Features Crypto News by Thebittimes.Com

BlackRock is planning to launch a Bitcoin ETP in Switzerland. This move follows the success of BlackRock’s US Bitcoin ETF. The Bitcoin ETP could boost crypto adoption with the EU’s MiCA regulations. BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager, is gearing up to launch a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) in Europe, marking another significant step in the firm’s expansion into the cryptocurrency market. The new ETP product is set to be registered in Switzerland. This move follows the resounding success of BlackRock’s $58 billion US Bitcoin ETF. The success of BlackRock’s US Bitcoin ETF, which by early February 2025 had gathered $57.5 billion in net assets, speaks volumes about the investor appetite for such products. CEO Larry Fink’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted Bitcoin’s potential as a hedge against currency debasement, suggesting a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a...

Coinbase’s executive responsible for inter national expansion , Nana Murugesan, will leave the firm in 2024 amid EU expansion . Coinbase’s Vice President of Inter national and Business Development, Nana Murugesan, is leaving the crypto exchange as the company seeks to expand services in Europe under the new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. 1/3 Really enjoyed my two incredible years at Coinbase. Thank you @brian_armstrong, @emiliemc and team for this amazing journey 🫡 It was a privilege to criss-cross the globe to build the foundation for growth. Sharing some reflections on my time here: https://t.co/4h0pwKmtUu — Nana Murugesan ️ (@NanaMurugesan) November 13, 2023 Although Murugesan did not elaborate on the reason for the move, he said in an X post on Nov. 13 that he will leave the company in Q1 2024. However, he will stay at the firm as an advisor until July 2024. As of press time, it is unclear who will replace him. You might also like: Co...

Malta has joined France and other EU nations in revising its existing crypto regulatory policies to align with MiCA coming into effect in December 2024. Malta’s Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has begun public consultation over changes in its crypto regulations in order to align with Europe’s Markets in crypto -assets (MICA) regulations set to take effect in December 2024. The public consultation period is open until Sept. 29. The revised rulebook proposes changes to the rules for exchanges, custodians and portfolio managers in order to align with the European Union’s MiCA. Malta first established its crypto framework in 2018 with the Virtual Financial Assets (VFA). Some of the notable changes with respect to the VFA Rulebook are: MFSA has removed the systems audit requirement for VFA license holders. The capital requirements for Class 3 and 4 licence holders were reduced to $133,000 (€125,000) and $159,000 (€150,000) respectively. The professional indemnity insurance requi...

Europe an institutions have reached an interim Consensus on a set of EU Regulations that will burden Crypto companies with the obligation to help prevent money laundering , among other illicit activities potentially involving digital assets. The progress comes as the Union seeks to comprehensively regulate the continent’s Crypto currency market. EU Officials and Lawmakers Agree on AML Measures in Crypto Space Negotiators representing the key participants in the EU’s decision-making process have reached an agreement on anti-money laundering (AML) rules that will require businesses in the crypto industry to verify the identities of their customers and report suspicious transactions. In the future, Europe’s Transfer of Funds Regulation (ToFR) will also cover cryptocurrency transactions. The regulations are yet to be finalized and approved by the relevant European institutions but the provisional deal signals an upcoming tightening for the sector. Crypto firms w...

The EU’s EBSI Vector project and blockchain service provider, Protokol, are creating a blockchain-based cross-border credential verification program for EU citizens. The European Commission has moved to impleme educational and professional credentials will be verified across borders. In an announcement on June 7, the Web3 and blockchain solutions provider, Protokol, revealed a collaboration with EBSI Vector, a European Union-funded project creating a decentralized framework for cross-border verification . The project will use blockchain technology to develop the forthcoming credential verification solution, which aims to simplify the process for EU citizens to have their credential s recognized and accepted in different countries. Lars Rensing the CEO of Protokol said the goal is to create a more open, secure and decentralized digital infrastructure for the EU and beyond. “We believe that blockchain and Web3 technology have enormous potential to transform a wide range of industr...