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    Europe’s AML regulations come at a high cost — for your privacy and otherwise

    To name just a few, the AML Directive 5, MiCa and the Transfer of Funds Regulation have reshaped the European financial framework. These laws mandate a rigorous monitoring system. However, the depth and breadth of these regulations are unparalleled in their scope. One cannot help but wonder if such comprehensive oversight is truly sustainable in the long run Banks, crypto asset managers, and even sports clubs now face complex due diligence processes, requiring them to verify customer identities, assets, and transaction patterns. With the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule and equivalents of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in play, data collection, sharing, and monitoring become increasingly invasive. This begs the question: to what extent should the quest for security compromise the sanctity of personal data?Continue Reading on Cointelegraph More

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    Bitcoin holds firm above $28,000 amid U.S. retail sales surge

    In contrast, Ethereum experienced a downturn after briefly reaching a high of $1,628.16. Misinformation regarding the approval of Blackrock (NYSE:BLK)’s spot Bitcoin ETF led to a drop in the cryptocurrency’s value, landing at a low of $1,570.89 today. Following its failure to surpass an RSI ceiling of 49.00, Ethereum now appears to be targeting a lower level at $1,540, bringing an end to its four-day winning streak.This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C. More

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    Binance.us Halts Direct US Dollar Withdrawals Amid Regulatory Pressures

    This move follows the suspension of U.S. dollar deposits earlier this year in June, a decision made in response to the SEC’s intensified scrutiny of the crypto sector. This regulatory pressure led to hesitation among Binance.US’s banking partners, prompting them to distance themselves from further engagements within the crypto industry.Binance.US had previously warned its users about potential disruptions in dollar withdrawals, hinting at a complete halt by June 13. The SEC has initiated legal action against Binance.US, its parent company Binance, and CEO Changpeng Zhao for operating unregistered securities operations. This issue is expected to be a key discussion point at the upcoming Benzinga’s Future of Digital Assets conference.In addition to these regulatory challenges, Binance.US has also been managing lawsuits related to its transactions. Last month, the company severed ties with its euro payments collaborator without announcing a successor, marking another setback for the exchange.The revised terms of service represent a significant departure from standard financial protections. Previously, Binance.US’s U.S. dollar deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Now, customers are obligated to convert their USD into stablecoins or other digital currencies before they can proceed with withdrawal. This change was communicated to customers via email as part of the exchange’s comprehensive service reassessment.This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C. More

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    Federal Reserve Governor warns of CBDC and stablecoin risks

    She expressed skepticism about the introduction of a CBDC, citing possible disruptions to the banking system and serious consumer privacy concerns. Bowman argued that no convincing case has been made that a CBDC could better facilitate everyday payments or reduce payment system frictions than alternatives like FedNow or future innovations.FedNow, which is endorsed by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, aims to foster financial inclusion by providing same-day fund access and efficient cash flow management for consumers and small businesses. Despite ongoing assessments by the Federal Reserve on CBDC’s potential benefits and drawbacks, congressional approval would be necessary for any launch.Bowman also warned about the risks associated with stablecoins, digital tokens that claim one-for-one dollar convertibility but are less secure, less stable, and less regulated than traditional forms of money. These digital assets pose substantial risks to consumers and the U.S. banking system.In her speech, Bowman emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework for digital assets that mirrors successful U.S. banking practices. She insisted that activities posing similar risks should be governed by the same regulations, irrespective of product or provider, thereby ensuring strong consumer protection even outside the regulatory perimeter. This approach would help maintain the existing success of regulations while fostering responsible innovation advantageous to consumers.This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C. More

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    Fed governor Bowman doubles down on CBDC skepticism, likes stablecoin no better

    Bowman spoke at length about central bank digital currency (CBDC) and stablecoin. She also considered “unified ledger” technology and distributed ledger technology as a bridge between existing systems, as well as ways to improve existing technology. She repeated questions she has raised before about the need for such innovations and suggested that banks can play a role in preventing government overreach:Continue Reading on Cointelegraph More

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    Two-year Treasury yield hits 17-year high after strong retail sales figures

    Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.Short-term Treasury yields jumped to their highest level in 17 years on Tuesday as stronger-than-expected US retail sales data breathed new life into a global bond rout. The two-year Treasury yield, which moves with interest rates expectations, rose 0.09 percentage points to 5.20 per cent, its highest level since 2006. The sell-off came after the latest signs of US consumers’ resilience fanned investors’ fears that the Federal Reserve could lift borrowing costs further in its fight against inflation.The 10-year Treasury yield, a benchmark for financial assets around the world, climbed as much as 0.15 percentage points to 4.85 per cent, near a recent 16-year high struck as worries over “higher for longer” interest rates rocked global debt markets. The renewed sell-off ends a period of respite for bonds over the past week as the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas spurred demand for safe assets such as Treasuries.“The US retail sales data was super strong, no wonder yields have bounced back,” said Peter Schaffrik, global macro strategist at RBC Capital Markets. “I guess after Israel lots of people bought the market and have again been long and wrong. It appears that in the greater scheme of things [the conflict] doesn’t look that likely to really impact the US or European economy.”Tuesday’s commerce department figures showed that US retail sales rose 0.7 per cent in September, more than analysts had forecast, extending a recent series of strong economic data.Swaps markets are now pricing a roughly 50 per cent chance of a further Fed rate rise by the end of the year, compared with 37 per cent on Monday. Investors are also expecting fewer rate cuts by the end of 2024 than they had been. “The data between the last [Fed] meeting and now has been a blowout payrolls number, strong core CPI and strong retail sales,” said Eric Winograd, senior economist for fixed income at AllianceBernstein. “If you’re the Fed and you are truly data-dependent, how are you not going to raise rates?”On Thursday Fed chair Jay Powell will speak at the Economic Club of New York, at which he may give insight into officials’ thinking ahead of the central bank’s next meeting in two weeks. Government bond yields in Europe followed the US Treasuries higher. Ten-year German Bund yields — the eurozone’s borrowing benchmark — rose 0.1 percentage points to 2.88 per cent. Italian yields climbed 0.16 percentage points to 4.92 per cent. More