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Gargi Shailesh Pisalkar,
University of Mumbai Thane sub-campus
Introduction to Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency, commonly known as crypto, represents a form of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptographic techniques to secure its transactions. Unlike traditional currencies issued and regulated by central authorities, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized systems for recording transactions and minting new units. While cryptocurrency is legalized in various parts of the world, the specific regulations governing its use differ significantly from one country to another. Some nations consider cryptocurrencies legal tender, while others do not, though most assign some form of value to them.
Cryptocurrency Examples
Ethereum Launched in 2015, Ethereum is a blockchain platform with its native cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH). As the second most popular cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, Ethereum is notable for enabling smart contract functionality. Litecoinakin to Bitcoin, stands out for integrating innovative features like faster transaction processing and support for higher transaction volumes. Ripple, established in 2012, operates as a distributed ledger system that facilitates a wide array of transactions beyond cryptocurrency. Its partnerships with banks and financial institutions demonstrate its focus on enhancing traditional payment systems.
Other cryptocurrencies, excluding Bitcoin, are collectively referred to as "altcoins."
Bitcoin’s Role in Cryptocurrency Evolution
Bitcoin was the pioneering cryptocurrency introduced in 2009 by an anonymous creator known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It introduced the blockchain concept and set the stage for the development of decentralized digital currencies. Key attributes of Bitcoin include:
Blockchain Technology: Bitcoin's introduction of a secure and immutable blockchain ledger serves as the foundation for most digital currencies today.
Decentralization: Bitcoin’s ability to operate without intermediaries like banks exemplifies the principle of decentralization.
Market Influence: Bitcoin often dictates market trends, as its price movements significantly impact other cryptocurrencies.
Legalization of Cryptocurrency by Country
United States: Cryptocurrency is regulated as a commodity, with agencies like the SEC monitoring crypto assets in compliance with securities laws.
Japan: As a pioneer in legalizing Bitcoin as a payment method, Japan has stringent regulations to protect consumers and enforce anti-money laundering (AML) measures.
El Salvador: In 2021, El Salvador became the first nation to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender.
Switzerland: Known for its "Crypto Valley," Switzerland provides a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrency businesses.
Singapore: Singapore maintains a progressive regulatory environment, overseen by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
UAE: With favorable regulations in free zones like the DMCC, Dubai established a regulatory authority for virtual assets in 2022.
European Union: The EU is progressing toward standardized regulations with its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
· Countries like India and Russia permit cryptocurrency trading but do not recognize it as legal tender,
· while China and Bangladesh have strict bans on cryptocurrency activities.
Legal Frameworks for Cryptocurrency
1. Regulation of Exchanges:
· Many jurisdictions require exchanges to register as financial institutions and adhere to securities, banking, or money transmission laws. Licensing requirements ensure consumer protection and operational transparency.
2. Taxation of Cryptocurrencies:
· Capital Gains Tax: Cryptocurrencies are often taxed as property, with profits subject to capital gains tax.
· Income Tax: Payments received in cryptocurrency are taxable as income.
· Value Added Tax (VAT): In some EU countries, VAT applies to cryptocurrency transactions.
3. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT):This act helps to prohibit and discover terrorism financing, and it will help law enforcement agencies and financial intelligence to generate revenue. This act implemented a base approach these general obligations are carried out in this link (Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Rules Instrument 2007
4. KYC Regulations: Governments mandate exchanges to implement identity verification processes.
· Transaction Tracking: Threshold-based reporting requirements help curb illicit financial activities.
· Consumer Protection: Legal frameworks in various countries emphasize fraud prevention and investor security, with varying levels of recourse in cases of fraud or exchange failures.
Country-Specific Regulatory Approaches
1. United States: Agencies like the SEC, CFTC, and IRS govern cryptocurrencies based on their classification (e.g., security, commodity).
2. European Union: The MICA framework aims to harmonize crypto regulations across member states.
3. China: A strict ban on cryptocurrency trading and mining contrasts its development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
4. India: While crypto regulations remain a topic of debate, the government leans toward regulation instead of prohibition.
5. Japan: Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) oversees cryptocurrency exchanges to ensure compliance with AML and KYC standards.
Future of Cryptocurrency Regulation
As the cryptocurrency industry evolves, governments aim to create balanced regulations that secure financial systems and promote innovation. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are being developed to integrate digital currencies into traditional financial frameworks. However, achieving global regulatory consistency remains a challenge.
Challenges and Directions
Cross-Border Regulation International cooperation is vital, as organizations like FATF and the G20 work toward aligning global crypto policies. Adapting Financial Laws Legacy financial laws require updates to address decentralized technologies effectively. Technology and Privacy Striking a balance between transaction privacy and transparency is crucial for fostering trust while preventing misuse.
Case Study: Cryptocurrency in India
In 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prohibited financial institutions from engaging with cryptocurrency-related entities. This decision sparked a legal battle over its constitutionality. Key developments include:
· Early Warnings: Between 2013 and 2017, the RBI issued cautionary statements about the risks of virtual currencies.
· Finance Minister’s Statements (2017-2018): The government clarified that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender.
· RBI Notification (2018): Financial institutions were barred from dealing in cryptocurrency-related transactions.
· Exchanges’ Response: Exchanges challenged the ban in court, citing violations of constitutional rights.
· Supreme Court Interventions (2019): The Court urged the government to establish a regulatory framework, potentially involving SEBI or the RBI.
Conclusion
The emergence of cryptocurrencies has revolutionized global finance, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Effective regulation requires a coordinated approach to address concerns like fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion while fostering economic growth. International collaborations, such as FATF guidelines and the EU’s MiCA framework, underscore the need for cohesive regulatory standards.
As cryptocurrencies reshape traditional financial systems, the ongoing dialogue among governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders will define the future of digital assets. Achieving global harmony in crypto regulations remains an intricate yet essential goal for fostering innovation and ensuring financially secure.
References: -
1. Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System (2008), available at https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf.
2. Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Guidance for a Risk-Based Approach to Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (2021), available at https://www.fatf-gafi.org/media/fatf/documents/recommendations/RBA-VA-VASPs.pdf.
3. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Crypto Asset Guidance, available at https://www.sec.gov.
4. Reserve Bank of India, Press Release on Virtual Currencies (Apr. 6, 2018), available at https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=43574.
5. European Commission, Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), COM (2020) 593 final (Sept. 24, 2020), available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020PC0593.
6. Hyperverge, Blog, ( July 15, 2023), available at https://hyperverge.co/blog.
7. ComplyAdvantage, Home, ( Oct. 12, 2023), available at https://complyadvantage.com/.
8. arXiv, e-Print Archive, (Oct. 5, 2023), available at https://arxiv.org/.
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