Paraguay crypto bill that regulates cryptocurrency mining and trading within the country, has finally been approved by the country’s Senate.

The deputy chamber [approved the bill](http://www.diputados.gov.py/index.php/noticias/aprueban-con-modificaciones-proyecto-que-regula-la-industria-y-comercializacion-de-criptoactivos) but added some changes regarding electricity consumption in Paraguay. President Mario Abdo Benítez is now obliged to decide whether he will support, sanction or apply a veto to the bill.

Counting 7 million electricity users, Paraguay mostly depends on hydroelectric generation as the country also serves as a significant energy exporter. 

However, the electricity expenditure rose by over 100% in the last 12 years, while its generation is falling. The state power operator, Administración Nacional de Electricidad (ANDE), wants to urge a new consumption plan within the next few years. 

On the other hand, Paraguay’s central bank worries that the fact that cryptos are still not regulated as payment in the country could lead to halts in electricity consumption associated with crypto mining.

According to the bill, Paraguay’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce will be the governmental body that will regulate cryptocurrency-related services.

## Paraguay crypto bill tax excludes paying VAT

The bill, therefore, urges [crypto mining companies](/news/article/mining-company) to come up with a power consumption plan and present it to the national power body, which will be authorized to cut the electricity if the companies do not act according to these plans. Also, the bill defines that the payment for the power services is made in advance.

Furthermore, crypto miners won’t have to pay their VAT but are obliged to pay income taxes.
However, some lawmakers have shown their disapproval about the law's approval in its current form, with some calling for a presidential veto.

However, the bill was not approved easily. Senator Esperanza Martínez mentioned that the Guasu Front Bank did not comply with the project, adding that cryptocurrency is not an industry per se as it doesn’t process either raw material adding value, or employing people.

"Both versions are detrimental to the country," she said. 

Senator Enrique Bacchetta commented that he had voted for rejection at the time because this initiative did not produce jobs.




Senate approves Paraguay crypto mining bill

The South African crypto market is about to welcome a new regulatory framework. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has introduced amendments to its financial laws. According to the new regulations, [Bitcoin](/coins/btc) and other altcoins will now be identified as financial assets. 

The country has long discussed whether cryptocurrencies should be categorised as financial assets or only digital currencies. Now the SARB has finalised the regulations for cryptocurrencies and introduced a ruling for them to be considered assets. 

Previously, the South African crypto market was thriving on its own. This newly introduced framework by SARB will help in regularising the market. The Deputy Governor of SARB, Kuben Naidoo, believes that there is a need for a framework to regulate the market and promote the adoption of cryptocurrencies. 

In a webinar, he further acknowledged that SA Reserve Bank has changed its stance on [digital coins](/coins) and, tokens and is now working on its regularisation of disclosures. Moreover, he provided a timeframe of 12 to 18 months for the complete implementation of the framework. But, he assured us that KYC rules and authorisation of crypto exchanges were possible earlier. 

## Key points from South Africa’s crypto regularisation 

Here are some key points from recent crypto regularisation in South Africa:
1.	All cryptocurrencies are declared as financial assets.
2.	The services related to cryptocurrencies will fall under financial services.
3.	All crypto exchanges will be provided with a licence. 
4.	The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) will monitor the country's crypto market.
5.	FICA will also oversee tax evasion and money laundering issues related to cryptocurrencies.  

## The future of cryptocurrencies in South Africa

South Africa is one of the leading countries for adopting cryptocurrency. According to the research [report by Luno Global Exchange](https://discover.luno.com/research-the-state-of-crypto-in-africa/), around 13% of the country's population owns various cryptocurrencies. However, there was no monitoring policy for the industry before the recent announcement by the Reserve Bank. 

The rules SARB has now introduced can help in the growth of digital currencies across the country. It is expected that regularisation will lead to the mass adoption of crypto in South Africa. Moreover, it will provide a robust infrastructure for investment. Besides, it will mitigate the risks and bring financial stability to the country.




South Africa crypto embraces new regulatory changes

The European Union (EU) has introduced [Markets in Crypto-assets proposal (MiCA)](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/06/30/digital-finance-agreement-reached-on-european-crypto-assets-regulation-mica/), a framework for regulating the crypto market in the continent. On 01 July 2022, a MiCA reporter, Stefan Berger, took to Twitter to announce that Europe has become the first continent to have a regularised crypto policy. 

![MiCA.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Mi_CA_136bb478bb.png)

Berger mentioned that the Parliament, Council, and Commission have approved a balanced MiCA framework. In addition, he indicated that PoW technology will not be banned; however, crypto issuers will be accountable for energy consumption and its impact on the environment. 

Where MiCA regulation has rejected the ban on PoW technology, it might still affect the digital asset market in various ways. One of the most affected crypto-assets can be stablecoins like EUROC and others. 

## MiCA’s harsh regulations for stablecoins like EUROC

The EU-endorsed MiCA framework has a dedicated section for stabilising stablecoins, including the [Euro coin](https://www.monitalks.io/news/article/euro-coin). The framework has considered the recent crash of Terra Luna, a stable cryptocurrency and formed policies to protect crypto consumers. 

For this reason, the framework proposed certain strict measures that the stablecoin issuers would have to take to mitigate instability and risk. Here are the proposed MiCA regulations for the stablecoins like EUROC:


1.	Stablecoin issuers must have an adequate liquid reserve with a 1:1 ratio.
2.	Stablecoin consumers can claim the token at any time without any additional fee.
3.	All stablecoins will be supervised by the European Banking Authority (EBA.)
4.	Non-European currency-based asset-referenced tokens will be regulated to ensure Europe’s ‘monetary sovereignty.’
5.	Asset-referenced token issuers would need to register themselves in the EU. 

## The stance of Circle’s Euro coin (EUROC) 

According to the Head of Global Policy and Chief Strategy Officer of Circle, Dante Disparte believes that:

>  “MiCA regulation will be to crypto what GDPR was to privacy.” 

Though many crypto users call MiCA a crack-down on the crypto market, Disparte reflected that MiCA policy will likewise work as a guiding framework for crypto issuers and consumers. 



MiCA regulations impact on EUROC and other stablecoins

The UK parliament member, Matt Hancock urged the issue of Bitcoin’s necessity of having an open [regulatory framework](/news/article/crypto-tax-uk) that resulted in a crypto analyst positive stance on the sector.

Hancock recently revealed that even though the crypto market did go through a huge sell-off, that hasn’t shaken his faith in the sector. 

Regarding the recent crash of the cryptocurrency terra (LUNA) (UST), he said that this was just something that happens even in the mature markets.

“The crash of Luna and the pressure on other stablecoins serves as a reminder that cryptocurrencies are still currencies and the age-old rules of finance still apply,” he opined and compared the situation with the dot-com bubble crash in 2001.

“The underlying technology is so powerful … Just because the dot-com bubble crashed in 2001, we didn’t discredit the internet as a technology,” he concluded.

“No country can stop this revolution. We can only choose whether it happens on our shores or happens to us from elsewhere,” he commented and added that the UK can succeed only if and when it decides to embrace the new technology.

This also means, said Hancock, that the government has to be able to adjust to crypto because, in liberal governments, no one should tell “people what they can and can’t do with their money”.

“The job of the regulators is to make sure there is high-quality information and that the market functions effectively. What remit does the state have to tell them what they can and can’t invest in? I think that’s incredibly patronizing, ”Hancock asserted.

Aligned with Hancock’s sentiment, the crypto analyst Madeleine Hume also believes that [crypto integration](https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/220381/5-charts-on-crypto%2339%3bs-past-present-and-future.aspx) is crucial. “Rather than a swift takeover, we expect that integration with existing systems across financial services and other sectors will likely determine future adoption rates in the space,” she commented.

Hancock is no stranger to being a [crypto advocate](https://www.monitalks.io/news/article/crypto-tax-UK). He is famous for his claims that crypto regulation can be fantastic for the growth of the overall economy but also for making financial systems more transparent and reducing crime. 

“We must understand and harness the potential of new technologies, not fear and avoid their disruptive power,” he said.

Still, he admitted he hasn’t invested in cryptocurrencies himself explaining that he wanted to “speak freely” about it without fear of having a conflict of interest.


Crypto analyst view correlates with UK parliamentary sentiment

The Singapore crypto scene is one of the main attractions in the unregulated digital currency landscape due to the country’s friendliness towards the new financial revolution. 

Unfortunately, the country’s regulator’s tightening on digital finance in[ June](https://cointelegraph.com/news/brutal-and-unrelentingly-hard-singapore-regulator-s-clampdown-on-crypto) contradicts Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a senior minister in the Cabinet who saw a lot of positives in digital assets in the sovereign island country and this has sent shockwaves across the markets. 
On Thursday, June 23, the central bank and financial regulator of one of Asia’s booming economies pledged to be unrelentingly hard and brutal on any transgression from major stakeholders in the digital currency industry. 

These comments were made by Sopnendu Mohanty, the Chief Fintech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) who explained in an interview with the Financial Times (FT) which was highly monitored by [MoniTalks. ](/news)

The Fintech Officer also criticized market participants who believe the country is losing its status as a friendly state for alternative finance. 
He responded that his country should not be friendly with decentralized finance because it can only deal with actors in a real economy and not some “unreal economy”.

To many firms in the space, this is a complete turnaround from what cabinet minister Shanmugaratnam said in October 2021. 
At the peak of the markets during the first month of the last quarter of 2021, he pointed out that digital tokens may have a role in future finance that goes beyond illicit finance and pure speculation. 

He added that the country was laying the foundation for becoming a crypto-technology hub which will make it easy for tokenization, trading, and custody services to be provided by companies. 

With that said, Chief Fintech Officer, Sopnendu Mohanty believes the current financial crisis can be attributed to the world being lost in private currency. 

As a result, the Asian state has enacted a painfully slow due diligence process that grants licenses to businesses associated with the digital currency market. 

Singapore crypto became a mainstay in the space because firms enjoyed low taxes. 

Unfortunately, the view in which the minister sees a place for crypto in the Asia hub has been replaced by regulations that aim to pave the way for the introduction of central bank digital currency (CBDC) which could be launched in the next three years. 


Singapore Regulator’s Clampdown on Crypto

Commenting on crypto tax, UK Conservative MP Matt Hancock said that the country needs to be more liberal in its approach to regulation. He argued it should introduce an “attractive” regime so it can maintain its position as the cryptocurrency hub of Europe. 
“The tax and regulatory regime needed to be dealt with quickly”, Hancock stated.

His words were heard by the ex-Chancellor Philip Hammond who said England is slowly trotting after its competitors regarding the regulation of digital assets since some countries, such as Korea, already decided on a [crypto tax](/news/article/south-korea-crypto) that would be optimal for consumers.
He stated the UK must activate itself quickly since, for now, it doesn’t look like it will maintain its position as a global cryptocurrency center.
 “It isn't too late for us to catch up and recover, but we are getting very close to the point where it will be too late,” he said and added development around legislation of the whole digital asset industry moves pretty slowly. 

Hammond stated that the FCA should have been faster in employing the industry experts. “We need the industry, to provide us with the talent to work up the regimes we need to introduce,” he said.


## Crypto tax, UK free zone

Still, there are more possibilities and reasons why we think the UK could become the real global hub when it comes to cryptocurrencies. Let's look at the advantages of being headquartered in the UK Channel Islands. The [Isle of Man](https://www.digitalisleofman.com/sectors/blockchain/) gives investors a pretty good opportunity for their crypto-based, with 0% standard rate of corporate tax, no capital gains tax and personal tax rates that are among the lowest in Europe.

The self-governing British Crown dependency has been a famous IT and financial hub for years and with it being more welcoming towards the cryptocurrency industry – UK Channel Islands seem like an attractive home to the crypto participants.

Also, according to a new PwC Channel Islands report, one in five British citizens already own cryptocurrency. With that in mind and Tether recently [launching a stablecoin pegged to the British pound](/news/article/best-crypto-exchange-uk)  - these are supportive signs that the UK that bodes well for the future prospects of the UK being a crypto hub.



UK tax environment supportive for crypto hub 

The Crypto Valley in Zug, Switzerland, is quickly becoming the global hub for blockchain innovation. With its favourable business environment and forward-thinking regulators, the Crypto Valley has become a magnet for crypto start-ups and investors alike.

Here, we explore why the Crypto Valley is so attractive to crypto businesses and what makes it stand out from other crypto hotspots worldwide.

## What Is the Crypto Valley and What Makes It so Special for Blockchain Innovation?

The Crypto Valley is a nickname for the Canton of Zug in Switzerland, a small town that has been a haven for crypto and blockchain innovation since the early days of [Bitcoin](/coins/btc). The crypto valley is home to many crypto and blockchain start-ups and a number of major crypto exchanges.

What makes the Crypto Valley so special is its supportive regulatory environment. The Swiss government has welcomed crypto and blockchain innovation and has created a supportive regulatory framework.

This has made the Crypto Valley a hotbed of innovation and has attracted many talented developers and entrepreneurs to the area. The Crypto Valley is also home to several major crypto conferences attended by leading figures in the crypto world. This makes the Crypto Valley a very special place for blockchain innovation.

## Who are Some of the Key Players in the Crypto Valley?

The Crypto Valley is home to a number of key players in the crypto space, including the Ethereum Foundation, [ShapeShift](https://shapeshift.com/), and Bitcoin Suisse.

These organisations are made up of experts in the fields of blockchain technology, cryptography, and economics. Together, they provide the infrastructure and support that helps to drive innovation in the crypto space.
In addition to these organisations, there are also several important individuals who contribute to the development of the Crypto Valley ecosystem. These include Maximilian Walsh, who founded the Bitcoin Association Switzerland; Ralf Sasse, who heads up the Ethereum Foundation's research arm; and Reto Trinkler, the co-founder of Melonport AG.

Together, these individuals have helped make the Crypto Valley one of the most important centres for blockchain and crypto innovation globally.

## What Notable Projects Have Come Out of the Crypto Valley So Far?

Notable projects that have come out of the Crypto Calley include the Ethereum Foundation, The Swiss Blockchain Federation, and The Crypto Valley Association.

These organisations are working to promote blockchain technology and crypto-assets, and to foster an environment that is conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to these organisations, there are also a number of start-ups and scale-ups based in the Crypto Valley.

Some of these companies include Xapo, ShapeShift, and bitFlyer. These companies are working on various innovative projects, ranging from storage solutions for digital assets to decentralised exchanges.

The Crypto Valley is quickly becoming a leading destination for blockchain and crypto-related activity. It is poised to make a significant impact on the industry in the years to come.

## How Does Zug's Regulatory Environment Support Blockchain Innovation?

The regulatory environment in Zug is very supportive of innovation, providing a light-touch framework that allows businesses to experiment and scale quickly.
However, this can also present challenges for businesses, as the lack of clarity around regulations can make navigating the legal landscape difficult.

Nevertheless, the Crypto Valley is a hotbed of innovation, and businesses operating in the area are ideally positioned to take advantage of the blockchain technology opportunities presented.

## What Is Likely to Happen in the Crypto Valley?

The Crypto Valley is likely to continue to shape blockchain innovation worldwide. It is home to many of the world's leading blockchain and crypto companies, and it is also a major hub for start-ups and ICOs.
The Crypto Valley is also home to several world-class research institutes and universities, making it an ideal environment for developing new blockchain technologies.

In addition, the Crypto Valley has a highly developed infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. These factors all make the Crypto Valley an attractive destination for blockchain companies and developers.
As a result, it is likely to continue to be a significant force in shaping the future of blockchain innovation around the world.


Crypto Valley: Hub for Blockchain

As the global cryptocurrency landscape evolves, so do crypto regulations governing it. Keeping up to date with the rules and regulations in different countries is not always easy, but it is essential for anyone looking to trade or invest in cryptocurrencies.

Here are some key regulatory developments in the space over the past year and what we can expect in the year ahead.

## United States

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States has been ramping up its scrutiny of the cryptocurrency space.
In 2020, the SEC brought many enforcement actions against companies and individuals involved in illegal activity, including fraud and money laundering. The SEC also issued several investor warnings about the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies.

In 2022, the SEC is expected to continue its crackdown on illegal activity in the cryptocurrency space. The agency is also likely to release more guidance on what types of digital assets will be considered securities. This could significantly impact how cryptocurrencies are traded and sold in the United States.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers cryptocurrencies a digital representation of value that serves as a store of value, unit of account, and a medium of exchange. Still, it does not consider them to be legal currency. As a result of this guidance, the IRS has issued cryptocurrency-specific tax rules.

## Europe

As the European Union looks to 2022 and beyond, cryptocurrencies will continue to play a significant role in the digital economy. In light of this, the EU is taking steps to ensure that crypto assets are regulated to promote innovation and protect consumers.

The Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD), brought into force in January 2020, is a vital part of the EU's efforts to regulate cryptocurrencies. 5AMLD brought cryptocurrency-fiat currency exchanges under EU anti-money laundering legislation to prevent the use of crypto assets for illicit purposes.

The European Commission is considering proposals to extend 5AMLD to cover custodial wallet providers and peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges. The Commission is also considering introducing a pan-EU licensing regime for cryptocurrency service providers.

The European Union is also working on developing its digital currency, known as the Digital Euro. The Digital Euro would be a new form of central bank money, available to all citizens and businesses in the EU. The European Commission is currently exploring the feasibility of launching a Digital Euro and is expected to present its findings before the launch.

## China

In Asia, China has been one of the most active countries when it comes to regulating cryptocurrencies. In 2017, China banned initial coin offerings (ICOs) and shut down cryptocurrency exchanges. Since that time, the Chinese government has taken a more cautious approach to space.

In 2020, China launched its digital currency, known as the "digital yuan." The digital yuan is not entirely decentralised like other cryptocurrencies. However, it is still seen as a significant step forward for the adoption of digital currencies.

The Chinese government is also working on a blockchain-based system to track and trace digital assets.
This year, we can expect more regulatory clarity from the Chinese government. The digital yuan is expected to launch in a pilot program sometime this year. And the [blockchain-based tracking system](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cbdc-launch-first-2022-093011347.html) could be up and running very soon. And it will be legalised as payment for tolls, transport fares, bills, and goods.

## South Korea

As the global cryptocurrency market matures, governments and financial institutions pay increasing attention to digital assets. Cryptocurrencies are not treated as legal money in South Korea. While exchanges are legal, they operate in a carefully regulated environment.

Cryptocurrency transactions are currently tax-free in the country because they are considered neither currency nor a financial asset. However, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance has stated that it will consider imposing a tax on cryptocurrency earnings to provide clarity for investors.

The South Korean government announced a new bill in March 2021 that requires cryptocurrency investors to use the same name on their digital wallet accounts as they do on their bank accounts. That requires cryptocurrency exchanges to provide information to banks to confirm customer identities.

The Tax on Cryptocurrency in South Korea was supposed to go into effect in January 2022, but it has been delayed until January 2023. South Korea has also committed to maintaining the tax framework to foster international financial transparency. In addition, the country has stated that it will continue working toward aligning the industry with FATF's anti-money laundering standards.

## Final Thoughts

The United States, Europe, China, and South Korea are all taking different approaches to regulating cryptocurrencies. Here's a breakdown of what each country is doing and how it will impact the future of crypto.

•	The United States has been relatively hands-off when it comes to cryptocurrency regulation. However, the SEC recently clarified that they consider some digital tokens to be securities. Companies issuing or selling these tokens must comply with federal securities laws. 
•	Europe is taking a more rigorous approach to crypto regulation than the US. The EU has classified Bitcoin as a currency and virtual asset, which subjects it to certain regulations like anti-money laundering and terrorist financing laws. Additionally, new rules proposed by the European Commission would require exchanges to verify customer identities and report suspicious activity. 
•	China has taken a hard line on cryptocurrency regulation, banning ICOs and exchanges. However, the Chinese government is still researching blockchain technology and its potential applications. 
•	South Korea is another country that has taken a tough stance on crypto regulation. The government has banned anonymous trading, required exchanges to verify customer identities, and limits how much money Koreans can invest in cryptocurrency.

These different approaches to regulating cryptocurrencies will have a big impact on the industry's future. In the US, crypto companies will need to comply with securities laws if they want to sell digital tokens. In Europe, crypto exchanges will need to verify customer identities and report suspicious activity. And in China and South Korea, crypto trading is more difficult due to the restrictions placed on exchanges.

As the world grapples with crypto regulations, it will be interesting to see how these different approaches play out.


Crypto Regulations 2022 and Beyond

In the United Kingdom, [regulation](https://brendanbeeken.com/crypto-regulation-in-2022/) for a UK crypto exchange can be seen as somewhat of a grey area compared to the European Union (EU) and the rest of the world.

Before diving into the state of play in the global regulatory realm, we look at why regulation is significant to a UK crypto exchange. Anti-regulation crypto enthusiasts often oppose any notion of regulation being introduced, believing it will hinder innovation and goes against the decentralised nature of cryptocurrency, specifically not being tied to any institution or government authority.

In the eyes of policymakers and many crypto business owners alike, these are the factors in which crypto may have implications on global financial stability:

## Size, scale, and volatility of the burgeoning crypto market 

The collective crypto market cap has reached highs of an estimated $2 trillion with high volatility. At the time of writing, the cryptocurrency market has shed $1 trillion in the last month! The crypto market is forecast to continue growing at a rapid rate sporadically.

## Disruptive innovation effects of the industry

The distinctive nature of cryptos underlying blockchain technology conflicts with existing regulation for traditional methods of cross-border data flow, intellectual property rights, and capital controls. This introduces ambiguity as to how digital assets are treated for taxation purposes and various other policy concerns.

## Correlation to existing financial markets

Earlier enthusiasts insisted that crypto can add valuable diversification benefits as a hedge to one's portfolio. So much so that the OG of crypto, Bitcoin, is still often dubbed "Digital Gold". Recent analysis suggests this is not the case, as there is a strong correlation between BTC and the S&P500 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Figure 1 below displays significant swings in volatility aligned with the trend of the US stock market. 

![Uk crypto exchange image 1.webp](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Uk_crypto_exchange_image_1_539fbfac6f.webp)

 
Figure 1 (IMF, 2022)

For these reasons, policymakers worldwide see regulatory guardrails as imperative to achieving the common objectives of stabilising their monetary systems while championing innovation and economic growth.

## Importance of regulation for a UK crypto exchange

Close to a year ago, Binance, the largest crypto exchange in the world in terms of daily trading volume, was banned by the UK regulator. This caused panic among British users who could not withdraw their fiat funds from the platform. 

Crypto is volatile enough. UK crypto exchanges do not want to be banned like Binance. UK crypto exchanges crave stability, guardrails, and direction from regulators that can inform how to run their business sustainably. Therefore the Moni Talks team and I believe regulation is positive for a UK crypto exchange.

## Regulation fosters stability in the market

For cryptocurrency to unleash its full potential, the industry will need to integrate into the mainstream financial system. This will unlock even more finance and use cases of blockchain technology among institutions and everyday retail investors alike. 

Regulation will guide cryptocurrencies from looking like a gamble to more like an investment.

## Encourages consumer protection and confidence

UK crypto exchanges do not have access to the same capital protection in the case of default as regulated stock exchanges in the legacy financial system. If, one day, investors can be assured that 80% of their funds are recoverable in the case of default, this will inspire wider adoption of cryptocurrencies. It will shift the mindset away from “only invest an amount in crypto you can afford to lose (5%-10% allocation of your portfolio)”.

## Safer Crypto Industry

Although certain cryptocurrency coins like [BTC](/coins/btc) are completely secure, immutable, and transparent, many certainly are not. There is widespread fraud, scams, rug pulls, and market manipulation, which gives the industry a bad name. Scammers took $14 billion worth of crypto last year, a record compared to the $7.8 billion taken by scammers in 2020, according to a report by blockchain data firm Chainalysis.

At Moni Talks , we are a customer-first company and support regulation to weed out bad actors in the industry.

## Current regulatory landscape

Globally, central banks and policymakers are assessing impending regulatory responses to the rise of the crypto ecosystem. The traditional financial system becomes more interconnected with the rapidly growing decentralised finance (DeFi) industry each day. Concerns about how significant the overspill effects of this could be on the systemic stability of the monetary system have been keeping policymakers busy.

Countries from China to El Salvador have started evaluating and implementing different regulatory options. Most countries are broadly aligned in their objectives: to protect consumers, prevent illicit financing, protect the integrity of the market, and promote innovation. 

Some jurisdictions, such as India, have proposed amending existing legislation. The EU and United Arab Emirates (UAE) propose setting up completely new regulators to deal with the industry comprehensively. The UK has adapted. The UK has transposed some of the related frameworks related to [cryptocurrency regulation](https://complyadvantage.com/insights/crypto-regulations/cryptocurrency-regulations-uk-united-kingdom/) in the EU into its domestic law. Many jurisdictions' regulation is in limbo while still being developed before having the ability to be enforced. In Great Britain, all UK crypto exchanges are to be registered with the FCA.

Differing regulation presents arbitrage opportunities, lack of common standards and lingo. The Digital Currency Governance Consortium, composed of more than 80 organisations representing 33 countries, is tasked with facilitating a coordinated approach to regulation across the globe.

Key takeaways of UK crypto exchange regulation:
•	UK crypto exchanges are legal and have registration requirements with the Financial Control Authority (FCA)
•	The sale of crypto derivatives and Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) are banned
•	Cryptocurrency is currently not considered legal tender
•	The HM Treasury plans to regulate some cryptocurrencies as part of a wider plan to make the UK a digital payment hub.

## Turbulent regulatory timeline for a UK crypto exchange

The UK has transposed some of the related frameworks related to cryptocurrency regulation in the EU into its domestic law. 

On 10 January 2020, the FCA announced that firms offering cryptocurrency services based in the UK are to be registered within one year. 

Importantly, to be classified as a registered UK crypto exchange, a company must comply with Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) reporting and customer protection obligations. This ignited a scramble of application submissions inundating the FCA processing resource.

On 6 October 2020, it was announced that the sale of cryptocurrency derivatives to retail consumers was banned by the FCA. This came into effect three months later in order to protect everyday investors from market volatility. 

In December 2020, a ‘temporary registration regime’ was introduced due to the prolonged processing times of all registration from crypto businesses applying to adhere to the licensing requirements. On this register, a UK crypto exchange will be able to continue trading while awaiting determination of it’s application for registration with the FCA. 

More than 80% of applications to the FCA have withdrawn or been rejected on the back of not meeting standards money laundering standards. Crypto has often been referred to as the Wild West and licensing requirements are clearly the new Sherrif in town. 

Gemini’s head of UK, Blair Halliday, said, “The licensing regime is important as it provides customers the assurance that they’re dealing with a firm that has undergone rigorous scrutiny." 

From 10 January 2022 onwards, UK crypto exchange firms, as well as recognised financial advisers and investment managers that market and provide services in the UK market, have to be registered by the FCA. As of 30 March 2022, 33 firms have been registered with the FCA, and only 12 firms remain on the temporary registration regime with notable names such as Revolut and Copper. 


Regulatory Impact on a UK Crypto Exchange

Recent developments or ‘crypto news now' cover the remarks delivered by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on digital assets policies, innovation, and regulation at the Kogod School of Business Center for Innovation.

## Areas to be Worked On

She believes that the crypto industry should follow similar rules and regulations as the traditional financial system. Yellen highlighted these areas that need to be worked on:

•	the financial system
•	benefits from responsible innovation
•	the dangers to vulnerable individuals if regulation is not in tandem with innovation
•	activities focusing on risks rather than technologies
•	how the USA will benefit from the dollar's current role

This comes after President Joe Biden signed an executive order in March allowing federal agencies to conduct a plan for policies and regulations on digital assets, including cryptocurrency. The executive order outlines what government agencies must do to develop policies and regulations on cryptocurrencies and ensure US cryptocurrency laws align with those of its allies. It also commissions the Financial Stability Oversight Council to investigate any forbidden financial activities. Additionally, the order brings back the possibility of a new government-issued central bank digital currency.

## Government should 'Take Step Back'

During her address, Yellen stated that the Treasury would work with the White House and other agencies to develop reports and establish recommendations on digital currencies over the next six months. She said the current sentiment is that the technology is so radically and beneficially transformative that the government should step back entirely and let innovation run its course. However, skeptics see limitations and support the government taking a more restrictive approach. She said that the same things that have brought clear benefits for economic growth from a traditional finance point of view should help guide their approach toward digital assets.

## SEC Show Support

The [Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)](https://www.sec.gov/) Chairman Gary Gensler seems to support this stance as he announced several initiatives to bring additional protection to investors in the $2 trillion cryptocurrency market. He announced his plans to register and regulate crypto exchanges and explore separating asset custody to minimize investor risk. As currently, crypto exchanges mostly take custody of their customers’ assets, increasing the chances of large-scale attacks. Last year, it is reported, fraudsters stole $14 billion in crypto. He also announced plans to partner with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to address platforms trading crypto-based security tokens and commodity tokens. Gensler adds that the crypto market should not be treated differently due to the different technology used. They play roles similar to traditional regulated exchanges and, therefore, investors should be protected similarly. 

Many industry experts believe more regulation could increase market stability and the price and value of crypto, increase investor protections in the market, prevent fraudulent activity, and provide clear guidance for innovation. They also believe that investors should invest in [Bitcoin](/coins/btc) or [Ethereum](/coins/eth ) as they have a track record of increasing in value, despite being highly volatile with price fluctuations by the day and hour.


Crypto News Now: is Regulation the Way Forward?


When it comes to crypto investment, the UK wants to be at the front of the field.

With the rise in popularity of the crypto markets, it is no surprise that countries put in plans to benefit from this surge of new money. One country in particular that wants to be at the forefront of new technologies is the United Kingdom.

The interest levels are clearly evidenced by the popularity of the search term 'crypto investment uk'.
The government has decided that stablecoins will be recognised as a form of payment. This is one step closer to crypto being accepted as forms of currency instead of just stores of value.

## Cryptoasset Engagement Group Will be Created

This is only one measure as part of a package to make the UK a global technology and crypto investments hub. Another is legislating a 'financial market infrastructure sandbox' which will help firms and companies innovate, experiment, and create, leading to more jobs opening up and more money flowing into the UK, helping boost the economy. A Cryptoasset Engagement Group will also be created to increase communication between the government and the industry. It will advise the government on any issues it may face while building the crypto-asset sector.

Not only is the government trying to regulate, it is also creating its own non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Finance Minister Rishi Sunak has asked the Royal Mint (the government-owned company responsible for minting coins within the UK) to create NFTs by the summer of 2022. With summer coming, we expect more info to be brought to light relatively soon. This opens many doors and opportunities for crypto enthusiasts and UK crypto investment firms.

## Other Measures Taken to Assist Regulation

Other measures the UK is taking to help regulate the markets include looking for ways to enhance UK tax system competitiveness to encourage crypto-asset market development in the UK. It will also review how DeFi loans are treated for tax purposes. In May, a two-day event will see the [Financial Conduct Authority](https://www.fca.org.uk/) meet industry participants to learn their views regarding crypto-asset regime development.

The UK, well known for its advancements in technology and innovation, will unlock a massive new stream of income and business opportunity. This will create many new jobs as start-up companies and crypto investment firms look to take on new employees and build up their businesses. 

This will help boost the economy by an enormous margin. As I write, the total crypto market cap is $2.02 trillion. Tapping into just a fraction of this amount will do wonders for the UK. Not only will the UK dabble in the market, it will be one of the top leaders and innovators in the entire world. This is exciting news, and it will be interesting to see how the future of crypto investments in the UK unfolds.

More [Business news](/news/category/crypto-business-news).


Cryptocurrency Investment: UK Plans to be Global Hub

Coinbase Twitter tweeted a link to the article titled “The crypto guide to taxes” in the last days of March 2022. 

The tweet came a few weeks to tax season 2022 in the United States of America, and with the deadline for submitting personal gains to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fast approaching.

Coinbase tweets towards the end of March were on blockchain analytics, promotions for new accounts, and advanced trading on the cryptocurrency exchange. 

For Coinbase Twitter news to focus on crypto taxes means representatives of the platform continue to get messages from account holders on what activities constitute paying cryptocurrency taxes.

## Coinbase Twitter Reminder

Coinbase users have a cause to worry about Coinbase taxes. This is the primary reason why it is not surprising to find millions of verified Coinbase users asking the question of which crypto transactions are taxable? 

According to Coinbase, numerous kinds of crypto transactions are considered taxable events. Several crypto activities are taxable, but some of them are not. 

When you sell and convert crypto, you should know that you must pay crypto capital gains tax.

With that said, activities such as mining and holding digital collectibles in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and buying and holding crypto are non-taxable events.

Therefore, if you know that you have staked, spent, converted, sold, and earned crypto, you should prepare to pay taxes on cryptocurrency gains.
Taxes on personal income come in different rates and brackets, and the cryptocurrency tax is the same. Cryptocurrency tax rates fall under ordinary income or capital gains.

The rate of token tax depends on factors such as the method of obtaining the crypto and the duration you held onto the digital coins. 
IRS crypto taxes is similar to paying taxes on stocks. Therefore, you will pay relatively lower rates if you decide to HODL (hold onto your tokens for at least one year before selling them). 

You will pay taxes on crypto if you are involved in swapping tokens. A great example is trading crypto pairs such as BTC for ETH, ETH for ADA, ADA for BNB, and others. In the eyes of the IRS, swapping means you have sold your Bitcoin to buy Ethereum, Ethereum to buy Cardano, and Cardano to buy Binance Coin. In such a situation, you will realize gains or losses.

The same holds for spending. For example, you buy $20,000 worth of ETH and a price spike increases your investment by 300% to $80,000. You use your ETH to buy an automobile worth $80,000. You are then subject to paying capital gains tax on cryptocurrency.

The only way to avoid paying taxes on crypto is to use good old cash. Although it is not impossible, it would be difficult to find an exchange that accepts cash as a payment method in the current climate of crypto regulation. To put it simply, buying crypto with cash is not taxable, so you would not be having any IRS crypto problems once tax season takes center stage.

If you are a trader who transfers digital currencies between wallets such as Coinbase wallets (non-custodial wallet) and Coinbase Exchange accounts (custodial wallet), you are not subject to reporting detailed activities of such transfers.

Suppose you sent no more than $15,000-worth of crypto to friends and acquaintances. In that case, you are not eligible to file taxes on cryptocurrency.

Reporting your crypto activities and paying the necessary crypto trader tax is imperative.

The IRS has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to paying taxes. Failure to adhere to crypto and taxes rules could lead to steep penalties. 
You can use CoinTracker (a trusted aggregator for tax services) to help you sort out your taxable crypto activities. 

Although Coinbase Twitter news has done its part in shedding more light on crypto and taxes, the onus falls on you, as a crypto user, to make arrangements for capital gains on cryptocurrency.

More [Business news](/news/category/crypto-business-news).



Coinbase Twitter Shares Crypto Tax Guide 

As 2021 draws to a close, the crypto market is stronger than ever before. Bitcoin sits at around $47,000 exactly double what it was worth this time last year. As we all know, there have been many record gains alongside some serious drawbacks. In this article we will look at the current state of the market and what we can likely expect in 2022.

As mentioned above, the current price of Bitcoin is just over $47,000 representing just over a 100% gain if you had bought Bitcoin this time last year. The digital currency market as a whole is currently worth $2.1 trillion with highs of $3 trillion touched upon as little as 6 weeks ago. Bitcoin still remains the dominant crypto with just over 40% of market share with Ethereum close behind at 21%.

Without stating the obvious, 2021 has been a bumpy ride underlining the most successful cryptocurrency trading strategy is the long term buy and hold. No matter how smart people claim to be, no one can out play the market, especially an unregulated one so open to manipulation.

So, going forward what can we expect from crypto in 2022?

## Regulation needed as soon as possible

As we have discussed many times before the market desperately needs some form a comprehensive regulation that will both protect consumers, deter bad actors and encourage further investment from those less averse to high risk management.

It is my belief that this regulatory approval is closely tied to the ongoing court case between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs. Unless you have been living under a rock for the last year or are extremely new to crypto you will understand that Ripple is currently being sued by the SEC for the apparent offering of its native token asset XRP as a security in the early days of the company’s formation. Ripple argue that the XRP is a utility token with a distinct purpose which does not constitute an investment and therefore is not a security which is regulated under SEC authority.

This case is key to the whole cryptocurrency market. If, as many people are beginning to believe, the court rules in Ripples favour the closure of the case will provide clarity on just what cryptocurrencies truly are. Indeed, the case will surely determine a completely new asset class which is somewhere between investment vehicle and utility token.

## Looking forward, looking back

The case against Ripple is close to a year old now with progress and information from both sides seemingly stagnant. However, there is optimism that there may be resolution sometime in the new year. In terms of market development cryptocurrency and blockchain are still relatively new in the product lifecycle and as the world adjusts to a post COVID reality the continued emergence of a complete digital immersion is more than inevitable. If 2021 was the year people woke up to the use case of crypto then perhaps 2022 is the year when the adoption is cleared for take off. Only time will tell.

Which Crypto: 2021-2022 Roundup

The cryptocurrency _brain trust_ got a chance to speak in front of congress at a House Financial Services Committee hearing this week.  A collection of six of the most influential CEOs in crypto passionately lobbied lawmakers to adopt a “_mostly_ hands off” approach in terms of new regulatory measures being considered as Washington tries to determine how best to regulate a $3 trillion digital assets market – an environment that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has compared to the “Wild West.”

Since the inception of the cryptocurrency market a decade ago, it’s safe to say that a majority of the adults living in the U.S. now have a basic understanding of what cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are, and [16% of them have actually invested](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/11/11/16-of-americans-say-they-have-ever-invested-in-traded-or-used-cryptocurrency/) in the digital assets – this is especially true for men in the 18 – 29 age bracket. 

## A Global Force for Good

The overall tone of the hearing was undoubtedly “pro-crypto” as there wasn’t a single detractor among the witnesses that did speak.  Essentially, the crypto CEOs promoted the digital asset market as a global force for good and urged congress to lead the world in embracing it.

The talking points were many, but one of the most profound messages was that the technology _powering_ the cryptocurrency market can not only expedite and cut the costs of financial transactions, but lawmakers were urged to look at blockchain technology as a “revolutionary innovation” that the U.S. could step in and lead _globally_…if it so chooses and with the right leadership in place.

During the hearing republicans and democrats both showed clear signs of skepticism toward the financial risks associated with the cryptocurrency market, _but it was the Republicans_ who sided with the CEOs in their viewing the approach that the SEC has taken toward the industry as being “distasteful,” at best.  The recent clashes between the SEC and major crypto firms are well documented as agency chair, Gary Gensler, has long tried to paint digital assets as a security or a type of investment contract that merits SEC regulatory oversight.

## Cryptocurrency Leaders Disagree

A future in which the SEC would actually be considered for regulatory oversight means a clear misinterpretation of the market by lawmakers.  Their argument against SEC regulation rests on the fact that blockchain tokens _are not_ securities but rather digital property or a way to record ownership.  Clearly, we are still very early in the regulatory process if the two sides still haven’t been able come up with a list of agreed-upon definitions for key terms like “what _is_ a digital asset?”

All of the rifts discussed at the hearing could be a signal that it may still take years to put together a solid and permanent regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, but there were very specific comments that would give cryptocurrency investors hope.

For example, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), poised to chair the committee if the GOP wins back the House, said it is a priority to ensure that the "cryptocurrency revolution" happens in the U.S. rather than overseas.

Hopefully, lawmakers will take McHenry’s advice.


Top Crypto CEOs Engage Lawmakers at Hearing

New York City’s mayor-elect Eric Adams took to Twitter last week saying that he would accept his first three wages in Bitcoin. The bond between Bitcoin and newly elected US officials is growing stronger, and that’s likely to hasten the pace at which new cryptocurrency regulatory measures are implemented.

The remarks were interpreted as an attempt to upstage Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who said earlier that _he_ would accept 100% of _his_ salary in Bitcoin. Suarez told a major media outlet that the move would ‘send a message to the world that we are going to be one of the most innovative governments and innovative cities on the planet’.

Adams is apparently hoping to promote the same message in New York City.

## Will Crypto Contribute to the Economy?

The mayoral announcements are another win for cryptocurrencies, but they also serve as a reminder that Bitcoin, unlike any other asset class, still operates without any governing body overseeing them. Nor do they have a centralised, regulated exchange where people can go to trade them.

Whether either mayor has any success in dictating to their employers the currency in which they must be paid is yet to be seen, but for big media markets like Miami and Chicago to suggest that cryptocurrencies will be a core component of their city’s economic makeup only adds fuel to Bitcoin’s upward trajectory, and that means the current US administration is feeling more pressure to apply regulatory measures to an environment it’s only now beginning to understand.

## Crypto Regulation Steps In

Cryptocurrency regulatory oversight will likely be divvied up among several regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with the key players expected to be:

### U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler - The SEC’s primary role is to protect investors and ensure the markets function in an orderly fashion. Gensler, who has extensive regulatory experience, is expected to make the most meaningful contributions to writing the new cryptocurrency regulatory rulebook. What is perhaps most intriguing about Gensler is his previous role at the storied ‘MIT’, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he taught a popular course called ‘Blockchain and Money’.

The most revealing of Gensler’s comments came at a recent conference where he compared cryptocurrencies, an asset class that’s been in existence for about 13 years, to a teenager, suggesting that the technology can’t be expected to reach ‘adulthood’ without regulatory oversight to usher the market to a state of maturity, and to stave off scams and criminal activities.

### Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen - Applauded for breaking so many glass ceilings, Janet Yellen is currently serving as the first female Secretary of the Treasury. As the incumbent of one of the most influential positions in American finance, it is within Yellen’s purview to lead the US Government in its oversight of the cryptocurrency market and its brokers. Prior to her role as secretary, Yellen spent several years as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors where she peaked as the chair of the Federal Reserve.

In many forums, Yellen is often excoriated for showing little support for the cryptocurrency market. While Yellen certainly can’t be considered a cheerleader of the digital assets market, I do believe she is genuine in her concern for reeling in the misuse of existing digital currencies, and that’s is something that would further strengthen an already robust cryptocurrency market.

### Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts) - Calling Senator Warren the _Cruella de Vil_ of the cryptocurrency universe may be a bit harsh, but the east coast progressive’s recent comments on digital assets most decidedly places her in the ‘sceptics’ column. Earlier this summer, Sen. Warren told [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/world/?region=world) that she’s doesn’t consider Bitcoin a reasonable hedge bet against inflation over the long run, and that’s one of the marquee reasons that some investors use as justification for purchasing Bitcoin, as a hedge against inflation.

## The Future for Crypto Wages

Looking ahead, Warren will be directly involved in formulating new regs on crypto in her role as a member of the Senate Banking Committee.

Cryptocurrencies are a technology that will revolutionize financial transactions at every level, and it will be incumbent on governments to come up with the appropriate cryptocurrency regulatory framework. The sooner reasonable regulations are applied, the sooner digital assets can evolve to their next level of usefulness.



Eric Adams: Wages in Bitcoin?

Bitcoin regulation is on the way, and the leading cryptocurrency is ‘worthless’.

That’s the view of JPMorgan Chase & Co chief executive Jamie Dimon.

He said: ‘No matter what anyone thinks about it, government is going to regulate it. They are going to regulate it for (anti-money laundering) purposes, for (Bank Secrecy Act) purposes, for tax.'

Dimon was speaking at the [Institute of International Finance](https://www.iif.com/) Annual Membership Meeting earlier this week.

The head of the largest US bank has been an outspoken critic of crypto, but over the summer JPMorgan gave wealth management clients access to cryptocurrency funds. That means the bank's financial advisers can accept buy and sell orders from clients for five cryptocurrency products.

## Regulation Won't Have Immediate Impact

His comments on bitcoin regulation didn’t appear to have any immediate impact on markets.

Dimon made it clear his views are different from the banks, but said he remains sceptical.

He added: ‘I personally think that bitcoin is worthless. I don't think you should smoke cigarettes either.

‘Our clients are adults. They disagree. If they want to have access to buy or sell bitcoin - we can't custody it - but we can give them legitimate, as clean as possible access.’


Cryptocurrency Regulation is Coming

Uzbekistan has identified a number of crypto exchanges that have been operating without a license, according to an official at the country's central bank.

The crackdown will see exchanges being blocked by internet service providers, said Vassily Sinaisky, who heads up the regulator's policy and strategies department. He added: "We found out that some exchanges were operating without a licence. We sent them written warnings that they need to stop their activities."

## Anonymous Trading to be Blocked

The central bank's move comes after earlier reports suggested Uzbekistan was looking to become the next country in the region to block anonymous trading on crypto exchanges.

The crackdown will see cryptocurrency traders required to provide identification documents when signing up for an exchange, Sinaisky added.

More [Business news](/news/category/crypto-business-news).

Uzbekistan Cracks Down on Crypto Exchange Licenses

SEBA Bank has been granted a license to offer digital crypto assets to Swiss-domiciled mutual funds – a first for Switzerland according to the FINMA-licensed Swiss Bank.

It was announced on Wednesday that SEBA has been granted a licence to act as a custodian bank for Swiss collective investment schemes pursuant to Art. 72 CISA (KAG).

## A Bridge Between Digital and Traditional

In a statement SEBA, which provides a bridge between digital and traditional assets, said the licence will accelerate its growth by extending its institutional-grade digital asset custody services to Swiss-domiciled mutual funds.

This new licence extends SEBA Bank’s digital asset investment activities by offering digital custody services for Swiss-domiciled mutual funds.

The bank’s statement said it is ‘an important new enabler of liquid investment funds with crypto or other digital assets as an underlying investment class’.

## Excellent Business Momentum

SEBA Bank Guido Buehler added: ‘Two years ago, SEBA Bank received a Swiss banking and securities firm licence and is now enjoying excellent business momentum as institutional adoption of crypto and digital assets accelerate globally.

‘With our new CISA licence, SEBA Bank continues its pioneering role in the institutional digital asset space. Asset Managers can now offer strategies based on crypto or other digital asset underlying’s to a broader audience utilizing Swiss-based mutual fund structures secured by SEBA Bank as the CISA-licensed custodian.’

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