Blockchain
US Treasury Deputy Secretary Urges Congress for Tools to Tackle Crypto-Related Illicit Finance
US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo has urged Congress to provide regulatory tools to combat illicit finance related to cryptocurrencies.
In a hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Adeyemo expressed concerns that terrorist groups, as well as state actors like Russia and North Korea, are increasingly using virtual currencies and digital assets to hide their identities and move resources.
While acknowledging some success in detecting illicit finance activities, Adeyemo emphasized the need to expand enforcement efforts to prevent such actions by “malign actors.”
“While we continue to assess that terrorists prefer to use traditional financial products and services, we fear that without congressional action to provide us with the necessary tools, the use of virtual assets by these actors will only grow,” he said.
Adeyemo Asks for Crypto Regulations
Adeyemo highlighted the expanding use of virtual assets by these groups and warned that without congressional action, their adoption would continue to grow.
He cited examples such as North Korea using complex cyber heists to acquire and launder illicit revenue, and Russia resorting to alternative payment mechanisms like the stablecoin tether to evade sanctions and finance its conflicts.
To address these challenges, Adeyemo called on Congress to pass legislation that strengthens tools to target foreign digital asset providers facilitating illicit finance, including the imposition of secondary sanctions.
Furthermore, Adeyemo stressed the importance of closing regulatory gaps and extending authorities to cover entities like virtual asset wallet providers and cryptocurrency exchanges that emerged after current laws were enacted.
He also emphasized the need to address jurisdictional risks posed by offshore cryptocurrency platforms to safeguard US national security.
Coinbase Global and Circle Internet Financial, prominent cryptocurrency firms, also called upon Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mitch McConnell to enact regulations for stablecoins and improve the overall digital asset market structure.
They highlighted the risks of regulatory arbitrage due to the lack of regulatory clarity and urged the extension of anti-money laundering and sanctions regulations to cover foreign stablecoin issuers referencing the US dollar.
Adeyemo confirmed that the Treasury had previously recommended reforms to the committee and expressed the department’s willingness to work alongside lawmakers to address these issues.
UN Highlights Tether Role in Illicit Financing
A recent United Nations report highlighted Tron’s popularity among cyber fraud and money laundering activities in Southeast Asia.
According to the report, authorities have observed a rapid growth in sophisticated, high-speed money laundering teams that specialize in utilizing Tether for underground transactions.
It pointed out that online gambling platforms, particularly those operating illegally, have become popular avenues for cryptocurrency-based money launderers, with USDT being a favored choice.
Tether has refuted these claims, emphasizing its collaboration with law enforcement and the traceability of its token.
In response to the UN report, Tether said that its collaboration with global law enforcement, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Secret Service (USSS), has resulted in unparalleled monitoring capabilities, surpassing traditional banking systems.
Source: cryptonews.com
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 28, 2025 (EVIANCX, Abstract, Venice, KPMG, Hashgraph Group)
Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency continue to redefine industries worldwide, driving innovation and creating new opportunities. In today’s edition of “Blocks & Headlines,” we explore major developments across the blockchain space, highlighting new projects, partnerships, and emerging trends.
Blockchain as a Catalyst for Innovation
The blockchain industry’s transformative potential was the focus of a recent report detailing how decentralized technologies are driving innovation in finance, healthcare, and supply chain management. Blockchain’s transparency and immutability are key factors enabling its adoption across diverse sectors.
In particular, the report noted the technology’s ability to enhance trust and efficiency in processes, reducing costs while improving security.
Analysis: Blockchain’s role as a catalyst for innovation is becoming more evident as industries beyond finance embrace its capabilities. The growing interest underscores the need for continued research and development to unlock its full potential.
Source: Cape Gazette
EVIANCX Enhances Cryptocurrency Usage in Latin America
EVIANCX, a leading blockchain platform, has announced new initiatives aimed at increasing cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America. The company is rolling out solutions to address challenges such as accessibility and education, targeting both businesses and individual users.
By simplifying blockchain technology and expanding infrastructure, EVIANCX seeks to empower communities and drive financial inclusion across the region.
Analysis: Latin America’s growing interest in cryptocurrency is fueled by its potential to address issues such as inflation and limited access to traditional banking services. EVIANCX’s initiatives could significantly enhance the region’s blockchain ecosystem.
Source: GlobeNewswire
Abstract: A Consumer Blockchain for the Masses
The launch of Abstract, a highly anticipated consumer-focused blockchain, marks a significant step toward making cryptocurrency more accessible. Abstract aims to simplify blockchain use cases, offering tools and applications designed for everyday users.
By prioritizing user experience and scalability, Abstract is positioning itself as a gateway for mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.
Analysis: Abstract’s approach to consumer-centric blockchain solutions highlights the industry’s shift toward usability and mass appeal. Simplifying complex systems is crucial for bridging the gap between blockchain enthusiasts and the general public.
Source: PR Newswire
Venice Launches VVV Token to Bridge Blockchain and AI
Venice, a pioneering blockchain project, has unveiled the VVV Token, designed to integrate blockchain with artificial intelligence. The token facilitates data exchange between AI systems and decentralized networks, promising advancements in predictive analytics, automation, and decision-making.
The initiative also includes partnerships with tech companies focused on AI and machine learning, ensuring robust support for the token’s ecosystem.
Analysis: Venice’s innovative fusion of blockchain and AI represents a significant trend in tech convergence. By combining these technologies, the project aims to unlock new possibilities for intelligent, decentralized systems.
Source: CoinSpeaker
KPMG India Partners with Hashgraph Group to Drive Blockchain Adoption
KPMG in India has teamed up with the Hashgraph Group to promote enterprise adoption of Hedera’s distributed ledger technology (DLT). The partnership will focus on delivering blockchain solutions tailored to industries such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.
This collaboration aims to leverage Hedera’s high-performance DLT to address scalability and efficiency challenges faced by enterprises.
Analysis: Partnerships like this highlight the growing interest in enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. By collaborating with established firms, blockchain projects can accelerate adoption and address real-world business needs.
Source: PR Newswire
Key Trends and Insights
- Consumer-Centric Blockchain: The launch of Abstract underscores the importance of user-friendly solutions in driving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.
- Blockchain-AI Convergence: Projects like Venice’s VVV Token highlight the potential of integrating blockchain with artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient systems.
- Regional Focus: EVIANCX’s initiatives in Latin America demonstrate the growing importance of localized blockchain solutions that address specific regional challenges.
- Enterprise Collaboration: Partnerships such as KPMG India’s collaboration with Hashgraph Group emphasize the role of established enterprises in accelerating blockchain adoption.
- Broader Adoption: Blockchain’s application across industries continues to expand, showcasing its versatility and potential to drive innovation beyond cryptocurrency.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 28, 2025 (EVIANCX, Abstract, Venice, KPMG, Hashgraph Group) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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