Europe
Russia Likely to Ban Bitcoin Payments, Deputy Finance Minister Says
Russia's cryptocurrency bill is expected to be completed by October, according to a senior government official.
Banks Simulate €100,000 Security Transaction in R3 DLT Trial
German banks working with the R3 blockchain consortium have successfully replicated the sale of a €100,000 security on a DLT platform.
Mario Draghi: European Central Bank Has 'No Power' to Regulate Bitcoin
The president of the European Central Bank has indicated that his institution does not have the authority to regulate cryptocurrencies.
EU Budget Amendments Call For Millions in Blockchain Funding
As many as four blockchain-related amendments, funding various initiatives, could find their way into the European Union's 2018 budget.
The European Union Wants to Beef Up Penalties for Cryptocurrency Crimes
The EU is eyeing beefed-up penalties around crimes involving cryptocurrencies, such as ransomware, the European Commission said this week.
Swiss Finance Regulator Cracks Down on 'E-Coin' Cryptocurrency Scheme
Switzerland's financial markets regulator has cracked down on a trio of companies tied to an alleged cryptocurrency scam.
Malta Unveils Blockchain Advisory Board as National Strategy Advances
The European nation of Malta is moving to advance its ongoing blockchain strategy with the creation of a new advisory board.
Estonia Wants to ICO, But Is Currency Law a Deal-Breaker?
Rather than issuing warnings or regulations, at least one progressive government is considering whether it can take advantage of ICO technology.
BoE Official: Central Bank Digital Currency Would Need 'Extraordinary' Resilience
A Bank of England researcher wrote earlier this week that a central bank digital currency would need "extraordinary" levels of resilience to work.
UK Financial Regulator Builds Blockchain App on R3's Corda
The FCA, along with two major banks, has developed a mortgage transaction oversight app on top of R3's Corda platform.
