Europe

Sanctions

US, UK Probing $20b in Tether Transfers to Russia’s Garantex – Report

By Editors | 28/03/2024

There is no immediate suggestion of wrongdoing by Tether Holdings, the BVI-incorporated issuer of USDT.

Crypto / Digital Assets

LSE Proposes 28 May Launch for Crypto ETN Market Segment

By Manesh Samtani | 28/03/2024

Issuers seeking to list a Bitcoin- or Ethereum-backed crypto ETN on 28 May 2024 need to submit information to the LSE by 15 April 2024.

Sanctions

Belgian Authorities Arrest Six Over Russian Diamond Imports

By Editors | 27/03/2024

The arrests, which reportedly include some Indian traders, followed the seizure of millions of euros worth of Russian diamonds last month.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ESMA Finalises First MiCA Rules, Issues New Consultation

By Manesh Samtani | 26/03/2024

The rules set out authorisation requirements for CASPs and notification requirements for regulated financial entities seeking to provide crypto services.

AML / KYC

Netherlands: Trial Against Tornado Cash Co-founder is Underway

By Editors | 26/03/2024

Alexey Pertsev is accused of participating in Tornado Cash’s money laundering activities. A verdict is expected six weeks after the trial concludes this week.

Enforcement

US, UK Announce Sanctions Against China-based Hackers

By Editors | 26/03/2024

A front company allegedly operating for China was sanctioned, along with 2 members of hacking group APT31. DOJ unsealed criminal charges against 7 individuals.

Enforcement

ESMA FInes Scope Ratings for Conflict of Interest Breaches

By Editors | 26/03/2024

ESMA said Scope fell short of the requirements under the Credit Rating Agencies Regulation on handling conflicts of interest.

Big Picture

ESMA Publishes Industry Feedback on Adoption of T+1 in Europe

By Mark Johnston | 26/03/2024

The feedback was mixed. ESMA will seek to better understand the suitability, costs and benefits of a shorter settlement cycle and publish a final report by Jan 2025.

Sanctions

EU Announces 35 New Sanctions Over Death of Alexei Navalny

By Editors | 25/03/2024

The targets include the two penal colonies where Navalny was held, members of the judiciary, and officials in the penitentiary system and Russia’s Ministry of Justice.