Commerzbank Becomes First German Full-Service Bank to Obtain Crypto Custody License

Commerzbank, a leading German full-service bank, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first bank in Germany to receive a Crypto Custody Licence. This license allows the bank, which manages assets worth $536 billion, to offer a wide range of digital asset services, with a focus on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, XRP, and IOTA. […]

Binance and Gulf Energy to Launch Thailand-Based Crypto Exchange in 2024

Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, is set to launch a new exchange in Thailand in early 2024. The exchange, called Gulf Binance, is a joint venture with Gulf Energy Development, a major energy company in Thailand. Initially, Gulf Binance will be available on an invitation-only basis, with a public rollout planned for […]

New York Tightens Regulations for Cryptocurrency Listings and Delistings to Protect Investors

The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has announced stricter guidelines for cryptocurrency firms listing and delisting coins in the state. The new restrictions require crypto companies to submit their coin listing and delisting policies for NYDFS approval. These policies will be evaluated against more rigorous risk assessment standards to protect investors. Factors […]

Lawmakers Urge Revisions to US Treasury’s Digital Asset Tax Rules, Citing Potential Damage to Innovation and Ecosystem

Several American lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proposed taxation scheme for digital assets in a letter to the U.S. Treasury. They argue that the current rules could stifle innovation and harm the digital asset ecosystem. The lawmakers specifically highlight the expansion of the term “broker” to include DeFi services, which could require these platforms […]

The Evolution of Financial Tools: From Credit Cards to Online Banking

Modern credit cards were invented in the 1950s but took time to gain widespread adoption. It wasn’t until the 1970s that clear rules for fair lending were established, eliminating discrimination. Despite initial skepticism and high levels of defaulting, consumer trust in credit cards gradually grew through regulatory oversight and value-added services. This paved the way […]

US House Subcommittee Explores Blockchain Technology and Crypto Crime

The United States House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion recently held a hearing on the use of blockchain technology in the context of crypto crime. The bipartisan hearing aimed to address misconceptions and explore ways to combat illicit activities involving digital assets. The discussion was prompted by an article published […]

Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against BitFinex and Tether Alleging False Reserve Disclosures

The court has finalized the dismissal of a class action lawsuit against BitFinex and Tether after the plaintiffs chose not to appeal the ruling. The lawsuit accused the companies of misleading consumers about the properties of Tether’s stablecoin USDT and falsely disclosing information about its reserves. The plaintiffs claimed that the stablecoin was not backed […]

Citi Collaborates with T.Rowe Price and Fidelity International to Develop Blockchain Solution for FX Trading

Citi, in collaboration with T.Rowe Price and Fidelity International, has developed a blockchain solution for foreign exchange (FX) trading as part of Singapore’s Project Guardian. This marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into traditional financial systems, with the potential to revolutionize FX trading. The solution utilizes the Avalanche blockchain for streaming FX prices […]

Commerzbank Becomes First Full-Service Bank in Germany to Obtain Crypto Custody License

German banking giant Commerzbank has become the first full-service bank in Germany to receive a crypto custody license under the German Banking Act. This license allows Commerzbank to offer custody services for crypto assets and develop further digital asset services. The bank’s COO, Dr. Jörg Oliveri del Castillo-Schulz, sees this as a significant milestone and […]

Circle Ventures Makes Strategic Investment in Layer 1 Blockchain Sei, Expanding USDC Integration and Cross-Border Transactions

Circle Ventures, the investment arm of USDC stablecoin issuer Circle, has made a strategic investment in Layer 1 blockchain Sei. This investment includes go-to-market advice for Circle’s stablecoin infrastructure. The integration of USDC into Sei’s platform will provide developers and entrepreneurs with access to fast and instantaneous transaction settlements. This partnership will also enhance cross-border […]