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Central Bank of Sri Lanka releases statement for Public awareness on Risks in investing in Virtual Currencies

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Considering the recent inquiries on virtual currency usage in the international and domestic markets, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) wishes to inform the public of the risks associated with investing in Virtual Currencies. “Virtual Currencies (VCs)” are digital tokens created by private entities that can be obtained online through mining, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) or through Virtual Currency Exchanges. VCs are also commonly referred to as cryptocurrencies. Popular VCs include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin. While VCs have their own value denominations such as bitcoins for Bitcoin and ethers for Ethereum, they are usually valued in VC Exchanges in currencies issued by Central Banks, e.g., US dollar (USD), Japanese Yen, etc. However, it is important to note that VCs are not issued by Central Banks and are also not generally backed by underlying assets. Therefore, their values are determined by speculation of the public on VC Exchanges. 

There are no regulatory safeguards relating to the usage, investment or dealing in VCs in Sri Lanka. Therefore, investing or using VCs in Sri Lanka poses significant risks such as;

  1. Users/investors will have no regulatory or specific legal recourse in the event of any user or transaction related issues or disputes.
  2. High volatility of the value of the VCs, as it is dependent on speculation, exposing the investment of VCs to a risk of making large losses.
  3. High Likelihood of VCs being associated in financing terrorist activities and used by criminals to launder criminal proceeds.  
  4. Violation of Foreign Exchange Regulations. As VCs are traded as assets in Exchanges, purchasing VCs from abroad would lead to a violation of Foreign Exchange Regulations, as VCs are not identified as a permitted investment category in terms of the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017 (FEA). Electronic Fund Transfer Cards (EFTCs) such as debit cards and credit cards are also not permitted to be used for payments in foreign currency related to virtual currency transactions, in terms of the Foreign Exchange Regulations in Sri Lanka.

The public is therefore warned of the significant financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security related risks posed by investments in VCs to the users as well as to the economy. The public is also informed that CBSL has not given any license or authorization to any entity or company to operate schemes involving VCs, including cryptocurrencies, and has not authorized any ICOs, mining operations or Virtual Currency Exchanges. 

Source: CBSL

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Cardano Addresses With $2.7B ADA Hit Break Even As ADA/BTC Bottoms Out

In a notable development for the Cardano (ADA) ecosystem, addresses holding approximately 2.7 billion ADA tokens have reached break-even status following a significant downturn in the ADA/BTC trading pair. The milestone signals renewed investor confidence in ADA’s long-term prospects despite recent market volatility.

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In a notable development for the Cardano (ADA) ecosystem, addresses holding approximately 2.7 billion ADA tokens have reached break-even status following a significant downturn in the ADA/BTC trading pair. The milestone signals renewed investor confidence in ADA’s long-term prospects despite recent market volatility.

According to recent data, addresses holding a substantial amount of ADA tokens, totaling approximately 2.7 billion ADA, have seen their investments return to break-even levels following a period of downward price movement in the ADA/BTC trading pair. The achievement comes as ADA’s price stabilizes and shows signs of recovery after reaching a bottom against Bitcoin.

The break-even status of these addresses suggests that investors who accumulated ADA during previous price peaks have now regained their initial investment value. This development reflects growing optimism and confidence in ADA’s fundamentals, including its technology, ecosystem, and potential for future growth.

The recent price action in the ADA/BTC trading pair, which saw ADA reach a bottom against Bitcoin, provided an opportunity for investors to accumulate ADA at more favorable prices. The subsequent recovery in ADA’s price against Bitcoin has resulted in profits for those who accumulated ADA during the recent downturn.

The achievement of break-even status by addresses holding 2.7 billion ADA underscores the resilience and attractiveness of ADA as a long-term investment. Despite short-term market fluctuations, investors remain bullish on ADA’s prospects and continue to accumulate tokens in anticipation of future price appreciation.

The milestone also highlights the importance of strategic accumulation and hodling strategies in the cryptocurrency market. By remaining patient and holding onto their investments during periods of volatility, investors can capitalize on market opportunities and maximize their returns over time.

Looking ahead, the Cardano ecosystem continues to evolve and expand, with numerous developments and upgrades planned for the future. From the rollout of smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain to the growth of decentralized applications (dApps) and the expansion of the ADA ecosystem, the future looks promising for Cardano and its community of supporters.

In summary, the achievement of break-even status by addresses holding 2.7 billion ADA signals renewed optimism and confidence in Cardano’s long-term prospects. As the ecosystem continues to mature and evolve, investors remain bullish on ADA’s potential for future growth and adoption, underscoring the resilience and attractiveness of the project in the ever-changing cryptocurrency landscape.

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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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