Regulation
Vietnam's Central Bank Announces Ban on Bitcoin Payments
The State Bank of Vietnam has issued a statement banning the use of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in payments from Jan. 1, 2018.

Australian Central Bank: Regulating Blockchain Protocols 'Unlikely to Be Effective'
Cryptocurrencies don't pose "any pressing regulatory issues" for the Australian central bank's policies for payments.

The Last Hurdle: Liquidity Alliance Closes in on Distributed Ledger Launch
A group of central securities depositories is ready to launch a blockchain, but there's still one last hurdle: a regulatory green light.

Japanese Financial Watchdog Issues Warning over ICO Risks
Japan's Financial Services Agency has issued a statement warning investors of the risks associated with initial coin offerings or ICOs.

SEC Enforcement Director: ICO Fraud Requires 'Thoughtful Approach'
SEC Division of Enforcement co-director Stephanie Avakian said the agency's new cyber unit would look at how blockchain technology and ICOs are used.

Lebanon's Central Bank Governor Disses Bitcoin at Digital Currency Launch
The central bank of Lebanon is talking openly about digital currency – but it's making clear that bitcoin isn't welcome in the discussion.

US Logistics Agency Launches Blockchain Sector Mapping Tool
The U.S. government's Emerging Citizen Technology program announced a new open-source Atlas to provide resources on blockchain technology.

Cyprus Securities Regulator Trials Blockchain Oversight in OTC Markets
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission has revealed new details about its efforts to explore blockchain technology.

D3 Unveiled: Russian Platform Would Turn Legacy CSDs into Crypto Custodians
Execs at Russia's National Settlement Depository have revealed new details about a planned blockchain-based cryptocurrency depository platform.

Kansas Commission: Political Candidates Cannot Accept Bitcoin
The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission issued guidance Wednesday stating that candidates for office cannot accept bitcoin as a contribution.
