BITCOIN

Binance’s General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe, Kyrylo Khomiakov, will take responsibility for Central Asia as well. His promotion comes after the crypto exchange’s top executives in the region left the company last month, part of a string of executive exits at Binance this year. Kyrylo Khomiakov to Manage Binance’s Business in 14 Markets in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia Binance, the largest digital assets exchange by daily trading volume, has appointed Kyrylo Khomiakov as its new regional head for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Central Asia. Until now he was Binance’s General Manager for CEE. Khomiakov will manage the company’s teams, focus on enhancing products and services and optimizing user experience to grow its business, a press release detailed. He will also oversee Binance’s marketing strategy and contacts with governments. “Having Kyrylo, who possesses a deep understanding of these local markets and plays an integral role in the Binance org

Two U.S. lawmakers have asked the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider criminal charges against Binance and Tether, alleging that the two crypto platforms were used to fund Hamas. “We urge the Department of Justice to carefully evaluate the extent to which Binance and Tether are providing material support and resources to support terrorism through violations of applicable sanctions laws and the Bank Secrecy Act,” the lawmakers stressed. Lawmakers Concerned About Binance and Tether The office of U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced Thursday that the senator from Wyoming and U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR) have sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) “to swiftly investigate Binance and Tether.” They alleged that the two cryptocurrency platforms have been used to fund Hamas and “have a history of allowing illegal activity to occur.” Lummis is a member of the Senate Banking Committee while Hill is the chair of

A new law that gives law enforcement agencies greater powers to seize, freeze, and recover crypto assets has entered into force in the U.K. The law introduces provisions for police to “seize crypto assets more easily and convert them into money before a forfeiture hearing has taken place,” the British government explained, adding: “In exceptional circumstances, there will also be a power to destroy seized cryptocurrency.” Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 The U.K. government announced Thursday that the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to “fight fraud, counter corruption, and bolster legitimate business,” has received Royal Assent. After being introduced to Parliament in September 2022, the bill underwent a year of debate and amendments before receiving Royal Assent and becoming law. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduces powers that will allow British authorities to “proactively target organized criminals and othe

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently considering between eight and 10 bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications, according to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. He insisted that “the vast majority of crypto assets likely meet the investment contract test, making them subject to the securities laws.” SEC Chair Gary Gensler on Spot Bitcoin ETFs U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler said Thursday that the regulator has eight to 10 spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications under review. The SEC has not yet approved a spot bitcoin ETF, even though the agency has greenlighted several ETFs linked to bitcoin futures contracts. Regarding bitcoin ETF decisions, the SEC chairman stated: They’ll come potentially to the five-member commission. I’m not going to prejudge them but I don’t have anything on timing. They all have various different filing dates. Gensler did not specify the eight to 10 spot bitcoin ETF applications t