Ukraine
Key Driver Behind Bitcoin's Price Spike; California's Crypto Licensing Bill Signed Into Law
"CoinDesk Daily" host Jennifer Sanasie breaks down the hottest crypto headlines today, including the factors that caused bitcoin to briefly spike to $30,000. When will a crypto licensing bill signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom take effect? Plus, Tether freezes accounts linked to terrorism and warfare in Israel and Ukraine.
DOJ Investigating Binance for Russia-Related Sanctions Violations: Bloomberg
Bloomberg reports that the U.S. Department of Justice's national security division is conducting an inquiry into whether Binance allowed Russian customers to access the exchange in violation of U.S. sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Spokespeople for Binance and the Justice Department did not immediately return CoinDesk's requests for comment. CoinDesk Global Policy and Regulation Managing Editor Nikhilesh De shares the latest developments.
Russian Troops Receiving Millions in Crypto Donations Despite Sanctions
Russian troops in Ukraine are receiving millions in crypto donations despite being sanctioned for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. CoinDesk investigates how crypto donations to Russian troops are flowing. "The Hash" panel discusses crypto's use case as a fundraising tool in times of war and humanitarian crises.
Smart Valor's Co-Founder on Advocating for Ukraine at the World Economic Forum
"Cooperation in a fragmented world" is the theme of the 2023 World Economic Forum. Part of that discussion concerns the war in Ukraine. CoinDesk's Christine Lee spoke to Smart Valor Co-Founder and Executive Board Chairman Olga Feldmeier about her work advocating for the country where she grew up.
Crypto Presence at Davos 2023
Global Blockchain Business Council CEO Sandra Ro joins "First Mover" to discuss the presence of crypto at The World Economic Forum's annual meeting and the council's 2023 predictions on digital assets. Plus, insights on navigating the crypto winter amid layoff announcements from major companies like Coinbase and Crypto.com. And, the role crypto plays in the war in Ukraine.
Preserving History With Blockchain Technology
While 2022 rattled the crypto industry, many have still found impactful ways to leverage blockchain technology. Michael Chobanian of Ukraine's Kuna exchange and Theresa Kennedy of the Black History DAO discuss how Web3 can help communities preserve their history.
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.
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.