#regulation

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published new findings. These suggest that, far from offering economic relief, cryptocurrencies might be escalating financial vulnerabilities in emerging economies. Many are tempted to view the digital assets as an alternative to the typical monetary systems or a stand-in for local currencies. However, the study's authors caution that this perspective might elevate the financial risks these nations face. While the report does highlight the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies, the BIS insists that effective regulation is vital to steer their advantages in a beneficial direction.

US House Financial Services Committee members, led by Chair Patrick McHenry, are seeking clarity from the SEC and FINRA about how Prometheum secured a special purpose broker-dealer (SPBD) license. They're probing if the SEC used Prometheum as a model firm to support Gary Gensler's stance that existing laws suffice for crypto regulation in the U.S. Despite Prometheum's claims of being pivotal for regulated digital asset offerings, the lawmakers pointed out that the firm hasn't served any customers yet. Also they raised concerns about potential ties between Prometheum and the Chinese Communist Party. The committee has requested related documents and communication records by Aug. 22.

US stablecoin legislation negotiations have stalled, with House Financial Services Chair Patrick McHenry blaming the White House. McHenry noted that the parties were closer than ever to a bipartisan deal after 15 months of talks. However, Rep. Maxine Waters criticized the current stablecoin bill as "deeply problematic," voicing concerns about state regulators approving stablecoin issuances without Federal Reserve input. She also feared companies like Amazon and Facebook issuing their own digital currencies.

Crypto miners in the U.S. have initiated the Digital Energy Council to lobby for miner-friendly policies amidst ongoing crypto regulation debates. The council aims to advocate for sustainable energy development, grid resilience, U.S. competitiveness, and national security. This move comes as President Joe Biden's administration proposes a 30% excise tax on mining operations, citing societal harms. Additionally, Democratic lawmakers criticize miners for environmental concerns.

Singapore’s central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has released a final regulatory framework for single-currency stablecoins (SCS) under its regulation. MAS stated that the framework’s goal is to guarantee “a significant level of value stability” for stablecoins. This framework will be applicable to all stablecoins tied to the Singapore Dollar or any other G10 currency issued within Singapore.

"Simply put, no. Bitcoin raises concerns among both local and European regulators. Our primary business demands our focus, and it wouldn't be rational to jeopardize it by engaging with a high-risk asset like Bitcoin," says Mykhailo Rohalskyi. He believes that cryptocurrency lacks advantages over fiat money, apart from the potential to sidestep local currency regulations. Speaking on Ukraine's crypto landscape, the Monobank co-founder added: "I'm skeptical about the widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies in our country. The approach of the National Bank of Ukraine to crypto regulation remains uncertain."

Brian Armstrong has publicly urged US residents to actively support the 21st Century Financial Innovation and Technology Bill, which promises to bring much-needed clarity to cryptocurrency regulation. Armstrong emphasized that it is ordinary Americans who can have a decisive impact on the outcome of the vote by sending an email to their representatives asking them to support the bill. In a more detailed statement, Coinbase added that the bill, in addition to protecting consumer rights and enhancing national security, has the potential to spur job creation in the US.

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has published a report suggesting that a more robust regulatory framework is required for the use of blockchain in finance. The report highlighted the lack of regulation around crypto asset trading platforms and stablecoins and identified non-security crypto asset spot markets as the main regulatory gap. According to the GAO, Congress could address these issues by designating a federal regulator to oversee these markets. Moreover, the report suggests a need for more regulatory coordination and proposes the establishment of a formal mechanism to identify risks and respond to them within an agreed timeframe.