CryptoQuant and SKT Partner to Launch Blockchain-Powered T Wallet Service

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that Malaysian government agencies and the country’s central bank need to study blockchain and cryptocurrency from a policy perspective so as not to get left behind.Photo by Esmonde Yong on UnsplashConsidering major changesHis comments emerged alongside the news that Anwar had discussed digital finance policy matters with Abu Dhabi government officials and with Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder and former CEO of Binance. According to the New Straits Times, an English-language newspaper published in Malaysia, the Malaysian government is homing in on the establishment and adoption of a formal policy relative to digital assets and blockchain.  Anwar confirmed that discussions also related to “digital transformation, data centers and artificial intelligence (AI),” and that the demands that Malaysia now faces require the government to consider major changes. In discussion with local media, Anwar stated: "I proposed several months ago how our agencies, including security, treasury and Bank Negara study how Malaysia can explore this so we aren't left behind. Ensuring that is regulated could safeguard the people's interests and prevent leakages.” Crypto-friendly regulationsAnwar added that a “radical departure from the old ways” would be needed for Malaysia to remain competitive, emphasizing the need for the Southeast Asian country to keep up to speed through the application of crypto-friendly regulations. Addressing the pace of technological change, he stated: “This is an evolution which happens quickly and requires us to be equally fast. We feel that Malaysia should not be left behind while mired in an old financial system.” In moving towards setting out a clear policy relative to digital assets, the Malaysian prime minister is encouraged by his recent dialogue with United Arab Emirates (UAE) government officials. He said that they confirmed that they feel they can forge close cooperation with Malaysia on the matter. Anwar added:“We need to discuss this in detail, leave behind the old business model and give meaning to this digital finance policy.” Taking to the X social media platform, Binance’s CZ described the nature of his discussion with the Malaysian prime minister, stating: “The discussions were not about Binance but about the crypto industry and Malaysia, including regulations, policies, risks, and collaborations between industries and across national borders. Forward!” A pseudonymous crypto investor and programmer, @darren_com_my, responded to CZ’s tweet to explain that the Malaysian government provides support to the digital assets industry via government agencies, but that, on the other hand, it has blacklisted a number of exchanges such as HTX (formerly Huobi) and Binance.  The local regulator has issued licenses to six virtual asset service providers. In recent weeks, Malaysia’s Securities Commission has taken action against global exchange Bybit and crypto app Atomic Wallet, prohibiting them from trading within the jurisdiction due to both companies not having obtained the required licensing.

China and Singapore collaborate on cross-border digital yuan transactionsTaking yet another stride toward globalizing the e-CNY currency, China’s central bank has unveiled a pilot program in collaboration with its Singaporean counterpart, enabling tourists from both countries to use the digital yuan for transactions when traveling.Photo by Eric Prouzet on UnsplashSeries of initiativesThis move is part of a series of initiatives unveiled by the two governments during a Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation event which was held in Tianjin, China, last week. Among the announced measures is a mutual 30-day visa-free travel arrangement, one of 24 deals signed to strengthen bilateral ties between China and Singapore.The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) disclosed in a statement that it had collaborated with the Digital Currency Institute of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) for this initiative. The program aims to facilitate the use of the digital version of the Chinese currency for tourist spending, enhancing convenience for travelers during their overseas trips. While specific details about the scheme were not disclosed, it represents a collaborative effort to promote cross-border transactions using the digital yuan.Internationalizing the digital yuanIn its reporting on the announcement, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) pointed to the views of Richard Turrin, an independent financial technology consultant and author of “Cashless: China’s Digital Currency Revolution.” Turrin sees the digital yuan collaboration as a promising opportunity for cross-border retail use. He suggests that starting with small transactions, such as those by tourists, could pave the way for broader applications in trade and other high-value scenarios.In an editorial back in November, the SCMP referred to the birth of the Petro-Yuan, speculating that the era of the Petro-Dollar is coming to an end. “In a global political economy long dominated by the petrodollar, this could be the beginning of a seismic shift,” the editorial stated. The internationalization of the e-CNY will likely be a key aspect of that overall monetary sea change.Over 5 years in developmentChina initiated digital yuan testing in 2019, and although an official launch timetable has not been confirmed, adoption has accelerated recently. Former PBOC governor Yi Gang reported that total e-CNY transactions reached 950 million yuan ($133 million) in June, with a cumulative value of 1.8 trillion yuan compared to 100 billion yuan in August 2022. This indicates a substantial increase in digital yuan transactions.The momentum extends beyond mainland China, with Beijing exploring CBDC usage internationally. The mBridge trial, completed last year, involved multiple countries using central bank digital currencies to settle trades, including Hong Kong, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.In June, authorities in China’s resort city of Sanya introduced e-CNY ATMs so that foreign visitors could buy the digital yuan and use it during their time in China. Another initiative aims to encourage further use of the digital currency within the Chinese autonomous territory of Hong Kong. In July, the Hong Kong arm of the Bank of China rolled out a digital yuan shopping festival in Hong Kong, allowing visitors to Hong Kong from mainland China to make purchases using the digital yuan.

Abu Dhabi Puts Forward Legal Framework for Decentralized TechAuthorities in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as an individual emirate within it, have published a proposed legislative framework for distributed ledger technology.©Pexels/redouan khoulassiThe consultation paper, titled “Proposal for a legislative framework for distributed technology foundations” was published earlier this month by the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Registration Authority.Promoting investor protectionThe document covers a broad spectrum of aspects relative to digital assets and crypto entities, including corporate governance, insolvency and restructuring considerations, and data protection. The ADGM’s objective with the proposed policy is to advance investor protection, improve market integrity and efficiency, and build towards a comprehensive regulatory framework.Specific proposalsMore specifically, the policy would implicate an enhancement in the protection of whistle-blowers who report misconduct relative to ADGM-regulated companies. Under the proposal, new rules would be introduced to ensure that digital asset platforms operate in a fair and transparent manner. A requirement would be placed on regulated companies to disclose detailed information in relation to beneficial ownership and control structures. Furthermore, the policy seeks to bring about an improved dispute resolution process between the stakeholders involved in ADGM-regulated transactions.Building upon an existing frameworkThe Abu Dhabi regulator’s current legal framework is built upon English common law. It has its own financial services regulator, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) which operates independently and is responsible for supervising and licensing financial institutions and market participants. The FSRA takes a principles-based approach, regulating those market actors attempting to maintain financial stability and integrity, promote market competition and innovation and ensure customer protection.ADGM has sought to act on an international basis by signing agreements with regulatory bodies in the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore, in an effort to enable information sharing and cross-border cooperation.Regulatory activityAt a national level, earlier this year the UAE enacted a digital assets regulatory framework. Earlier this week, the UAE also revealed a federal licensing system for crypto companies. In February, work began on a $2 billion initiative to nurture blockchain and Web3 startups via Hub71, the emirate’s tech ecosystem. The initiative provides startups with access to a broad range of support services as well as potential collaborations with government and investment partners.According to the document, “this Consultation Paper is of interest to any persons operating or planning DLT projects, persons engaging in digital asset-related activities and their legal advisors, as well as DLT participants, associations, and stakeholders.”With that, the ADGM is inviting comments and feedback from members of the public on the proposed changes contained within the consultation paper. To aid public comment, the policy document includes a number of questions that it invites stakeholders to consider as they work towards submitting their feedback.Those interested have until May 12 to take the opportunity to submit their comments and views relative to the Abu Dhabi regulator’s proposed framework.