Bitcoin infrastructure provider OpenNode will test a Bitcoin payment processing and payouts solution in the Central Bank of Bahrain’s (CBB) regulatory sandbox, the company announced Sept. 13. This is the latest of several steps the kingdom has taken to join the crypto economy both on its own and as a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC). OpenNode will provide the first Bitcoin (BTC) infrastructure in Bahrain, although the Gulf island nation has been luring fintech companies to its shores for the past several years as it transitions away from an petroleum-based economy. OpenNode …

The Uruguayan government has introduced legislation to the parliament, accelerating the regulation of the crypto space in the country and establishing the central bank as the regulatory authority. Introduced on Sept 5, the bill strive to clarify the country's regulatory framework for cryptocurrency assets, stating that all companies that provide digital asset-related services, including initial coin offerings (ICOs) are under the supervision of the Superintendency of Financial Services (SSF), a central bank entity. Cryptocurrency exchanges, custody services, and any financial services relating to these digital assets should also adhere to anti-money laundering regulations and best practices. Additionally, the document defined …

Ripple may soon unveil positive developments in its central bank digital currency (CBDC) projects, following hints from Ripple CBDC advisor Antony Welfare of more announcements to come. Crypto influencer Sentosumosaba had shared on Twitter on Sept.6 that Ripple was in the midst of several CBDC pilot programs including one in Bhutan and the other in Palau. Ripple’s senior advisor Welfare, who handles CBDC Europe and Global Partnerships responded on the same thread, teasing there could be “more CBDC announcements” in the “next few weeks.” Thanks @sentosumosaba for the mention - make sure you follow me for more CBDC announcements in …

Today’s financial world is becoming increasingly digitized, and naturally, central banks want to adapt to the changing environment. The use of cash is rapidly declining. Globally, the rise of digital payment apps and COVID-19 have only accelerated the decline in cash usage, fueling interest in digital currencies and demand for easier payment solutions. As crypto adoption continues to expand, the idea of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has also gained momentum. Governments across the world have been flirting with, and examining, the idea of issuing their own CBDCs, with a handful already launching. It isn’t clear when CBDCs will become …

Bitcoin (BTC) price continues to struggle at $20,000 and repeat dips under this level have led some analysts to project deeper downside in the short-term. Earlier in the week, independent market analyst Philip Swift tweeted that the Crypto Fear and Greed Index had dropped back to back to “Extreme Fear,” reflecting softening sentiment among investors. The market is not enjoying $BTC hanging around $20k. Back into Extreme Fear today. Live chart: https://t.co/Jr5151zN7I pic.twitter.com/UnztrZP7FP — Philip Swift (@PositiveCrypto) August 31, 2022 On Aug 29, analytics firm Delphi Digital highlighted Bitcoin open interest hitting a new record-high and said: “The Futures Open …

On Aug. 30, global investment bank UBS increased its view on the risk of the United States entering a recession within one year to 60%, up from 40% in June. According to economist Pierre Lafourcade, the latest data showed a 94% chance of the economy contracting, but added that it "does not morph into a full-blown recession." Partially explaining the difference is the "extremely low levels" of non-performing loans, or defaults exceeding 90 days from credit borrowers. According to Citigroup Chief Executive Jane Fraser, the institution "feels very good about" liquidity and credit quality. Furthermore, Reuters states that the financial …

The South Korean central bank has indicated that initial coin offerings (ICOs) will be allowed under the Digital Assets Framework Act, according to a local news report. That comprehensive legislation is expected to be introduced in 2023 and implemented the following year. The Bank of Korea (BOK) discussed ICOs in comments to a Korean translation released Monday of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) legislation. The BOK stated that the MiCA regulatory package protected users and investors without hindering innovation. “A balanced approach is needed to foster a sound market through the introduction of a crypto asset regulatory system …

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has started taking measures to prepare for new cryptocurrency regulations addressing the ongoing liquidity crisis and withdrawal issues. Singapore’s central bank has sent detailed questionnaires to some applicants and holders of the MAS’ Digital Payment Token licenses, Bloomberg reported on Friday. Sent over the last month, the questionnaires were reportedly seeking “highly granular information” about business activity and holdings by examined crypto firms. The checks were focused on firms’ financial stability and interconnection, with questions including top tokens owned, top lending and borrowing counterparties, the amount loaned and top tokens staked via decentralized finance …

The impact of Federal Reserve policy and Bitcoin’s higher timeframe market structure suggest that BTC price is not yet ready for a trend reversal. Bitcoin (BTC) price continues to chop below the $22,000 level and the wider narrative among traders and the mainstream media suggests that a risk off sentiment is the dominant perspective ahead of this week’s Jackson Hole summit. Over the three-day symposium, the Federal Reserve is expected to clarify its perspective on inflation, interest rate hikes and the overall health of the United States economy. In the meantime, traders on crypto Twitter continue to fantisize about a …

Bitcoin (BTC) price remains pinned below $22,000 as the lingering impact of the Aug. 19 sell-off at $25,200 continues to be felt across the market. According to analysts from on-chain monitoring resource Glassnode, BTC’s tap at the $25,000 level was followed by “distribution” as profit-takers and short-term holders sold as price encountered a trendline resistance following a 23 consecutive day uptrend that saw BTC trading above it’s realized price ($21,700). The firm also noted that the “total inflows and outflows to all exchanges” metric shows exchange flows at multi-year lows and back to “late-2020 levels,” which reflects a “general lack …

The European stock markets and the United States equities markets are both deep in the red on Aug. 22 as investors fear that aggressive rate hikes may not be off the table. Another thing keeping investors nervous could be the upcoming Jackson Hole economic symposium which is scheduled to begin on Aug. 25. Investors are concerned that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell could further elaborate on the Fed's hawkish stance and plans for future interest rate hikes. This macro uncertainty has kept the institutional investors away from the crypto markets. CoinShares data showed that crypto investment products recorded weekly volumes …

Amid Colombia’s economic growth beat expectations in the second quarter, an official at the country’s tax and customs agency has hinted at some national digital currency plans. Luis Carlos Reyes, the head of the Colombian Tax and Customs National Authority, claimed that the government of newly inaugurated Colombian President Gustavo Petro will seek to create a digital currency to prevent illicit financial activity like tax evasion. Colombia’s digital currency plans are part of the country’s new monetary policy measures aiming to increase transparency of financial transactions, the official said in an interview with the local magazine Semana. According to the …