Potential Rent Increases Expected as Reference Interest Rate Rises

The mortgage reference interest rate in Switzerland has recently increased from 1.25% to 1.5%. This could potentially result in higher rental prices for tenants. Landlords now have the right to increase rents for existing rental agreements that were based on the previous reference rate. It is expected that a majority of landlords will take advantage […]

National Bank of Georgia Partners with Ripple for Central Bank Digital Currency Pilot

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) has partnered with Ripple to launch a pilot program for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) called the Digital Lari. Ripple’s CBDC platform, built on a private version of the XRP ledger, will enable the NBG to mint, manage, and redeem CBDCs in a flexible and scalable manner. Ripple […]

UK Crypto Asset Promotion Rules Lead to Confusion and Low Compliance

The United Kingdom’s new rules for promoting crypto assets have caused confusion and a lack of compliance among firms. In response, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued additional guidance to help crypto firms adhere to the rules. The FCA’s guidance, released on November 2, aligns with existing rules for high-risk investments and aims to […]

Swiss Bank SGKB Expands Services to Include Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading

St. Galler Kantonalbank (SGKB), one of Switzerland’s oldest banks, has made a significant move into the world of cryptocurrency. Through a partnership with SEBA Bank, SGKB now offers its clients the ability to trade and store Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This expansion into digital assets puts SGKB at the forefront of Swiss banks embracing […]

UK National Crime Agency Forms Specialized Cryptocurrency Team to Combat Crypto Crime

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency is establishing a specialized digital assets team and is looking to hire six crypto investigators. These investigators will be responsible for conducting advanced tracing on blockchains and providing specialist advice and guidance to support new and existing investigations. The base salary for the role has been criticized by some […]

Swiss Bank SGKB Partners with SEBA Bank to Offer Bitcoin and Ethereum Services

St. Galler Kantonalbank, Switzerland’s fifth-largest cantonal bank, has entered the world of digital assets through a strategic partnership with SEBA Bank. This move signifies a significant step in the adoption of cryptocurrencies within the Swiss banking industry. SGKB has launched digital asset custody and trading services for select clients, starting with Bitcoin and Ethereum. This […]

Financial Conduct Authority Warns UK Investors About Bitfinex’s Unauthorized Financial Services

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning to investors regarding Bitfinex, stating that the exchange may be promoting financial services without proper authorization. The FCA cautions potential investors to avoid dealing with Bitfinex, as they will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for resolving complaints and will not be protected […]

Spain Accelerates Implementation of MiCA Act to Enhance Crypto Investor Protection

Spain is taking the lead in implementing the European Union’s comprehensive cryptocurrency regulatory framework, the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Act. The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation has announced that the MiCA Act will come into force in December 2025, six months ahead of the EU’s general deadline. This accelerated timeline aims to provide […]

Spain Accelerates Implementation of EU Crypto Framework, MiCA Act

The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation has announced that the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) Act, the first comprehensive crypto framework in the European Union, will be implemented on a national level in December 2025. This move aims to provide legal certainty and greater protection for Spanish investors in crypto assets. Spain is […]

UK Unveils Regulatory Framework for Crypto Assets, Embracing Innovation and Consumer Protection

In a significant development for the crypto industry, the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) has released an update on the regulatory framework for crypto assets. The announcement demonstrates the UK’s commitment to fostering an open and well-regulated capital market that embraces the potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The HMT’s response covers several key […]