Hong Kong raises red flag on 'Floki' and 'TokenFi' staking programs

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) of Malaysia has launched an operation, which has been dubbed as “Ops Token,” to tackle tax evasion within crypto trading circles in the southeast Asian nation. Klang Valley raids According to the Malaysian English language newspaper, The Star, the special operation is a coordinated effort involving the Royal Malaysia Police and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) alongside the IRB. The Malaysian tax authority raided ten locations, with 38 personnel involved in the raids, which were carried out within the Klang Valley region. The main objective of the raids and the operation overall, is to identify crypto corporate entities and individuals that had failed to report trading activities and therefore, associated revenues, profits and taxes. The initiative aligns with the Malaysian government’s broader strategy of stamping out tax evasion across all sectors, reducing revenue leakage and optimizing the nation’s tax take.Photo by Esmonde Yong on UnsplashStern warning for traders Datuk Abu Tariq Jamaluddin, CEO of the IRB, issued a stern warning to crypto traders: declare and pay taxes or face compliance actions. Jamaluddin clarified that crypto traders are subject to the same income tax rules that are applied to businesses across various sectors throughout Malaysia. While cryptocurrency is not regarded as legal tender by Malaysia’s central bank, crypto-centric businesses must adhere to the nation's income tax regulations. The IRB commented on the operation via a statement published on June 15. It stated: "Through this operation, it was possible to find stored cryptocurrency trading data in mobile devices and computers. We have successfully identified the digital assets that are traded, which has caused significant tax revenue leakage." The agency intends to carry out further analysis on the data that it seized in a bid to ascertain the trading revenues generated, the profits derived from that trading activity and the taxes owed as a consequence. The IRB has asserted that a number of corporate entities and partnerships were specifically formed with the purpose of tax evasion. The agency estimates the total value of crypto-related transactions to date in 2024 to amount to 1.441 trillion Malaysian ringgits, approximately $310 billion. International enforcement efforts Malaysia is not alone in its efforts to ensure tax compliance relative to cryptocurrency trading and investing. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has established a set of crypto tax rules, namely the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). The initiative is part of an effort to achieve a Common Reporting Standard (CRS) relative to crypto on an international basis, with OECD member states transposing the CARF into domestic law. The CARF is due to go live in 2027. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) maintains that crypto presents itself as a major headache for tax authorities globally. In a research paper published last year, it outlined that countries would need to update their tax systems in order to deal with the challenge that crypto presents with the potential for a leakage in tax revenues. In the United States, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) official stated in December 2023 that the agency has seen an increase in its caseload relative to crypto tax cases.

Ripple Expands in Asia-Pacific with Full License to Operate in SingaporeEnterprise blockchain firm Ripple announced on Wednesday (UTC) that it has secured a full license to operate in Singapore, where it has established its Asia-Pacific headquarters since 2017.Photo by Sergio Sala on UnsplashFrom outline to full approval in 4 monthsThis development marks another step in Ripple’s strategic expansion within the Asia-Pacific region, known for its rapidly growing cryptocurrency market. Ripple’s journey to obtaining this full license began less than four months ago when the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) granted it an initial in-principle approval in June. With the newly acquired full license, Ripple is now authorized to offer regulated cryptocurrency payment services in Singapore, a key financial hub in the region.Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s continued growth in Singapore, stating:“We have hired exceptional talent and local leadership, doubling headcount over the past year and plan to continue growing our presence in a progressive jurisdiction like Singapore.”Global expansion strategyThe company also highlighted the fact that over 90% of Ripple’s business occurs outside the United States, making the Asia-Pacific region, and Singapore in particular, a vital part of its global expansion strategy.Monica Long, President of Ripple, explained in a recent interview with CNBC that the Singapore office has seen substantial growth in the past year due to the booming business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. This expansion aligns with Singapore’s leadership in crypto regulation in the region. The introduction of the Payment Services Act, which has been in effect since January 2020, has played a large part in that, regulating payment services and crypto services to the public.Singapore’s regulatory framework also includes requirements for crypto service providers to safeguard customer assets in statutory trusts by the end of 2023 and restrictions on facilitating lending or staking of retail customers’ assets. These measures ensure consumer protection and responsible growth in the crypto industry.Praising SingaporeGarlinghouse commended Singapore’s regulatory approach, stating, “Under MAS’ leadership, Singapore has developed into one of the leading fintech and digital asset hubs, striking the balance between innovation, consumer protection and responsible growth.” Ripple’s experience in Singapore differs entirely from the ongoing legal battle it has found itself in in the United States with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).Both Ripple and Coinbase have found themselves embroiled in lawsuits with the regulator in the US. In Ripple’s case, the firm and its founders have been accused of unlawfully selling their native cryptocurrency XRP without registering it with the SEC. However, a landmark ruling in July determined that XRP, as a token, may not necessarily be classified as a security.Long spoke to the contrasting experiences the firm has encountered between the United States and Singapore. Long stated:”Being in Singapore a couple weeks ago felt like night and day compared to the US in terms of open dialogue with regulators, and thus being able to build innovative *and* compliant products.”Ripple, along with Coinbase and several other crypto firms, has criticized the lack of regulatory clarity in the US and has even considered relocating operations due to the SEC’s stringent regulatory stance. Notably, Coinbase also recently announced its successful acquisition of a major payment institution license in Singapore, following its in-principle approval obtained about a year ago.

Com2uS Platform, a blockchain subsidiary of South Korean game company Com2uS Holdings, announced today that it will sell NFTs to fund subway advertisements celebrating the upcoming fan meeting of Choushinsei Flashman, a Japanese live-action superhero series produced by Toei Animation. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the show’s introduction to Korea. Photo by Choong Deng Xiang on UnsplashSpecial event for South Korean fansThis “Cosmo Sword NFTs” campaign has been launched by Com2uS Platform, backed by local fans’ voluntary participation and their enthusiasm towards the series. It has a special meaning for the fandom as it is the first time that the stars of Choushinsei Flashman are visiting Korea. The entire proceeds will be used to put advertisements on subway stations. This promotion is expected to attract a lot of fans as they can take selfies against the advertisement display or put paper notes containing messages for Flashman actors on the board.  Fan meeting to take place in April The Flashman fan meeting is planned to be held on April 20 at Sky Art Hall located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The event will feature seven actors and actresses from Flashman, including Tarumi Tota who starred as “Red Flash,” a main protagonist, and Hagiwara Sayoko who performed as the villain “Ray Nefel.” Participants will be able to enjoy on-site giveaway events and collective exhibitions.  Blockchain-enabled event tickets Fan-meeting NFT tickets can be exclusively purchased from X-PLANET, an NFT marketplace. VIP seats have already been sold out. The NFT tickets utilize blockchain technology which allows only ticket buyers to enjoy the show. They are resistant to forgery or counterfeiting since every process from purchasing to admission is recorded onchain, keeping scalpers at bay.  Run by Com2uS Platform, X-PLANET strives to showcase various artworks in the realms of games and K-pop to NFT enthusiasts in the global Web3 market. The platform is committed to producing high-quality NFT content in collaboration with skillful artists and various organizations.