Last week, rumors began to surface that South Korean financial regulators were on the verge of announcing major changes in the country’s current policies on cryptocurrencies. Given the skeptical tone taken by many South Korean leaders — only a few weeks ago, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon suggested that bitcoin and related projects might “corrupt the […]

In a new report published by Switzerland’s Federal Council, regulators claim that the “economic importance of virtual currencies as a means of payment is fairly insignificant at the moment.” The report claims that bitcoin and other digital currencies will have a marginal effect on the Swiss economy for the “foreseeable future,” and no influence on […]

Earlier today, New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) superintendent Ben Lawsky participated in a Bitcoin-themed Ask Me Anything (AMA) on Reddit, offering a window into the state’s plans for future regulation of the cryptocurrency. Lawsky made headlines last week after sketching out a regulatory framework that would include a “BitLicense” for those doing business […]

The Banco Central do Brasil issued a warning today about virtual currencies. The Brazilian central bank joins a chorus of skeptical voices in the banking industry, including Canada, Israel, India and China. The Brazilian bank’s statement outlines concerns familiar to anyone following cryptocurrencies, namely the lack of regulation, high price volatility and concerns about the […]

Israel’s two major state financial regulators issued a joint statement today warning urging caution on “decentralized ‘virtual currencies’ (such as Bitcoin).” The statement from the Israeli Ministry of Finance and Bank of Israel (BoI) doesn’t introduce new regulation in the country, but it does serve as an indicator of current government thinking about Bitcoin and […]

Ben Lawsky from New York’s Department of Financial Services made headlines yesterday after outlining his state’s plan for regulating Bitcoin, but his other comments about the cryptocurrency that may be more interesting. Speaking at Future Tense in Washington, DC, Lawksy weighed in on the recent price drops caused by the “transaction malleability” glitch. “I think […]

Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of New York’s Department of Financial Services, gave details of his agency’s regulatory plan for Bitcoin transactions in the state. Speaking at the Future Tense conference in Washington, DC, Lawsky outlined the creation of a “BitLicense” for businesses using cryptocurrencies, making New York the first U.S. state to regulate the currency. “Our […]