Yesterday the European Central Bank (ECB) outlined the broad brush process needed to vet banks that want to get involved in crypto-asset activities. It wants to ensure the licensing process is consistent across Europe, noting that several German banks have requested licensing for some activities.
It’s unlikely a coincidence that a day earlier, the U.S. Federal Reserve published a letter requesting that banks inform the central bank before undertaking crypto-asset activities and outlining the self-assessment process.
What is different is that the EU is moving towards substantially regulating the sector with its Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) regulation provisionally approved at the end of June.
For its part, the ECB will review licensing requests according to the Capital Requirements Directive and consider three factors:
The central bank highlighted crypto key security and money laundering as key risks.
Regarding capital requirements, the international Basel Committee is currently assessing the balance sheet rules for banks participating in cryptocurrency and blockchain activities. It’s in the process of conducting a second round of consultations.
Meanwhile, last month the ECB’s research team published a deep dive into crypto-assets, stablecoins and DeFi.
Image Copyright: https://www.123rf.com/photo_148474302_close-up-of-the-sign-at-the-european-central-bank-in-frankfurt-germany.html
central bankcrypto-assetscryptocurrencydigital assetsECBEuropean Central BankEuropean Unionlicensesregulator
FacebookTwitterRedditEmailLinkedInWhatsApp
Meta has launched "Teen Accounts" on Facebook and Messenger, enhancing privacy with features like content limits and reduced unwanted interactions. This follows a federal judge's ruling allowing claims that some platform features may harm minors to proceed.
CatherineThe FBI secretly ran a dark web money laundering scheme for nearly a year after arresting the original operator, Anurag Murarka. They used the sting to catch cybercriminals and stop over $1.4 million in illegal crypto transfers.
AnaisSingapore is emerging as a leading crypto hub, with Gen Z and millennials increasingly using digital assets for everyday payments despite ongoing challenges.
KikyoJanover, a commercial real estate platform, raised $42 million through convertible notes and warrants, with backing from Pantera Capital, Kraken, and Arrington Capital. The company plans to invest heavily in Solana (SOL) and integrate blockchain into real estate finance under new leadership from former Kraken executives.
WeatherlyJapan’s iconic cherry trees, long celebrated for their seasonal beauty, are beginning to show signs of age. In response, researchers have developed an innovative AI tool that analyzes images of the blossoms to monitor their health.
CatherineStrategy may be forced to sell some of its Bitcoin if prices drop further, despite Michael Saylor’s long-time promise to never sell. A new SEC filing revealed financial pressure from debt and falling markets could break the company’s “HODL” stance.
WeatherlyChina has registered 346 generative AI services as of March 31, 2025, to regulate their development and ensure transparency. The new rules require AI providers to disclose model names and registration numbers, aiming to control AI’s impact on public opinion and social actions.
AnaisUS stock and crypto markets jumped after the president announced a 90-day tariff pause for all countries except China, now facing a 125% levy. Over 75 nations have entered trade talks to avoid escalation. Trump sparked controversy, claiming leaders are “calling us up, kissing my ass” for deals. As tensions rise, could this bold or stupid trade strategy trigger a financial crisis?
CatherineKraken’s Mastercard crypto debit cards are set to launch in the coming weeks, with clients now able to join a waitlist for early access to the highly anticipated product.
KikyoPolice in Gwangju uncovered an illegal gambling operation disguised as a cryptocurrency mining farm, seizing 50 gaming machines and $95,000 in illicit profits. The operator used fake crypto wallets to disguise gambling payments, charging players $34 per hour with cash prizes for top performers.
Joy
