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Laos partners with Soramitsu on CBDC research

Laos became the newest nation to begin exploring a central bank digital currency and announced upcoming research on the subject in partnership with Japanese distributed ledger technology firm Soramitsu.

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Laos became the newest nation to begin exploring a central bank digital currency and announced upcoming research on the subject in partnership with Japanese distributed ledger technology firm Soramitsu.

The project is expected to begin this month and follows the signing of a MOU between Laos’ central bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency to study the development of CBDC. The study will evaluate the operations of banks and other financial intermediaries within the financial system.

CBDC would offer policymakers better economic data, and could pave the way for cross-border CBDC-based settlements with its neighbor and second-largest trading partner, China.

Soramitsu worked with Cambodia to develop its Bakong digital payment system, a DLT-based payments network that was designed to reduce the country’s reliance on U.S. dollars for domestic trade. The Bakong app has been downloaded roughly 200,000 times since its launch in October 2020 and is currently supported by approximately 2,000 stores.

The Laos government’s move to research a CBDC appears to have come amid a push to explore more permissive digital asset regulation. Several government ministries led by the Ministry of Technology and Communications in partnership with the Bank of Laos and national power utility Electricite du Laos have also begun working toward drafting regulations governing the use of digital assets in Laos.

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Binance exec denied bail in Nigeria money laundering trial

Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February, has reportedly been denied bail by a Nigerian court in a money laundering trial.

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Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February, has reportedly been denied bail by a Nigerian court in a money laundering trial.

According to a local media report, Judge Emeka Nwite denied the bail application, stating that he believed Gambaryan posed a flight risk and would likely flee if released on bail.

Gambaryan, Binance Holdings and another senior executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla — who is currently at large — face charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The prosecution, led by Ekele Iheanacho, strongly objected to the bail application and highlighted that Gambaryan recently attempted to obtain a new passport under questionable circumstances after claiming his previous one was stolen.

Furthermore, Iheanacho said Gambaryan has no significant ties to any community in Nigeria. Iheanacho claimed that if granted bail, he is more likely to abscond like his colleague, Anjarwalla, who escaped Nigerian custody on March 22.

Anjarwalla and Gambaryan were taken into custody upon their arrival in Nigeria on Feb. 26. The arrest came after the federal government banned cryptocurrency channels as part of a campaign to curb currency speculation. The court mandated that Binance give the Nigerian government access to data and details of Nigerian traders using its platform.

However, Gambaryan also sued the Nigerian government for violating his fundamental human rights. Gambaryan’s motion claims that his detention in Nigeria and the confiscation of his passport violates the country’s constitution, which guarantees an individual’s right to personal liberty.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, had previously postponed the bail application hearing for Gambaryan, who is currently in custody at the Kuje correctional center.

Gambaryan was expected to return to court on April 19 following an initial postponement, and the question of bail was to be addressed on April 22. He has pleaded not guilty to tax evasion and money laundering charges brought by the EFCC.

On March 5, Binance announced that it would cease all Nigerian naira transactions, effectively exiting the market. Binance also said its peer-to-peer trading platform delisted all naira trading pairs in late February.

In a separate case in the United States, a federal judge sentenced former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao to four months in prison for violating U.S. money laundering laws.

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Turkey seeks to aligning crypto legislation with international standards

Turkey has taken a significant step towards regulating the cryptocurrency industry, with proposed legislation that aims to align the country’s crypto regulations with international standards. The move underscores Turkey’s commitment to fostering a safe and transparent environment for crypto-related activities while addressing concerns about potential risks and abuses.

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Turkey has taken a significant step towards regulating the cryptocurrency industry, with proposed legislation that aims to align the country’s crypto regulations with international standards. The move underscores Turkey’s commitment to fostering a safe and transparent environment for crypto-related activities while addressing concerns about potential risks and abuses.

The proposed crypto legislation in Turkey comes amid growing interest and participation in the cryptocurrency market, both domestically and globally. By establishing clear regulatory guidelines, Turkey seeks to provide legal certainty for crypto businesses and investors, thereby encouraging innovation and investment in the burgeoning industry.

Key aspects of the proposed legislation include measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, enhance consumer protection, and ensure the stability and integrity of financial markets. The legislation also aims to establish licensing requirements for crypto exchanges and other service providers, as well as impose reporting obligations to regulatory authorities.

By aligning its crypto regulations with international standards, Turkey aims to bolster its position as a hub for digital innovation and investment. The move is expected to attract crypto businesses and investors seeking regulatory clarity and stability, while also mitigating potential risks associated with unregulated crypto activities.

The proposed legislation reflects Turkey’s recognition of the transformative potential of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, as well as the need to regulate these assets in a responsible and effective manner. By adopting a balanced approach that promotes innovation while safeguarding against potential risks, Turkey aims to harness the benefits of crypto technology while mitigating its associated challenges.

The announcement of the proposed crypto legislation has been met with cautious optimism from industry participants and stakeholders. While some welcome the clarity and regulatory certainty it provides, others raise concerns about potential restrictions and compliance burdens for crypto businesses.

Overall, Turkey’s efforts to establish comprehensive crypto regulations in line with international standards represent a positive development for the cryptocurrency industry. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders will be closely monitoring Turkey’s progress and the impact of its crypto legislation on the broader market.

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Memecoin launcher pump.fun claims ex-employee was behind $1.9M exploit

Pumpfun, a memecoin tool, has alleged that a former employee exploited vulnerabilities within its system. The accusation sheds light on potential security concerns within the Solana network and underscores the importance of robust security measures in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency space.

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Pumpfun, a memecoin tool, has alleged that a former employee exploited vulnerabilities within its system. The accusation sheds light on potential security concerns within the Solana network and underscores the importance of robust security measures in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency space.

Pumpfun, a tool designed to facilitate the creation and promotion of memecoins on the Solana blockchain, has accused a former employee of exploiting vulnerabilities within its platform. According to Pumpfun, the ex-employee took advantage of security weaknesses to manipulate the platform’s functionality and engage in unauthorized activities.

The allegations raise questions about the integrity and security of the Solana network, one of the fastest-growing blockchain ecosystems in the cryptocurrency industry. As memecoins and decentralized applications (dApps) gain popularity on Solana, ensuring the security and reliability of these platforms becomes increasingly crucial to maintaining user trust and confidence.

In response to the allegations, Pumpfun has stated that it is taking steps to address the security vulnerabilities and strengthen its platform’s defenses against potential exploits. The company has also emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the incident and safeguarding user assets.

The incident involving Pumpfun highlights the broader challenges facing the cryptocurrency industry regarding security and risk management. As the adoption of blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to grow, ensuring the integrity of the underlying infrastructure becomes paramount to protecting user funds and maintaining market stability.

The Solana community and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting further updates and actions from Pumpfun and other parties involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough security audits, robust risk management practices, and proactive measures to mitigate potential vulnerabilities in blockchain-based systems.

In conclusion, the allegations against Pumpfun regarding the exploitation of security vulnerabilities by a former employee underscore the ongoing challenges and risks associated with the growing complexity of blockchain ecosystems. As the cryptocurrency industry matures, prioritizing security and implementing effective measures to address potential threats will be essential to fostering trust and confidence among users and investors.

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