1. Türkiye requires users to provide identification information when making transactions over $425
According to FinanceFeeds, Turkey announced cryptocurrency anti-money laundering (AML) measures in the (Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey) on December 25, requiring users to provide identity information when making transactions exceeding 15,000 Turkish lira ($425) to prevent illegal fund transfers and terrorist financing through cryptocurrencies. The regulation, which takes effect on February 25, 2025, also requires providers to verify the identity of users who transfer funds from unregistered wallet addresses. If the provider cannot obtain sufficient customer information, the transaction may be deemed "risky," allowing the service provider to stop the transfer or consider other measures, such as limiting the business relationship.
2. The Hashgraph Group has obtained a fund management license in Abu Dhabi and will launch a $100 million Web3 fund.
According to Fintech Finance News, The Hashgraph Group (THG), based in Switzerland, has obtained a fund management license from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The license granted to Hashgraph Ventures Manager under The Hashgraph Group allows it to launch a $100 million Web3 venture capital fund from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
The Hashgraph Group will invest $20 million, which is 20% of the fund, as seed capital. The fund will focus on investing in startups and established companies within the Hedera ecosystem. The fund will prioritize strategic investments in companies in the Web3 and deep tech fields (developing artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, robotics, and quantum computing solutions). Eligible projects will have the opportunity to participate in the Hashgraph Association's startup studio program.
3. The Japanese government has made an official response regarding the issue of Bitcoin reserves.
According to Coinpost, on the 20th of this month, the government made an official response to a question raised by Senate member Akira Hamada regarding the 'movement to introduce Bitcoin reserves being undertaken by the United States and other countries.' The written response was issued in the name of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and clarified the government's position on holding crypto assets as reserves. The response stated that at this stage, there is not a detailed understanding of the movements of the United States and other countries regarding the introduction of Bitcoin reserves, and given the current situation, 'it is difficult for the government to express its views.' As discussions regarding the inclusion of crypto assets in national reserve strategies progress both domestically and internationally, the Japanese government remains cautious.
4. Former FTX executive Ryan Salame's prison release date has been advanced by more than a year.
According to Business Insider, former FTX executive Ryan Salame's prison release date has been advanced by more than a year. He admitted to criminal charges related to the bankruptcy of the Bankman-Fried cryptocurrency exchange in 2022 this year, was sentenced in May, and reported to federal prison in October to serve 7.5 years. Records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons reviewed by Business Insider in mid-December show that Salame's sentence is set to end on March 1, 2031, which is more than a year earlier than the original release date.
5. The US-listed company KULR buys 217.18 bitcoins.
The US-listed company KULR has initiated its Bitcoin reserve strategy, purchasing 217.18 bitcoins for $21 million, with an average price of $96,556 per bitcoin. KULR is an energy management platform that provides cutting-edge energy storage solutions for space, aerospace, and defense.
