The Bank of Ghana has unveiled a draft proposal for regulating digital assets and is inviting public and stakeholder feedback.
This effort is driven by the growing use of cryptocurrencies in Ghana, influenced by widespread smartphone access and an increase in online Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).
The proposed regulations aim to address issues such as money laundering and terrorism financing. Under the new framework, VASPs would need to conduct detailed risk assessments and comply with the FATF Travel Rule, which involves sharing transaction details.
The Bank plans to collaborate with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish comprehensive regulations. Additionally, Enhanced Payment Service Providers (EPSPs) would be allowed to process crypto transactions but would be restricted from holding or engaging in crypto-related activities.
VASPs must seek approval from either the Central Bank or SEC to operate in Ghana and meet specific registration requirements.
Public consultations on the draft are open until August 31, after which the Bank will review the feedback to refine the regulations.
Bitcoin could soon play an official role in Arizona’s public finance system. This week, state lawmakers approved the Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, a bill that would allow up to 10% of treasury and retirement fund assets to be invested in digital assets like Bitcoin.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, is continuing its behind-the-scenes engagement with digital asset firms as the agency weighs new approaches to crypto regulation.
In a major policy shift, the Federal Reserve announced on Thursday that it will no longer require state-chartered member banks to notify the central bank before engaging in crypto-asset activities.
A new report by the Bank for International Settlements has reignited the clash between traditional financial authorities and the crypto world.