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Crypto exchanges targeted by UK digital services

A recent update on Revenue and Customs regulations has introduced a digital services tax that will be imposed on cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the UK.

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A recent update on Revenue and Customs regulations has introduced a digital services tax that will be imposed on cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the UK.

Crypto exchanges in the UK will now have to pay a 2% digital services tax according to  reports. UK tax authority, HMRC, does not recognize digital assets as financial instruments and therefore exchanges are not eligible for financial exemptions.

The authority included cryptocurrency exchanges under the Treasury’s tech tax. The digital services tax on revenue was introduced in April 2020 targeting social media and search giants such as Facebook and Google.

The latest hit to crypto exchanges is a result of the HMRC’s classification of crypto assets. CryptoUK which is the trade body representing the digital asset sector in Britain has stated that the tax is unfair and is likely to be passed on to investors and traders.

The regulator implemented a ban on crypto derivatives in January, and in June, the FCA warned consumers against 111 crypto firms that had yet to register with it. UK’s tax authorities reportedly demanded that several crypto asset exchanges hand over details on customers from transactions and holdings in August 2019.

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Brazil proposes to ban stablecoin withdrawals to self-custodial wallets

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Brazil’s Congress is reviewing a proposal to prohibit the withdrawal of stablecoins to self-custodial wallets, sparking significant debate within the cryptocurrency community. The draft legislation, introduced on Nov. 21, seeks to tighten oversight of digital asset transactions, citing concerns over money laundering and illicit activities. If passed, the measure could have far-reaching implications for the use and management of stablecoins in the country.

The proposed ban specifically targets stablecoins, which have become a popular medium for value transfer due to their price stability. Under the new rules, users would be restricted from moving stablecoins from regulated platforms to wallets they personally control. Lawmakers argue that such restrictions are necessary to ensure greater transparency and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, a growing concern for financial authorities worldwide.

Critics, however, have expressed alarm over the potential infringement on individual financial sovereignty. Many within Brazil’s crypto ecosystem view self-custodial wallets as a cornerstone of decentralization and personal control over digital assets. Opponents of the proposal warn that such a ban could stifle innovation and push users toward unregulated platforms or peer-to-peer exchanges, undermining the intended goals of increased oversight.

The legislation comes as Brazil continues to embrace cryptocurrency adoption, with an estimated 16 million Brazilians owning digital assets. Despite its progressive stance on blockchain technologies, the government faces challenges balancing innovation with security. The stablecoin debate highlights the broader tension between regulatory measures and the principles of decentralization, setting the stage for a heated discussion in the months ahead.

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XRP returns to 3rd-largest crypto after 4-year battle with SEC

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XRP has reclaimed its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, driven by a surge in investor confidence despite ongoing legal disputes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The token’s market value soared following positive developments in its legal battle, with Ripple securing key victories that bolster its argument that XRP is not a security. As of Nov. 21, XRP trails only Bitcoin and Ethereum in the rankings.

The milestone reflects growing optimism among investors that Ripple may emerge victorious or reach a favorable settlement in its clash with the SEC. The case, which has significant implications for the broader cryptocurrency industry, centers on whether XRP qualifies as a security under U.S. law. Ripple executives have consistently denied these allegations, arguing that XRP functions as a digital currency similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

XRP’s resurgence also highlights increasing adoption of Ripple’s blockchain technology for cross-border payments and remittances. Financial institutions and payment providers continue to leverage RippleNet and its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) services, which utilize XRP to facilitate faster and cheaper international transactions. This utility has contributed to the token’s renewed momentum, drawing both institutional and retail interest.

The ongoing legal battle remains a focal point for the crypto industry, as its outcome could shape future regulatory approaches to digital assets in the United States. While uncertainty lingers, XRP’s rise underscores its resilience and the market’s appetite for assets with strong use cases. Ripple’s success in navigating this turbulent period may further solidify its role as a leader in blockchain-based financial solutions.

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Clipper DEX says recent $450K hack wasn’t caused by private key leak

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Clipper Decentralized Exchange (DEX) has addressed concerns surrounding a recent security breach, emphasizing that the incident was not the result of a private key leak. In a statement issued on Nov. 21, the platform clarified that the hack, which led to the loss of user funds, exploited a vulnerability in its smart contract architecture. The team assured users that it is working diligently to resolve the issue and enhance platform security.

The breach came to light after users reported unusual transactions depleting funds from their wallets. Initial speculation pointed to a potential compromise of Clipper’s private keys, raising alarm within the crypto community. However, Clipper’s investigation revealed that the attack targeted a flaw in a recently deployed contract, allowing the hacker to manipulate transactions. The platform has since paused its operations to prevent further exploitation.

Clipper DEX stated it is collaborating with blockchain security firms to audit its contracts and implement fixes to prevent similar incidents. Additionally, the platform is exploring mechanisms to reimburse affected users, though no specific timeline has been provided. The incident underscores the persistent risks faced by DeFi platforms, where rapid innovation can sometimes outpace security measures.

This hack highlights the importance of robust contract auditing and ongoing security enhancements in the decentralized finance ecosystem. As Clipper works to rebuild user trust, the event serves as a reminder for DeFi users to remain vigilant and diversify risk when engaging with emerging platforms. The broader community continues to call for heightened security standards across the sector to mitigate vulnerabilities and protect investor assets.

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