Empire Newsletter: How the US has impacted crypto innovation

Momentum shift

This time last year, the crypto narrative was completely different. 

And — while we’re stuck in a weird sideways moment here — there’s no doubt that the market is more positive right now than it was a year ago, when Coinbase and Binance were reeling after the SEC filed lawsuits against both exchanges on consecutive days.

Folks were spooked, and rightfully so. We still don’t have as many answers as we might want, but we’re not seeing projects flee to other countries (to the same extent at least, though the three Wells notices served to Consensys, Uniswap and Robinhood have left a bad taste).

Blockworks co-founder Jason Yanowitz noted on Empire this week that…

Read more on Blockworks

LATEST: Ireland Grants Virtual Asset Provider Approval to Crypto.com

Crypto.com, a leading cryptocurrency platform trusted by over 100 million users, has gained approval as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) from the Central Bank of Ireland. This endorsement, confirming the platform’s commitment to stringent compliance, anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism financing standards, allows Crypto.com to expand its services in Ireland. These services include crypto-to-fiat exchanges and new fiat wallet options, reinforcing its position as a secure and trusted operator.

Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, expressed enthusiasm about the approval, noting it as a testament to the company’s dedication to compliance and responsible innovation. This move is set to enhance their offerings, providing Irish consumers with a broad range of cryptocurrency products.

The license also positions Crypto.com to operate across the European Union, especially ahead of the upcoming Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations set to be implemented in December. This strategic expansion aligns with Crypto.com’s global licensing achievements, including recent approvals in Dubai, the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Source

LATEST: Australian Economy Could Grow $60 Billion with Blockchain, MP Says

Australian Parliament Member Andrew Charlton emphasized the transformative potential of blockchain technology at Australia’s Blockchain Week 2024 in Sydney. Charlton, a notable advocate for digital assets, argued that blockchain could catalyze a significant economic growth, potentially adding up to $60 billion to the economy. Highlighting the slow productivity growth of only 0.9% in late 2023, he stressed the urgency for adopting blockchain to ensure sustained increases in living standards and wages.

Charlton pointed out blockchain’s capacity to revolutionize various sectors beyond finance, including healthcare, real estate, and supply chain management. By enabling efficient, transparent operations, blockchain stands to enhance productivity across the board. Despite this potential, Charlton expressed frustration with Australia’s lag in establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets, a critical step for securing a leadership role in this innovative field.

With global examples from Singapore to Europe showcasing successful integration of digital assets into their financial services, Charlton urged Australia to seize the opportunity. He advocated for robust regulations that would allow businesses to handle digital assets akin to traditional ones, thus positioning Australia at the forefront of responsible digital asset innovation.

Cointelegraph

LATEST: Robert Kiyosaki Claims Bitcoin Is Key to Millionaire Status

Prominent financial author Robert Kiyosaki, renowned for his “Rich Dad Poor Dad” series, has declared Bitcoin the simplest route to millionaire status. In a recent post on the X social media platform, Kiyosaki emphasized the difficulties of entrepreneurship compared to the relative ease of investing in Bitcoin. “Making millions as an entrepreneur is hard. I save Bitcoin because it does the hard work for me,” he stated, underscoring his strategy for accumulating wealth through cryptocurrency.

Kiyosaki’s endorsement comes amid skepticism, even as he boldly predicts Bitcoin’s price could soar to $350,000 by next August. Despite the criticism from some corners of the crypto community, his advocacy provides a stark contrast to the conventional challenges of business ownership.

By promoting Bitcoin as a less labor-intensive alternative to traditional wealth-building methods, Kiyosaki positions the cryptocurrency as a favored asset for aspiring millionaires, potentially influencing new investors to consider the digital currency market.

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