated that
     
     cryptocurrencies 
    pose threats to financial stability, citizen’s wellbeing, and its monetary policy sovereignty. Furthermore, the regulator mentioned that the rapid growth of crypto coins was determined majorly by speculative demand and could lead to a market bubble that threatens citizens’ welfare and financial stability. The regulator further stated that crypto coins carry characteristics of a financial pyramid.

    The Russian Central Bank has therefore proposed prevention of financial institutions from conducting any operations involving crypto transactions. Moreover, the central bank identified that a mechanism should be created to block transactions aimed at selling or purchasing cryptocurrencies for fiat or traditional currencies. The regulator’s proposed ban includes cryptocurrency exchanges. In the report, the central bank described Russians as active crypto users making transactions volume of around $5 billion made per year. The authority disclosed that Russia is the third largest cryptocurrency mining country in the world. According to the new report, the “potential financial stability risks associated with cryptocurrencies are much higher for emerging markets, including in Russia.”

    Governments Are Strengthening Rules on Cryptocurrency

    The move by the Central Bank of Russia is the latest attempt to crackdown cryptocurrencies as multiple governments have also expressed similar concerns that crypto assets are a threat to their financial systems. Governments across the globe worry that privately operated digital currencies are highly volatile and could undermine their control of their monetary and financial systems. A few days ago, Erik Thedéen, the vice chairman of the European Securities and Markets Authority, expressed concerns that Bitcoin mining has become a national issue for his native country, Sweden. Thedéen warned that
     
     crypto mining 
    poses a risk to meeting climate change goals highlighted in the Paris Agreement. Recently, the Central Bank of Pakistan proposed a ban on cryptocurrency while US authorities discuss about the need for more regulations within the industry. Last year, China’s PBOC imposed a complete ban on cryptocurrencies, citing illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies (such as pyramid schemes, gambling, and money laundering) could disrupt the national economy.

    On Thursday January 20, the Bank of Russia published a report that proposes ban of the use and mining of cryptocurrencies within Russian territory. In the report, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation stated that
     
     cryptocurrencies 
    pose threats to financial stability, citizen’s wellbeing, and its monetary policy sovereignty. Furthermore, the regulator mentioned that the rapid growth of crypto coins was determined majorly by speculative demand and could lead to a market bubble that threatens citizens’ welfare and financial stability. The regulator further stated that crypto coins carry characteristics of a financial pyramid.

    The Russian Central Bank has therefore proposed prevention of financial institutions from conducting any operations involving crypto transactions. Moreover, the central bank identified that a mechanism should be created to block transactions aimed at selling or purchasing cryptocurrencies for fiat or traditional currencies. The regulator’s proposed ban includes cryptocurrency exchanges. In the report, the central bank described Russians as active crypto users making transactions volume of around $5 billion made per year. The authority disclosed that Russia is the third largest cryptocurrency mining country in the world. According to the new report, the “potential financial stability risks associated with cryptocurrencies are much higher for emerging markets, including in Russia.”

    Governments Are Strengthening Rules on Cryptocurrency

    The move by the Central Bank of Russia is the latest attempt to crackdown cryptocurrencies as multiple governments have also expressed similar concerns that crypto assets are a threat to their financial systems. Governments across the globe worry that privately operated digital currencies are highly volatile and could undermine their control of their monetary and financial systems. A few days ago, Erik Thedéen, the vice chairman of the European Securities and Markets Authority, expressed concerns that Bitcoin mining has become a national issue for his native country, Sweden. Thedéen warned that
     
     crypto mining 
    poses a risk to meeting climate change goals highlighted in the Paris Agreement. Recently, the Central Bank of Pakistan proposed a ban on cryptocurrency while US authorities discuss about the need for more regulations within the industry. Last year, China’s PBOC imposed a complete ban on cryptocurrencies, citing illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies (such as pyramid schemes, gambling, and money laundering) could disrupt the national economy.

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  • Thailand’s Crypto Mining Industry Grows after China’s Ban

    Thailand’s Crypto Mining Industry Grows after China’s Ban

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    The crypto mining industry is reportedly booming in Thailand after China imposed a ban on the mining of digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in the region. According to a recent report published by Al Jazeera, retail crypto miners in Thailand are buying mining rigs in large quantities.

    The BTC mining hash rate dropped by more than 50% after China’s ban in 2021. However, large mining companies shifted to other locations like the US and Canada to continue their operations. While big companies selected North America and Europe, small retail miners preferred Southeast Asia for the profitable mining business.

    “Bitcoin is the gold of the digital world. But, a mining rig is like gold mining stocks: you’re paid dividends according to the gold price. There are around 100,000 Thai miners now,” Thai entrepreneur Pongsakorn Tongtaveenan told Al Jazeera.

    Thailand has witnessed a surge in demand for crypto mining machines during the last few months. As a result, Thai entrepreneurs ordered a large amount of Bitmain Antminer SJ19 Pro from Shenzhen this year.

    Crypto Mining

    Despite a cut in rewards, BTC mining is still profitable for miners around the world. However, the cost of electricity plays an important role in the overall volume of mining profits. “More than 95 percent of electricity produced is made for export, so the excess must be used otherwise it is a big waste for the government,” an expert on Laos’ crypto regulations told Al Jazeera, requesting anonymity. “They see an opportunity to transform that excess into millions of dollars,” the expert added.

    The BTC mining hash rate spiked by almost 27% in 2021, which was mainly due to a jump in retail crypto mining across Southeast Asia. While large companies remained dominant in the global crypto mining industry, small retail miners have gained a fair share in the last 6 months.

    The crypto mining industry is reportedly booming in Thailand after China imposed a ban on the mining of digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in the region. According to a recent report published by Al Jazeera, retail crypto miners in Thailand are buying mining rigs in large quantities.

    The BTC mining hash rate dropped by more than 50% after China’s ban in 2021. However, large mining companies shifted to other locations like the US and Canada to continue their operations. While big companies selected North America and Europe, small retail miners preferred Southeast Asia for the profitable mining business.

    “Bitcoin is the gold of the digital world. But, a mining rig is like gold mining stocks: you’re paid dividends according to the gold price. There are around 100,000 Thai miners now,” Thai entrepreneur Pongsakorn Tongtaveenan told Al Jazeera.

    Thailand has witnessed a surge in demand for crypto mining machines during the last few months. As a result, Thai entrepreneurs ordered a large amount of Bitmain Antminer SJ19 Pro from Shenzhen this year.

    Crypto Mining

    Despite a cut in rewards, BTC mining is still profitable for miners around the world. However, the cost of electricity plays an important role in the overall volume of mining profits. “More than 95 percent of electricity produced is made for export, so the excess must be used otherwise it is a big waste for the government,” an expert on Laos’ crypto regulations told Al Jazeera, requesting anonymity. “They see an opportunity to transform that excess into millions of dollars,” the expert added.

    The BTC mining hash rate spiked by almost 27% in 2021, which was mainly due to a jump in retail crypto mining across Southeast Asia. While large companies remained dominant in the global crypto mining industry, small retail miners have gained a fair share in the last 6 months.

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  • To Ban Or Not To Ban? Russia Concerned About Growing Crypto Transanctions

    To Ban Or Not To Ban? Russia Concerned About Growing Crypto Transanctions

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    The Russian central bank wants to ban investments in cryptocurrencies in Russia, citing the growing number of crypto transactions as a threat to financial stability.

    Russia Mulls Over Crypto Ban

    Russia’s central bank is attempting to outlaw cryptocurrency investments, escalating the country’s long-standing distrust of Bitcoin and other digital assets. Future transactions would be prohibited, but present holders would not be forced to sell their holdings.

    Cryptocurrencies, according to Russian authorities, can be used for money laundering and terrorism financing. According to Reuters, the bank’s current stance on cryptocurrency is a “complete rejection.”

    Although it is still illegal in Russia to undertake cryptocurrency transactions, a new amendment has made it permissible to invest in and buy cryptocurrencies through exchanges.

    Any such limitations might stifle Russia’s current retail investment boom, which has seen 15 million Russians create brokerage accounts in the last few years, according to Central Bank estimates.

    The regulator has already acted quickly to restrict access to other types of risky investment products, anticipating that Russia’s low financial literacy and strong broker marketing might lead to consumers being lured into high-risk investments. If they want to invest in items like options and derivatives, retail investors must must complete a series of examinations.

    Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of the Central Bank of Russia, increased the fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) around the country’s current state of crypto regulation in a Friday press conference. When asked about the rise of digital assets, Nabiullina said the following, according to finmarket.ru, a local news outlet:

    “You know that our attitude towards cryptocurrencies is of, to put it mildly, skepticism. Related to this are the significant risks for retail investors and the substantial volatility for this type of asset. In addition, cryptocurrencies are opaque in that they are frequently used for illegal operations or criminal nature. Therefore, we cannot welcome investments in them. We seek to prevent the Russian financial infrastructure from using crypto transactions. This is quite doable.”

    Related article | Russia Plans To Impound Unlawfully Acquired Cryptocurrencies

    Illegal Miners To Be Jailed

    Andrey Lugovoy, a member of parliament’s lower house, the State Duma, has threatened miners with jail if they connect their equipment to the power grid without permission.

    Lugovoy disclosed in November that his nationalist party, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, is preparing to introduce a draft law to govern crypto mining. According to the congressman, the approval of the legislation will help Russian nationals, the state, and entrepreneurs who wish to legitimately engage in business.

    He has now added, in an interview with the Russian online news outlet Lenta.ru, that mining regulation makes sense. Aside from charging mining businesses varying power prices, the deputy believes their profits should be taxed after deducting the cost of the energy consumed and other expenses such as labor. Lugovoy accused miners of avoiding paying taxes by using subsidized, low-cost electricity.

    russia to regulate bitcoin

    BTC crashes to $46k | Source: BTCUSD on TradingView.com

    Related article | Held Accountable: Russia Wants Bitcoin Investors Jailed For Non-Compliance

    Featured image from Pixabay, chart from TradingView

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  • India misinterpreted private crypto ban, says crypto bill creator

    India misinterpreted private crypto ban, says crypto bill creator

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    The creator of India’s crypto bill, former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg, dismissed the notion of banning “private cryptocurrencies” as a misinterpretation while highlighting the enormous potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

    The Parliamentary discussions around a controversial crypto bill sparked fears around the ban on cryptocurrencies, with no clear indication about the ban’s scope. As Cointelegraph reported, an episode of panic selling among Indian investors followed the announcement. In an interview with local news channel News 18, Garg clarified:

    “[The description of the crypto bill] was perhaps a mistake. It is misleading to say that private cryptocurrencies will be banned and to intimate the government about the same.”

    He believes that the Indian government should formulate a bill after discussing it with stakeholders and crypto investors. Furthermore, the bill suggests banning private cryptocurrencies without clarifying what the word “private” stands for.

    As a result, the crypto community in India self-interpreted two different versions of the bill’s agenda — one that considers banning all non-government issued cryptocurrencies and the other that excludes cryptocurrencies running on the public blockchains such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

    Garg also pointed out a flaw in classifying cryptocurrencies as assets after underscoring the vast ecosystem powered by disruptive technology. He also said that crypto exchanges have limited interests and do not represent the entire community:

    “You don’t classify the wheat that you produce, you don’t classify the clothes you produce, as assets. That is too much of oversimplification to treat this as an asset.”

    On an end note, Garg added that the central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiatives, especially in countries like India, are complex. According to him, the government first needs to address challenges, including the unavailability of smartphones and digital wallet issuance.

    Related: Singaporean crypto exchange enters India amid regulatory uncertainty

    The Indian crypto market continues to attract international firms with the latest being Coinstore, a Singaporean crypto exchange. As Cointelegraph reported, Coinstore has allocated a $20-million fund to set up three new offices in the region.

    Speaking to Cointelegraph, Coinstore spokesperson was hopeful for the development of a positive crypto regulatory framework:

    “Strict KYC process, security requirement for exchanges, as well as gradual regulation of certain cryptocurrencies naturally protects the Indian users and would clarify the legality of certain cryptocurrencies.”