Category: Switzerland
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Swiss Banks Team With Fintechs to Enter the Crypto Space
Multiple joint projects between banks and crypto companies based in Switzerland now offer customers the opportunity to invest in digital assets and take advantage of banking services related to cryptocurrencies. It’s all happening in a regulated environment, generally friendly towards the growing crypto industry. The latest partnership between a traditional institution and a fintech startup…
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European Countries Step Up Response to Facebook’s Libra
The European Central Bank (ECB) and a number of countries in the region have stepped up their efforts in response to Facebook’s Libra, which has revived a competing ECB project for instant payments. As Facebook engages Switzerland’s financial regulator, the ECB clarifies how Libra can be regulated under EU laws. Also read: India’s Popular ‘Who…
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Nature Abhors a Vacuum: Why Trump’s Proposed Negative Rates Bode Well for Bitcoin
In a recent tweet, U.S. president Donald Trump delved into an explosive, all-caps-loaded mini-rant about the necessity of getting “interest rates down to ZERO, or less.” The bombastic politician stressed the need for America to refinance its debt, trailing off with some superficially conservative speak about the U.S. and its “great currency, power, and balance…
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Big Banks Won’t Touch Crypto Clients – But These Smaller Banks Will
Cryptocurrencies undoubtedly bring new business opportunities. The expanding industry around digital assets and its customers need more and more services that traditional sectors can provide. Banking is often a bottleneck in the crypto space as most traditional institutions are still reluctant to get their feet wet. Smaller banks, however, are more willing to occupy this…
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Crypto Salaries Gain Regulatory Recognition Around the World
Salaries paid in decentralized digital coins have become a norm across the crypto industry, but there’s really no reason why cryptocurrencies can’t be used for remuneration by businesses in other sectors as well. In many jurisdictions that should be legal even in the absence of dedicated legislation. Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan and Estonia are a…
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Switzerland Approves Bitcoin Banks – But With Strict Conditions Attached
One of the major problems for businesses in the cryptocurrency industry is finding a bank that agrees to work with them and connect them to the traditional fiat financial system. The financial regulator in Switzerland has just made this easier by licensing two companies to serve as tailored banks for the industry and further open…
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Passing the Burden of Negative Rates to Bank Clients Opens Door for Cryptocurrencies
Record low and negative interest rates have put commercial banks in a difficult spot. Across Europe, they have been passing the burden to their clients. Some have introduced fees for those with large account balances, while others are punishing everybody equally. In any case, some bankers fear this could lead to withdrawal of large amounts…
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SEC Commissioner: US Could Draw Crypto Policy From These Countries
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could learn from other countries when finalizing its own crypto regulation, Commissioner Hester Peirce explains. While highlighting peculiar and notable features of the U.S. system, the commissioner emphasizes cross-border considerations, detailing applicable crypto frameworks of several countries. Also read: G20 Leaders Issue Declaration on Crypto Assets – A…
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The Swiss Are Onto Something: Facebook, Libra and the Case for Decentralization
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuqZfaj34nc&w=560&h=349] A recent letter from the U.S. House of Representatives to social media giant Facebook has crypto users speculating feverishly. The implications of the letter, and Calibra CEO David Marcus’ recent response, will inform the future of money not only in America, but worldwide. House Chairwoman Maxine Waters and cohorts took aim this week…
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Digital assets—why offshore?
The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets in recent years, combined with seemingly unlimited potential applications for blockchain and distributed ledger technologies across a range of industries, has led to an unprecedented period of innovation and the emergence of some of the most disruptive technologies in decades. One of the most disruptive aspects…