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Crypto.com Halts Institutional Exchange Service in the USCrypto.com, the Singapore-headquartered cryptocurrency trading platform, has announced the suspension of its institutional exchange service in the United States starting from June 21.Photo by Carl Revell on UnsplashResponding to market conditionsThe decision to halt the service is primarily attributed to limited demand from institutional clients, exacerbated by the challenging market conditions prevailing at present. According to a statement released by Crypto.com, advanced notice was provided to the platform’s institutional users regarding the suspension of the service.However, it is important to note that Crypto.com’s retail mobile application and platform will continue to operate normally in the US. “We recently made a business decision to suspend the institutional offering of the Crypto.com exchange in the US as of 11:59 pm EDT June 21, 2023, due to limited demand from institutions in the US in the current market landscape. Impacted institutional users were given advance notice to support a smooth transition,” the statement clarified.Despite the cessation of institutional services, American retail users can still access CFTC-regulated cryptocurrency derivatives trading offered by Crypto.com. Additionally, the UpDown Options feature remains available, enabling users to open long or short trading positions on the future movements of various cryptocurrencies.Crypto.com has expressed openness to the possibility of relaunching its institutional exchange in the United States in the future, indicating that the suspension is not necessarily permanent.CoinRoute integrationIn more positive news, on Thursday the firm announced that it had entered into a collaboration with smart order routing and trade execution service provider CoinRoute to integrate its service with the platform. Crypto.com Managing Director, Giuseppe Giuliani, said that “the integration aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to cryptocurrency by providing institutional-grade solutions that enhance the liquidity environment for cryptocurrencies.”CoinRoute’s algorithmic crypto trading technology is already live on the Crypto.com platform.While Crypto.com adjusts its offerings in the US market, it recently received a major payment institution (MPI) license for digital payment token (DPT) services from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This regulatory approval allows Crypto.com to continue providing its services in Singapore.Further evidence that the exchange business continues to find ways to propel itself forward includes its recent move to update its service offering to include the use of artificial intelligence-based technology. Additionally, last month it set out plans to list the euro as a trading option, leveraging the liquidity of the European currency while allowing it to be traded against leading digital assets such as bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT.The month of June 2023 has been a turbulent one for cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the United States. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated legal proceedings against both Binance.US and Coinbase, accusing them of various securities laws violations. The actions of the SEC have drawn criticism from the broader cryptocurrency community, as the regulatory crackdown in the US appears to be intensifying nearly eight months after the collapse of Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange, FTX.As the cryptocurrency industry continues to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes, market participants are closely observing developments in the US and other jurisdictions, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of digital assets.

Nomura Subsidiary Achieves In-Principle Approval in Abu DhabiThe digital assets subsidiary of Japanese financial services conglomerate Nomura has been granted in-principle approval by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to offer broker-dealer and asset/fund management services for both digital and traditional assets.Photo by Belinda Fewings on UnsplashPreliminary license to tradeThe development is a shot in the arm for Laser Digital Asset Management while serving to highlight Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as a global center for digital assets, attracting prominent players such as Binance and Kraken.Led by CEO Jez Mohideen, Laser Digital is now on the path toward securing full financial services authorization in Abu Dhabi, subject to meeting undisclosed conditions specified in the approval. The company is enthusiastic about the ADGM’s transparent and comprehensive regulatory framework.Speaking to that, Mohideen stated: “We are thrilled to be part of their comprehensive and clear regulatory framework, which is creating a global hub for digital assets.”International free zoneThe ADGM, an international financial free zone situated in Abu Dhabi, covers nearly 15 square kilometers across two islands. It hosts a registration authority, regulatory authority, and a court system functioning under common law principles. This favorable regulatory ecosystem has been instrumental in attracting digital asset firms to establish a presence in the UAE’s capital.Laser Digital’s approval follows a series of recent cryptocurrency-related approvals in Abu Dhabi. Zodia Markets, backed by UK bank Standard Chartered, was recently granted permission to operate as a crypto broker, adding to the growing list of companies making strides in the region.Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, received in-principle approval from the ADGM in April 2022 and subsequently obtained full financial services permission in November of the same year. Kraken, along with firms like UAE-based M2 and Bahrain-based Rain, have also received permissions to operate within the ADGM in recent years.Building on Dubai achievementLaser Digital’s approval in Abu Dhabi comes on the heels of its earlier achievement of obtaining an operating license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). Alongside these regulatory milestones, Laser Digital introduced an institutional Bitcoin Adoption Fund in August. Despite its relatively short existence since its establishment in September 2022, the firm has made significant strides.Nomura’s engagement extends beyond Laser Digital, as it is also part of the Komainu joint venture alongside cryptocurrency firms CoinShares and Ledger. Komainu secured its operating license from Dubai’s VARA in August, contributing to the expanding community of crypto-focused businesses in the region.It is worth noting the UAE’s diversified approach to cryptocurrency regulation, offering five distinct regulatory regimes for cryptocurrencies, including the ADGM and VARA. Legal experts from White & Case have recently assessed these regulatory frameworks, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to fostering a progressive and well-regulated environment for digital assets.Nomura’s Laser Digital is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the digital asset sector in Abu Dhabi, given that it’s leveraging the favorable regulatory environment of the ADGM and the UAE’s dedication to becoming a global digital asset hub.

Bybit Gets Outline Approval to Operate in KazakhstanBybit, the cryptocurrency spot and derivatives trading platform, is expanding its operations with a recent “in-principle” approval from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in Kazakhstan. This approval allows Bybit to operate as a digital asset trading facility and custody services provider at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).Photo by Engin Akyurt on PexelsExpanding area of operationsBen Zhou, the co-founder and CEO of Bybit, expressed his belief in the promising potential of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region for the growth of the crypto industry. He also emphasized Bybit’s commitment to complying with local regulations, following the recent scrutiny the company faced in Japan for operating without proper registration.To obtain permanent authorization to serve the local market, Bybit must fulfill certain pre-conditions specified in the in-principle approval and complete the application process. In April, it emerged that the company had established its global headquarters in Dubai, where it has already secured “in-principle” approval to operate a virtual assets business. Bybit has also been active in Hong Kong and is in the process of obtaining a license to trade in the Chinese autonomous territory.Debit card and lending servicesAs well as a geographical expansion, in recent months Bybit has also been expanding its service offering. On May 2, the exchange announced the introduction of crypto lending services for its users. This addition allows users to lend and borrow cryptocurrencies through the Bybit platform, providing them with more opportunities to maximize their holdings.Earlier this year, Bybit collaborated with Mastercard to launch a new debit card tailored for cryptocurrency payments. This partnership aimed to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and the growing crypto ecosystem, allowing users to spend their cryptocurrencies seamlessly in everyday transactions.Kazakhstan’s crypto strategyKazakhstan got off to a difficult start with crypto. Once crypto miners were banished from China, many of them moved operations to Kazakhstan, putting pressure on the local power grid.The local administration has since gotten to grips with the industry, restricting crypto miners’ access to cheap electricity. Bybit’s decision to offer services in Kazakhstan aligns with the country’s current efforts to position itself as a regional hub for crypto, mining, and blockchain.In February, local officials implemented a mandate that requires 75% of revenue generated from crypto mining to be sold through a crypto exchange, with the aim of combating tax evasion.CBDC developmentFurthermore, Kazakhstan has been actively exploring the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and is currently in the pilot phase of its implementation. The introduction of a CBDC can potentially revolutionize the country’s financial landscape, offering faster and more efficient digital transactions while maintaining regulatory oversight.Bybit’s pre-approval in Kazakhstan signifies the company’s strategic expansion into a region with a favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, partnerships between traditional financial institutions and crypto exchanges, like the collaboration between Bybit and Mastercard, demonstrate the increasing integration and acceptance of digital assets in mainstream financial systems.