DBS Bank enables crypto-linked structured note distribution

India’s RBI Cites Stablecoin Risks With Call for Global RegulationIn its latest Financial Stability Report released on Wednesday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expressed concerns about the potential harm stablecoins could inflict on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDE).Photo by rupixen.com on UnsplashPerennial criticThe RBI has been a consistent critic of cryptocurrencies, but particularly so in the case of stablecoins, from an EMDE perspective. However, the lack of authenticated data and inherent data gaps in the crypto ecosystem hindered a comprehensive assessment of financial stability risks.According to the report, one of the ways stablecoins could pose a threat to an EMDE is through currency substitution. Since the underlying assets of stablecoins are generally denominated in freely convertible foreign currencies, the widespread adoption of stablecoins could lead to currency mismatches on the balance sheets of banks, firms, and households, resulting in an increased risk to the economy.Monetary policy headacheFurthermore, the presence of stablecoins in the economy could create challenges for an EMDE’s central bank in setting domestic interest rates and managing liquidity conditions. The decentralized, borderless, and pseudonymous characteristics of crypto-assets make them potentially attractive instruments for circumventing capital flow management measures.Another concern highlighted by the RBI is that stablecoins could undermine credit risk assessment and interfere with banks’ ability to mobilize money and create credit by offering an alternative to the domestic financial system. Additionally, the report emphasized the difficulty in tracking peer-to-peer transactions, on the basis that they increase the potential for illicit activities.In light of these risks, the RBI reiterated its call for global coordination and regulation. It emphasized the need for a globally coordinated approach to analyze the risks posed to EMDEs compared to advanced economies (AEs). As India holds the G20 presidency, one of its priorities is to establish a framework for the global regulation of unbacked crypto-assets, stablecoins, and decentralized finance (DeFi).Establishing a CBDCWhile the RBI has been cautious about cryptocurrencies, it has shown more enthusiasm for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). In November, the RBI launched a wholesale digital rupee pilot project. It followed that up in February with a retail digital rupee pilot project. In March, it signed an agreement with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates to study a CBDC bridge aimed at facilitating trade and remittances.By calling for global regulation and highlighting the risks associated with stablecoins, the RBI aims to foster a safer and more secure environment for financial transactions while exploring the potential benefits of CBDCs in facilitating trade and remittances.As the discussions around stablecoins and CBDCs continue, we’re likely to see ever greater collaboration between regulators, policymakers, and international organizations with a view towards establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses the challenges and harnesses the potential of digital assets on a global basis.

Nomura-Backed Digital Exchange Acquires Trading License in DubaiKomainu, a digital exchange backed by Japanese financial services conglomerate Nomura, has achieved the milestone of acquiring an operational license in Dubai.The occasion marks a significant moment for Komainu’s expansion efforts in the Middle East, highlighting the progress the company has made in terms of regulatory approval. It follows Komainu’s previous success in obtaining its MVP license in November 2022, establishing the company as one of the first entities to receive such authorization from the local regulator.The operational license was granted by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) on Friday, with the firm being added to the regulator’s virtual asset service provider register.Photo by Emma Harrisova on UnsplashEnabling a broader service offeringWith this operational license in hand, Komainu is now equipped to introduce extended institutional staking and collateral management services to clients within Dubai. These services will be facilitated through Komainu Connect, a purpose-built platform tailored to cater to the precise needs of institutional clients.While Komainu is a Jersey-based entity, the company has an active presence in the Dubai market as it has established subsidiary firm Komainu MEA FZE, which is based within the city. This local presence indicates Komainu’s intention to play an active role in the institutional digital asset business in the region.Dubai growth potentialSebastian Widmann, Head of Strategy at Komainu, emphasized the exciting growth prospects that Dubai’s flourishing digital asset ecosystem offers. He noted that the region is currently experiencing an influx of assets driven by the launch of new exchanges.Widmann stated: “Dubai has a vibrant digital asset ecosystem and impressive talent pool, and we are proud to contribute to the growth of this innovative financial hub.” He further emphasized that Komainu’s presence and its favorable regulatory status position the company uniquely as it embarks on the next phase of its business journey.It’s been a good month for Nomura-backed digital asset businesses in Dubai. A few weeks ago, another Nomura-funded company, Laser Digital Middle East FZE, was also successful in acquiring an operating license from VARA.VARA’s approach to crafting regulations has been instrumental in fostering a framework that supports permissible activities and services for customers and investors in Dubai. These regulations are designed to enhance clarity, establish certainty, and mitigate potential market risks. VARA’s overarching objective is to create a model framework that promotes both global economic sustainability and innovation.Bridging market gapFounded in 2018, Komainu’s inception was driven by the need to bridge a gap in the market by delivering secure and compliant custody services for institutional players venturing into digital asset investments.Komainu’s foundation is built upon a strategic joint venture involving prominent entities such as Nomura, CoinShares, and Ledger. It acquired its first client for Komainu Connect, the firm’s regulated settlement and custody system for institutions, in June when it signed up Seychelles-based crypto exchange OKX to the service.Headquartered in Jersey, the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) and Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) now provide regulatory governance where Komainu’s activities are concerned.

Chinese financial industry groups have warned that illegal fundraising and fraud are increasingly emerging through stablecoins, airdrops, real-world asset (RWA) tokens, and crypto mining schemes, according to a Dec. 5 notice carried by the state-run Xinhua News Agency.Photo by Othman Alghanmi on UnsplashThe joint warning was issued by seven major bodies: the National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association, the Securities Association of China, the Asset Management Association of China, the China Futures Association, the China Association for Public Companies, and the Payment & Clearing Association of China. These groups stated that such products are being used to drive speculative trading, pyramid schemes, and other illicit activities that threaten financial stability. They stressed that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in China and do not share the legal status of fiat currency, further noting that regulators have not approved any RWA tokenization activities. Crypto and RWA offerings prohibitedConsequently, the notice bars member institutions from directly or indirectly providing services related to the issuance or trading of cryptocurrencies or RWA tokens. The associations also urged members to intensify risk warnings and investor education, while encouraging the public to report suspected violations. This industry alert follows the central bank’s recent reiteration of its concerns regarding speculative crypto activity. According to Reuters, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) last month restated its ban on crypto-related business, citing a resurgence in speculation and compliance gaps in stablecoins that complicate risk management. The central bank plans to tighten enforcement against unlawful operations, reinforcing the blanket ban on crypto transactions and mining imposed in September 2021. Old Bitcoin loan feud resurfacesDespite this restrictive framework, disputes tied to legacy crypto dealings continue to surface. Cryptopolitan reported that a long-running controversy has re-emerged surrounding Li Feng, a co-founder of Moore Threads, a Chinese GPU designer widely viewed as a homegrown rival to Nvidia. According to Cryptopolitan, the scrutiny follows the company's Dec. 5 debut on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, where it raised 8 billion yuan ($1.1 billion). Reportedly, Li faces accusations of failing to repay 1,500 Bitcoin allegedly borrowed from OKX founder Xu Mingxing. Citing a Foresight News post referenced by analyst AB Kuai.Dong on X, the report indicates that Li and angel investor Xue Manzi launched a cryptocurrency in 2017, raising 5,000 ETH. According to the outlet, Li has been accused of failing to repay 1,500 Bitcoin that he purportedly borrowed from OKX founder Xu Mingxing. Xu is said to have raised the issue publicly and sought resolution through legal proceedings in both China and the U.S. However, the legal ambiguity surrounding cryptocurrencies at the time was viewed as a major obstacle to settlement. Li, for his part, has characterized Xu’s contribution as a failed investment. The situation took a constructive turn when Xu reposted AB Kuai.Dong’s post, saying observers should look past old disputes. Xu encouraged a focus on constructive industry growth and stated that debt matters should be left to legal channels, offering goodwill toward fellow entrepreneurs. The timing of the renewed dispute alongside recent industry warnings highlights a consistent focus on risk control and legal clarity within China’s digital asset space. Authorities continue to emphasize investor protection and formal reporting channels to curb speculation, while market participants are increasingly turning to legal avenues to resolve legacy issues. These developments point to a sector still wrestling with unresolved disputes and regulatory gaps, underscoring the need for clearer rules for both regulators and entrepreneurs.