Highlights:
- Canada sets deadline for crypto platforms to meet full regulatory compliance
- South Korea enacts VAUPA to regulate and stabilize the crypto market
- CIRO introduces a Readiness Questionnaire to ensure crypto platforms meet legal standards.
Canada’s financial regulators have set a deadline for crypto trading platforms (CTPs) to complete their applications for Investment Dealer status and secure membership with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). This directive ends a transitional period allowing CTPs to operate under restricted dealer status. It required them to align with financial regulatory standards.
CTPs Move Towards Full Regulatory Compliance in Canada
In 2021, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and CIRO granted Crypto Trading Platforms (CTPs) temporary status. This allowed them to operate while seeking full authorization. Recently, the CSA reminded these. platforms of the need to upgrade to fully recognized investment dealers.
The move is crucial for maintaining their legal status in Canada’s financial markets. It ensures all financial service providers follow the established regulatory framework.
The CSA has expressed expectations that CTPs should have thoroughly reviewed and understood the requirements for CIRO membership by now. As the period of leniency offered through time-restricted registrations draws to a close, they are anticipated to be actively engaged with CIRO concerning their applications.
Navigating Changes in Canada’s Crypto Market
The regulatory tightening occurs against significant growth in the Canadian cryptocurrency market. According to a KPMG report, half of the financial services in Canada now offer at least one cryptocurrency feature. Additionally, 52% provide crypto asset trading. This expansion aligns with high client demand, with eight out of ten platforms citing substantial interest from retail investors.
Canadian financial institutions experienced significant challenges despite growing interest, with outflows reaching $832 million in the year’s first half. This economic climate pressures CTPs to comply with regulatory standards to ensure investor protection and market stability.
Some platforms, like Coinsquare, have successfully transitioned to full CIRO membership, while others have opted to exit the Canadian market rather than comply with the stringent regulations. This divergence highlights the varied approaches within the industry as it adjusts to the evolving regulatory landscape.
In light of these developments, CIRO has introduced a Readiness Questionnaire to help platforms assess their preparedness for membership. This tool is part of CIRO’s efforts to ensure that only capable platforms meeting legal requirements are admitted.
Enhancing Crypto Regulation in South Korea and Canada
On July 19, 2024, South Korea enacted the Virtual Asset User Protection Act (VAUPA), a significant step in regulating the cryptocurrency market. This new law was fast-tracked due to major financial disruptions like the Terra-Luna and FTX incidents in 2022, highlighting the need for increased oversight.
SOUTH KOREA'S NEW CRYPTO REGULATORY LAW NOW IN EFFECT: FACTS…
– South Korea’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act (VAUPA) officially took effect on July 19, 2024, marking a crucial milestone in the regulation of the country’s expanding cryptocurrency market.
Here’s a breakdown… https://t.co/sy06gK7ayB pic.twitter.com/YPNGgAgU7W
— BSCN (@BSCNews) July 19, 2024
VAUPA aims to establish a robust regulatory framework to ensure market stability and protect users in South Korea’s dynamic cryptocurrency sector. Under this legislation, cryptocurrency exchanges must adhere to stricter standards enforced by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). The government seeks to balance strict investor protection with fostering innovation in the growing crypto industry.
The CIRO and the CSA’s rigorous approach aims to promote a safer and more regulated environment for crypto investors in Canada. As the deadline nears, CTPs must show their operational readiness and financial health and adhere to regulatory standards to stay in the Canadian financial market.
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