The President of the European Central Bank (ECB) – Christine Lagarde – reiterated her negative stance on cryptocurrencies, claiming they are “based on nothing” and should be strictly regulated. Nonetheless, she revealed that one of her sons had distributed some of his wealth into the digital asset market. Diving Into Crypto Despite Mom’s Advice Numerous central bankers have criticized the cryptocurrency sector over the past few years. The French politician and the ECB’s...
Read More »European Union Could Start Testing a CBDC in 2023, ECB Executive Says
With the crash of TerraUSD —the largest algorithmic stablecoin in the ecosystem— and the de-pegging of other stablecoins like Stasis, DEI (not to be confused with DAI and even Tether), financial institutions like the European Central Bank, used this weakness in their favor and started promoting their new CBDCs. On May 16, Italian economist and Executive Board member of the European Central Bank (ECB), Fabio Panetta, said in a lecture at the National College of Ireland (NCI)...
Read More »EU Targets Crypto Wallets With the Latest Package of Sanctions Against Russia
The European Union (EU) has imposed the fifth round of sanctions against Russia in light of its continuing war against Ukraine. The council has targeted cryptocurrency wallets as it aims to close potential loopholes in existing restrictions that could allow Russians to circumvent sanctions and move money. Fifth Round of Sanctions Against Russia In a press release, the member states of the EU have agreed to extend the prohibition of deposits to crypto-wallets. Such service...
Read More »European Union Outlaws All Anonymous Crypto Transactions Involving Exchanges
The European Union today voted in favor of outlawing all anonymous crypto transactions – including from self-hosted wallets – facilitated through exchanges. This rule will apply to transactions of any size, meaning both payers and recipients of even the smallest digital asset payment must be identified. The Partisan Vote The law comes as part of a package of anti-money laundering revisions to the EU’s Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR). It brings rules applying to...
Read More »It’s Official: EU Says No to Provisions Restricting Bitcoin
There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding EU’s proposed MiCA regulations, especially the text that was aimed at outlawing proof-of-work cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Now, the law is moving forward but without these clauses. A Relief for Bitcoin in EU The European Union’s (EU) proposed Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulatory package has decided not to advance the controversial provision targeted at limiting the use of the proof-of-work cryptocurrencies due to energy...
Read More »European Watchdogs Warn Users: Crypto-Assets Are Highly Risky and Speculative
The European Supervisory Authorities – the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) – issued a warning to investors about cryptocurrencies, deeming the asset class as “highly risky and speculative” in nature. The ESAs Ask Consumers to Make Informed Decisions The warning comes amidst increasing consumer activity and interest in crypto-assets, as well as the...
Read More »European Union Reportedly Votes Against Banning Proof of Work Cryptocurrencies
After weeks of debates and delays, the EU has voted against banning the use and mining of proof of work digital assets, such as bitcoin and ether. CryptoPotato reported earlier the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework developed by the European Union, which had one rather threatening note that sought the de facto ban of PoW cryptocurrencies. The digital asset community, led by MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor, opposed the draft, saying it could become a trillion-dollar...
Read More »EU Clarifies Crypto is Covered in Sanctions Against Russia, Belarus
The European Union made it clear that cryptocurrencies, which fall into the category “transferable assets,” are included in the financial sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, the EU implemented similar penalties on Belarus for assisting the Russian war-like regime. The Bloc Extends Its Sanctions Similar to the USA, the European Union vowed not to deploy military troops to Ukraine and, as of the moment, stands away from a direct conflict with...
Read More »Russian Ruble Tanks, Oil Prices Soar on EU and US Embargo Talks
The US government and EU authorities said over the weekend that they are considering banning Russian oil imports. Shortly after, the ruble dumped by another 10%, while oil prices skyrocketed during early Monday trading hours. Ruble Dumps, Oil Soars Following President Putin’s “special military operation” against Ukraine, which became an all-out war between the two former Soviet states, the EU and the US began imposing sanctions against Russia instead of getting directly...
Read More »The European Union Is No Longer Banning Bitcoin and Other PoW-based Assets
European Union lawmakers have removed a controversial paragraph that would have made all proof-of-work (PoW) based cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) illegal. Proposed Ban on PoW-Based Coins Deleted The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, headed by Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) rapporteur – Stefan Berger – was originally scheduled for February 28. However, due to the vehement opposition over the language on the passage, fearing that it...
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