Cryptocurrency

Putin’s Crypto Move Illustrates Long Game, But What About Custody

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2022

After the central bank proposed a crypto ban, Russian President Vladimir Putin hit the breaks, noting in a video conference that there are “competitive advantages” in crypto mining. He directed the CBR to consider the advantages of crypto mining, considering the country’s electricity surplus.

“Given his commentary, it is clear that the Russian president understands the long-term possibilities for digital assets and blockchain technologies. Interestingly enough, in the same speech, he also noted ‘certain risks’ that go along with cryptocurrencies, as well as the desire for the government and central bank to come together and act in a unanimous nature, something that many have long talked about,” said Richard Gardner, CEO of Modulus, a US-based developer of ultra-high-performance trading and surveillance technology that powers global equities, derivatives, and digital asset exchanges.

“The central bank does not stand in our way of technical progress and is making the necessary efforts to introduce the latest technologies in this area of activity,” Putin said.

“That statement is profound. It is a clear indicator that Putin is keenly aware of how these technologies will play out in the future. He doesn’t want to get caught on the wrong side of technological history. Asking the government for unanimity on the matter may well be a result of looking around at other global powers that are having trouble grappling with a united message when multiple agencies are in play. Getting the government on the same page always helps an industry’s confidence,” said Gardner.

Modulus is known throughout the financial technology segment as a leader in the development of ultra-high frequency trading systems and blockchain technologies. Modulus has provided its exchange solution to some of the industry’s most profitable digital asset exchanges, including a well-known multi-billion-dollar cryptocurrency exchange. Over the past twenty years, the company has built technology for the world’s most notable institutions, with a client list which includes NASA, NASDAQ, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Barclays, Siemens, Shell, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Cornell University, and the University of Chicago.

“Regulation is sufficient to protect our citizens,” Ivan Chebeskov, the head of the financial policy department at the Russian Ministry of Finance, has said, alluding to the Ministry’s work on just that.

“With the talk of regulation and Putin’s discussion on risks, I’ll be interested to see how the country decides to deal with crypto-custody. Right now, the major players just aren’t living up to the needs of the industry,” said Gardner.

Fireblocks, which is among the best-known providers, found itself embroiled in a lawsuit with StakeHound, which alleges the custody company lost roughly $70MM of Ethereum, after the key vanished. As a result, StakeHound could not access over 38,000 ETH.

“Putin discussed needing ‘well-trained’ individuals in the mining sector. It only stands to reason that they would emphasize the same competency in custody. I think that, across the globe, we are likely in the beginning of a digital assets custody shakeup,” offered Gardner.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Cryptocurrency

SEC Director General Lauds KuCoin’s Action, Urges Compliance with National Guidelines

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has commended KuCoin, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange platform, for its proactive measures to delist the Nigerian naira (NGN) from its trading options.

This move aligns with recent directives aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and combating illicit financial activities.

In an official statement released by the SEC on Thursday, Dr. Agama expressed satisfaction with KuCoin’s decision to suspend peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions involving the Nigerian currency.

This decision comes as part of KuCoin’s ongoing efforts to adjust its platform to comply with regulatory directives issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the SEC.

The SEC’s stance underscores a broader initiative by Nigerian authorities to address concerns related to foreign exchange manipulation and safeguard the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

Dr. Agama emphasized the importance of adherence to established guidelines, emphasizing that regulatory compliance is essential for maintaining national security and economic stability.

The delisting of the naira by KuCoin follows similar actions taken by other cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, in response to regulatory scrutiny from Nigerian authorities. These measures signal a concerted effort within the crypto industry to cooperate with regulatory agencies and promote responsible trading practices.

Peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading platforms have come under increased scrutiny due to their potential for facilitating illicit financial activities, including money laundering and fraud. By delisting the naira and suspending related trading activities, KuCoin demonstrates its commitment to upholding regulatory standards and fostering a secure trading environment for users.

Dr. Agama reiterated the SEC’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to address challenges within the cryptocurrency space and combat financial crimes effectively.

He emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation in tackling illicit trading practices and maintaining investor confidence in the market.

Furthermore, Dr. Agama highlighted the SEC’s ongoing efforts to implement the Revised Capital Market Master Plan, aimed at enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Nigeria’s capital market.

He highlighted the potential of the capital market to drive economic growth and attract foreign investment, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to protect investors and promote market integrity.

In response to Dr. Agama’s comments, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to combatting financial crimes and emphasized the importance of regulatory collaboration in addressing emerging challenges.

He commended the SEC’s efforts to enforce regulatory compliance within the cryptocurrency sector and pledged the EFCC’s support in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial interests.

Cryptocurrency

KuCoin Announces Temporary Pause on NGN Services to Prioritize Compliance

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2024

Samed Olukoya

KuCoin, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges globally, has announced a temporary pause on its P2P Nigerian Naira (NGN) services and Fast Buy service via Naira cards.

This move, set to commence from 2024-05-15 08:00 (UTC), aims to prioritize compliance measures within the platform.

In a message addressed to its valued users, KuCoin expressed its dedication to providing a robust and secure trading environment.

The temporary suspension of NGN services is part of the exchange’s commitment to accelerating the compliance process.

During this period, ongoing orders will be completed normally, and all other services on the platform will remain available.

KuCoin assured its users that their assets are safe and secure on the exchange. While acknowledging that adjustments might be required in trading preferences, KuCoin explained that this decision is a step toward enhancing the overall trading experience for its users.

The exchange reiterated its focus on compliance and creating a secure environment for all users. KuCoin aims to resolve the compliance-related matters swiftly and efficiently to ensure a seamless transition back to full functionality of NGN services.

The decision to temporarily suspend NGN services underscores KuCoin’s proactive approach to regulatory compliance, reflecting its commitment to maintaining transparency and trust within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

KuCoin expressed gratitude for the understanding and cooperation of its users during this period of change.

Cryptocurrency

Crypto Exchange Giant Coinbase Grinds to a Halt in System Meltdown

Published

6 days ago

May 14, 2024

Samed Olukoya

One of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase, has been plunged into chaos as it experienced a catastrophic system-wide outage, leaving traders and investors stranded and unable to access their accounts.

The disruption, which commenced at 4:15 am UTC on May 14, has rendered both the desktop and mobile platforms of Coinbase completely unusable.

Users attempting to access the exchange are greeted with a frustrating “503 Service Temporarily Unavailable” error message, indicative of the severity of the situation.

Coinbase, known for its reliability and user-friendly interface, has been a cornerstone of the cryptocurrency market for years.

However, this unprecedented outage has shaken the confidence of countless traders who rely on the platform for their daily transactions and investments.

Coinbase swiftly notified its user base of the issue through its official status page, acknowledging the severity of the problem and assuring customers that their funds remain secure.

The exchange’s support team took to social media to disseminate updates, pledging to investigate the issue and work tirelessly to find a resolution.

This isn’t the first time Coinbase has faced technical difficulties during periods of heightened market activity.

Just months prior, on February 28, the exchange experienced temporary outages alongside several other platforms amidst a frenzy of trading activity during a Bitcoin flash crash. Such incidents highlight the strain that surges in traffic can place on even the most robust of systems.

While outages like these are undeniably frustrating for users, they often spark speculation within the crypto community.

Some enthusiasts view these disruptions as a bullish sign, interpreting the influx of traffic and subsequent downtime as indicators of growing interest and adoption in the cryptocurrency space.