10 Southeast Asian Nations Challenge Dollar Dominance With Push for Local Currencies

The leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have agreed to “encourage the use of local currencies for economic and financial transactions.” The group comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,…

BRICS De-Dollarization Push, China, and Crypto Threaten US Dollar’s Dominance: Analyst

Fitch Solutions’ global head of country risk has named the rising adoption of cryptocurrencies, the de-dollarization efforts by the BRICS countries, and China’s rising “economic might” as key factors that erode the U.S. dollar’s dominance over time. He cautioned that China…

India to Facilitate International Settlements in Rupees to Reduce Dependence on the US Dollar

The government of India has announced that it will facilitate the settlement of international transactions using its national currency, the rupee. As part of its foreign trading policy framework implemented on April 1, the country introduced this measure to facilitate payments…

Hong Kong Presents Digital Currency Prototype, Project Aurum

Financial authorities in Hong Kong have unveiled a prototype of the Chinese autonomous territory’s own central bank digital currency called Project Aurum. The two-tier platform features a wholesale interbank and a retail e-wallet system, participants revealed. Hong Kong to Issue Retail…

Thai Regulator Accuses Digital Asset Service Provider of Failing to Comply With Information Request – Matter Referred to Law Enforcement

Thailand’s securities regulator recently said it had referred digital asset service provider Zipmex and its Thai unit chief executive officer, Akalarp Yimwilai, to a technology crime division of the Royal Thai Police. The regulator said it made decision after Yimwilai and…

Crypto Exchange Zipmex Halts Withdrawals Citing Market Conditions, Financial Difficulties of Business Partners

Cryptocurrency exchange Zipmex has halted withdrawals due to “volatile market conditions, and the resulting financial difficulties of our key business partners.” The exchange operates in Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Zipmex Pauses Withdrawals Crypto exchange Zipmex, which operates in Singapore, Australia,…

Thailand Exempts Crypto Transfers From VAT Until End of 2023

Authorities in Thailand have formally introduced a value-added tax (VAT) exemption for transfers of cryptocurrencies through government-approved exchanges. The tax break, in force until the end of next year, will also apply to digital currency issued by the Bank of Thailand….

Report: Chinese Customs Authority Confiscates 49 Old ASIC Antminers

Chinese authorities continue to crackdown against bitcoin miners after they seized 49 second-hand Bitmain ASIC Antminers from unnamed individuals that recently attempted to smuggle in the devices using falsified documents. Devices to Be Disposed of in Accordance With Regulations Huangpu Customs…

Crypto Scammer Arrested in Bangkok After Fleeing With 500 Million Baht

A man allegedly behind a cryptocurrency investment scam has been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand. He lured people into investing in his fraudulent crypto scheme by promising high returns, telling investors they could earn a 400% return by investing in just 200…

Thailand Plans to Become ‘Crypto-Positive Society’ — Governor Says ‘Crypto Is the Future’

Thailand is laying the groundwork to become a “crypto-positive society” with the aim to attract crypto holders and boost its tourism industry. The country hopes to gain back some of the $80 billion in lost tourism revenue due to the Covid-19…