Russia
Russia's Largest Bank to Introduce DeFi Platform by May: Report
Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, will release a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform by May, according to a report by the Russian news agency Interfax. "The Hash" panel discusses what this suggests about the evolution of the traditional banking system and future of DeFi.
Differences Between Retail and Wholesale CBDCs
"Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine...there's a real pickup in interest in wholesale central bank digital currency," said Josh Lipsky, senior director of The Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, discussing his CBDC outlook for 2023. Plus, he explains the differences between retail and wholesale CBDCs.
United Nations Taps Stellar Blockchain to Aid War-Impacted Ukrainians
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is working with Stellar Development Foundation to send USDC stablecoins across the Stellar blockchain to Ukrainians impacted by the ongoing Russian invasion. "The Hash" panel discusses the crypto for social good use case in times of conflict.
FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried Backtracks on $1B Political Donation; Russians Face New Crypto Sanctions in the EU
Sam Bankman-Fried, the head of crypto exchange FTX, in an interview with Politico's Morning Money backtracked on his remarks that he would donate up to $1 billion in the next U.S. presidential election. Plus, crypto exchanges LocalBitcoins, Crypto.com and Blockchain.com have notified their Russian users that their services will soon be discontinued and recommended that the users withdraw funds from their accounts.
Some Pro-Russian Groups Using Crypto to Fund Paramilitary Operations: TRM Labs
TRM Labs has found that roughy $400,000 has been raised in crypto since February for Russian paramilitary operations in Ukraine. TRM Labs Head of Legal and Government Affairs Ari Redbord says one of those groups has been identified as Task Force Rusich. Plus, he discusses why it’s hard for Russia to evade sanctions using crypto.
Pro-Russian Groups Raise $400K in Crypto To Support Russian Paramilitary: TRM Labs
The EU has confirmed a sweeping ban on providing crypto services to Russians as it tightens sanctions, but TRM Labs says $400K has been raised in crypto since February for Russian paramilitary operations in Ukraine. TRM Labs Head of Legal and Government Affairs Ari Redbord discusses the key takeaways from the research.
EU Set to Ban Russian Crypto Payments After ‘Sham’ Referenda; Hedge Fund Says Chinese Investors Could Snap Up Cryptos as Yuan Slides
The European Union will tighten restrictions on Russians’ crypto investments within the bloc as it seeks to respond to “sham” independence votes being held in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. Novum Alpha CEO says Chinese investors might snap up digital assets now as the yuan depreciates.
Binance’s Bid to Buy Voyager's Assets Complicated by National Security Concern: Sources
Binance’s attempt to purchase bankrupt lender Voyager Digital’s assets has been complicated by concerns the U.S. government would reject the transaction, according to sources. Plus, a closer look at why some U.S. and EU miners are staying put in Russia despite the war and sanctions.
Russia Reportedly Exploring Stablecoin Settlements; Poolin Suspends Withdrawals From Wallet Service
Russia is talking to several friendly countries about launching clearing platforms for cross-border settlements in stablecoins, according to a report from Russian news agency Tass. Bitcoin mining pool PoolinWallet is suspending all withdrawals as it tries to preserve assets and stabilize liquidity. Bitcoin may see another meteoric rally once the dormant supply metric has peaked.