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Joseph Rees

Brazilian Police Dismantle Massive Illegal Betting and Crypto Money Laundering Ring

Key Takeaways Brazil raided 87 shell companies in Operation Veil of Maya, disrupting an illegal crypto laundering ring. The ring transferred gambling funds abroad via crypto, evading taxes in a massive underground market. The enforcement action backs Brazil’s broader regulatory bans on illegal casinos and prediction markets. Brazilian Police Target Cryptocurrency Usage in Illegal Betting…

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[Exclusive] BSP: Crypto-to-Crypto Trading ‘Fits Naturally’ Under SEC; VASP Rule Amendments Planned

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said crypto-to-crypto trading for speculative or investment purposes through an exchange “fits naturally” under the perimeter of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and confirmed it plans to expose amendments to Circular No. 1108, its 2021 rule governing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), for public comment, according to a…

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Swift Launches a Blockchain Ledger to Bring 24/7 Cross-Border Payments to the Global Banking System

Key Takeaways SWIFT launched a blockchain ledger for tokenized deposits, enabling 24/7 global interbank transactions. Seventeen banks will pilot the network, easing liquidity limits and improving fund management efficiency. Swift developed the ledger in just nine months, setting the foundation for future programmable money. Swift Moves To The Blockchain Era With New Tokenized Deposit-Based Network…

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Trump Requested Democratic SEC Candidates, but No Names Arrived, White House Says

Key Takeaways The White House says it requested Democratic names for vacant SEC and CFTC seats before Democrats raised concerns. Senate Democrats accused Trump of refusing to nominate Democratic commissioners to agencies designed for bipartisan membership. SEC vacancies carry added weight as Republican commissioners reshape cryptocurrency oversight under Paul Atkins. White House Rejects the Charge…

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BDO, Chinabank, EastWest Waive InstaPay and PESONet Transfer Fees

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), China Banking Corp. (Chinabank), and East West Banking Corp. (EastWest Bank) announced the elimination of transaction fees for domestic fund transfers through the InstaPay and PESONet networks. The pricing updates follow regulatory adjustments directed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regarding electronic payment pricing. (Read More: List: PH Banks With…

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North Carolina Sides With Federal Preemption, Taxing Prediction Markets 6% While Sportsbooks Pay 23%

Key Takeaways North Carolina’s signed budget taxes prediction markets at 6% of net trading fee revenue, effective January 1, 2027. The state declines to require prediction platforms to hold a state license, recognizing CFTC authority instead. Sports betting operators face a separate, higher 23% tax on gross wagering revenue, up from 18%, effective immediately. A…

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British Airline Jet2 Shares Jump 9% After $536M Fuel Hedge Gain Offsets Middle East Travel Fears

Key Takeaways Jet2 recorded a $536 million balance sheet windfall on July 8 after locking in low-cost fuel derivatives. The Middle East conflict triggered a 67% decline in annual cash inflows as travelers delayed holiday bookings. CEO Steve Heapy announced a $335 million buyback program and expanding operations at London Gatwick Airport. Sector Resilience Amid…

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