Nigerian Justice Emeka Nwite recently set October 11 as the date for ruling in the trial of Binance Holdings Limited, a popular cryptocurrency platform. The platform and its two directors face a four-count tax evasion charge for failing to register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Binance’s lawyer Ayodele Omotilewa pleaded not guilty to […]
Fed Chair Powell Reaffirms Stance on Custody Assets Amid SEC Crypto Rule Controversy
On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testified before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, where Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) questioned him about the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121. This bulletin mandates that banks include digital assets held in custody on their balance sheets, significantly raising the cost of providing digital asset custody services. […]
SEC’s Regulatory Overreach Challenged in Court: Motion Filed to Vacate ‘Dealer’ Rule
Crypto Freedom Alliance of Texas and Blockchain Association filed a motion on May 17 to vacate the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s new Dealer Rule. The plaintiffs’ counsel argues that the SEC’s expanded definition of “dealer” exceeds its statutory authority under the Securities Exchange Act, particularly affecting the digital asset industry. The brief asserts […]
South Africa’s FIC Unveils Draft Directive for Travel Rule Implementation; Crypto Industry Leader Issues Warning
The South African Financial Intelligence Centre recently issued a draft directive calling crypto-asset service providers to implement the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) travel rule. However, key figures in South Africa’s crypto industry say several factors could hinder the implementation of the FATF’s Recommendation 16. CASP Interactions With Unhosted Wallets The South African Financial Intelligence […]
Nigeria Proposes Rule Requiring Foreign Crypto Exchanges to Incorporate in the Country
The Nigerian Securities Regulator has proposed a rule requiring virtual asset service providers to be incorporated and maintain an office within Nigeria. The regulator has also suggested a fivefold increase in the registration fee, which must be submitted alongside license applications from prospective crypto exchanges. Proposed Regulations to Foreign Operators Targeting Nigerian Users According to […]