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Bank of England Chief Calls for Strict Stablecoin Rules: Details

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Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has emphasized the need for stringent regulations on stablecoins, distinguishing them from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Speaking at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business in London, Bailey addressed the evolving landscape of financial markets and the role of digital assets.

Bank of England Chief Urges Tougher Stablecoin Rules

Andrew Bailey, Bank of England Governor, stated that stablecoins require strict regulatory measures due to their role in payments. He described them as financial instruments that perform some functions of money but also share characteristics with mutual funds. Bailey emphasized that stablecoins need a clear framework to meet high regulatory standards.

Moreover, Bailey highlighted the difference between stablecoins and Bitcoin, noting that Bitcoin operates outside the banking system and remains a speculative asset. He clarified that Bitcoin is not a form of money but a high-risk investment option.

However, he acknowledged that investors might hold it as part of a diversified portfolio, provided they understand the risks.

However, Andrew expressed uncertainty about the incoming Trump administration crypto regulations. Comparing the development to the previous Biden administration, the BoE Governor commented,

“I think that the Biden administration, my impression is particularly the SEC, had got into a situation where it couldn’t get a regulatory framework and was using action through the courts. And that was becoming more challenging, frankly. So there is a gap there in terms of having a consistent regulatory framework, but we don’t know what that’s going to be.”

Digital Pound In Sight?

Additionally, the Bank of England is still evaluating the introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in collaboration with the UK government. Bailey stated that discussions are ongoing regarding the potential benefits of a digital pound in the financial system.

The governor compared the situation to early skepticism around smartphones, emphasizing the need to explore the advantages of digital payment innovations. The Bank of England is examining whether a digital pound would be necessary or if existing commercial bank payment systems could provide similar benefits.

These developments come as the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to ending debanking practices. Powell indicated that the Federal Reserve plans to revise its Internal Implementation Handbook, removing a section that considers bank leaders’ “controversial” activities in performance evaluations.

Bitcoin and Stablecoins Regulatory Approach

Concurrently. Bailey explained that Bitcoin and stablecoins require distinct regulatory approaches. Bitcoin, according to him, is a speculative asset that does not function as money, whereas stablecoins have a direct connection to payment systems and require closer oversight.

He also pointed out that stablecoins, despite being backed by assets, lack full transparency. Due to their potential use in financial transactions, the Bank of England intends to impose strict regulatory measures to ensure consumer protection.

More so, the Bank of England is preparing to launch a “Digital Pound Lab” as part of its ongoing research into a CBDC. This initiative will contribute to the design and evaluation phase of a digital pound.

Meanwhile, the Hester Peirce-led US SEC Crypto Task Force has outlined its key objectives on a newly launched webpage, aiming to provide clearer regulatory guidance. The task force will distinguish securities from non-securities, establish practical disclosure frameworks, and create viable registration pathways for crypto firms.

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Ronny Mugendi

Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Pakistan unveils new ‘crypto council’ amid push for regulation

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  • Pakistan wants to streamline crypto regulation and oversight.
  • The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) will help align the country’s crypto ecosystem with global trends.

Pakistan has established the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) to oversee the adoption and regulation of blockchain technology and digital assets.

According to details, the PCC will help advance crypto adoption within the country’s financial ecosystem.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Finance Minister will chair the PCC, with the team including the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the Federal Law and IT Secretaries.

At a February meeting on digital assets, Aurangzeb emphasized the significance of Pakistan developing a well-regulated digital asset framework. According to the government, this is what will align the country with international best practices. This will also add to compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines.

This and the announcement on March 15 signals a dramatic reversal from the nation’s prior stance, which barred cryptocurrency due to concerns over money laundering and terror financing.

Amid this latest move, Pakistan looks focused on becoming one of the crypto innovation and adoption hubs.

Pakistan’s shift comes as the country ranks among the top nations for crypto adoption, boasting approximately 20 million active users and over $20 billion in transactions annually.

The nation’s $35 billion remittance market stands to gain significantly from this pivot.

It’s one of PCC’s agenda that the country moves towards crafting clear regulatory guidelines, collaborating with global blockchain entities, and prioritizing consumer protection and financial security through a strong legal framework.

Pakistan eyes clear crypto framework

Pakistan is taking the big move follows Saqib’s appointment, which the Ministry of Finance hailed as “a significant step forward.”

Together, these initiatives will help harness digital currencies’ potential while mitigating risks. The PCC mandate seeks to balance innovation with accountability, aligning Pakistan with international trends in digital finance and reinforcing its economic ambitions on the world stage.

Across the globe, the United States recently created a strategic bitcoin reserve, held an inaugural White House crypto summit and has new pro-crypto leadership at key government agencies.

Meanwhile, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) is in full effect and Russia is reportedly tapping into crypto for oil trade.



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Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Criticizes The FDIC’s Response To FOIA Request

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The Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC) has filed a response to Coinbase’s request for information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Coinbase says the response is far from sufficient as it pledges to heighten its quest for additional information.

Coinbase Takes Swipes At FDIC’s Response To FOIA Request

Following a FOIA request filed by US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, the FDIC has released a raft of documents. However, Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal disclosed that the documents released by the FDIC contain too little information.

Grewal took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the FDIC for dragging its feet to release necessary information. According to the FOIA filing, Coinbase is seeking information into the FDIC’s role in Operation Choke Point 2.0 and the “debanking of crypto companies.”

Grewal notes that the FDIC is withholding information, particularly regarding its conduct of due diligence to ensure that Operation Chokepoint 2.0 documents remain preserved. Coinbase has filed a similar

The executive disclosed that the latest batch of documents contained several redactions that revealed “much too little, much too late.”

“They removed a few redactions, produced a few more documents, and promised another “renewed search” for other documents,” said Grewal.

The US SEC Has To File Its Own Response To FOIA Requests

Coinbase has extended its crusade against regulators by filing a FOIA request against the SEC. According to the filing, Coinbase is seeking clarification over the cost of the SEC’s enforcement actions against cryptocurrency companies.

“The previous SEC spent four years attacking a lawful industry, and American taxpayers were left holding the bill,” read a statement. “How much did you end up paying? We intend to find out.”

Pundits say the SEC’s enforcement actions against heavy hitters in the industry could cost millions of dollars. Furthermore, a reliance on third-party contractors by the SEC in the cases are expected to drive up the bill.

Coinbase’s request comes on the heels of high-profile case dismissals against cryptocurrency service providers. The SEC’s dismissal of Kraken’s case and the lawsuit against Coinbase are considered a monumental waste of public resources by the securities watchdog.

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Aliyu Pokima

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Ripple Secures DFSA License in the UAE

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An image of the Dubai International Financial Centre

  • Ripple has secured a major license in the Middle East after getting regulatory nod from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
  • The license allows Ripple to offer regulated crypto payments and services within the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).

Ripple announced on March 13, 2025 that it had secured a major license in the Middle East.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has greenlit Ripple to offer regulated crypto payments and services within the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).

Ripple becomes the first blockchain-enabled payments provider to snag this crucial DFSA license.

Ripple secures license in Middle East milestone

This DFSA approval marks another of Ripple’s footprint in the Middle East, with this adding to a presence that includes major partnerships in the region.

It enhances the XRP creator’s recognition and aligns with Ripple’s plans to add to its global customer base. The license also means a potentially massive opportunity for XRP adoption.

“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption,” said Brad Garlinghouse, chief executive officer of Ripple. “Thanks to its early leadership in creating a supportive environment for tech and crypto innovation, the UAE is exceptionally well-placed to benefit.”

A 2024 Ripple survey found 64% of finance leaders in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) see faster payments as the killer app for blockchain-based currencies. No surprise, then, that over 82% of MEA finance bosses say they’re “very or extremely confident” about integrating this tech into their operations.

“Dubai and the broader UAE have established themselves as leaders in fostering a progressive and well-defined regulatory framework for digital assets,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple’s managing director for Middle East and Africa.

Merrick added;

“Securing this DFSA license is a major milestone that will enable us to better serve the growing demand for faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border transactions in one of the world’s largest cross-border payments hubs.”

This license will be great for Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD, which the company launched late last year. Like other stablecoins, RLUSD could supercharge crypto adoption in the UAE, with users accessing real-time settlement for cross-border payments and remittances.





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