News from December 2024


Japan's FSA issues warnings against unregistered crypto exchanges

On November 28, 2024, Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) issued warnings on X against five cryptocurrency exchanges for operating without proper registration.


FCA research shows surge in crypto awareness and calls for regulatory clarity

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released research indicating that 93% of UK adults are aware of cryptoassets, with 12% owning cryptocurrency.


Hong Kong proposes tax exemptions for investment funds and crypto gains

Hong Kong has proposed tax exemptions for hedge funds, private equity funds, and ultra-wealthy investment vehicles, including cryptocurrency gains.


Brazil introduces bill for national Bitcoin reserve

On November 25, 2024, Eros Biondini, a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil, introduced the Reserva Estratégica Soberana de Bitcoins (RESBit) legislation.


Taiwan's FSC announces new regulations for virtual asset service providers

Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has announced new regulations aimed at enhancing compliance for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) under the nation's anti-money laundering (AML) framework.


Washington Examiner Op-Ed: 'Trump - and any future U.S. leader - would be wise to avoid entangling themselves in (former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran) Kahn's saga'

A Washington Examiner opinion piece this week said that President-elect Donald Trump should "avoid entangling" himself in the affairs of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Kahn.


Canada's economic outlook for 2025: Challenges and opportunities

The outlook for Canada's economy in 2025 suggests a mixed picture, with potential challenges and opportunities across various sectors.


Europe faces economic challenges amid Trump's proposed tariffs

A Trump presidency is expected to present new challenges for Europe, affecting the region's equities despite their low valuations.


Siemens collaborates with Eplan for improved machine engineering data integration

Siemens and Eplan have announced a collaboration aimed at enhancing data interoperability in machine engineering.


Developing nations' foreign debt hits record amid rising interest costs

Developing countries have experienced significant financial pressure, spending a record $1.4 trillion on foreign debt in 2023, according to the World Bank's International Debt Report.


Brazilian schools revamped amid rising temperatures with support from World Bank

Elizangela Dias Ferreira, a resident of Paraiso do Tocantins in Brazil, has seen significant changes at the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira State School over the years.


World Bank Group revisits African development goals after two decades

The World Bank Group (WBG) has released a follow-up report titled "Africa in the 21st Century: Governance and Inclusive Green Growth," revisiting priorities from its 2000 publication, "Can Africa Claim the 21st Century?"


Celtics' charity drive raises $105K for YMCA's diabetes program

Sun Life U.S. and the Boston Celtics concluded their #SunLifeDunk4Diabetes campaign, raising $105,000 for the YMCA of Greater Boston.


KfW appoints Aida Welker to board; extends Dr Velibor Marjanovic's contract

KfW has announced the appointment of Aida Welker to the Management Board of its subsidiary, KfW IPEX-Bank.


Kazakhstan partners with World Bank to enhance water conservation efforts

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan and the World Bank have formalized a partnership aimed at improving water resource management and promoting environmental sustainability.


World Bank approves loan for Maharashtra's economic growth initiative

The World Bank has approved a new loan to support Maharashtra, India's largest state economy, in its efforts to stimulate economic growth, particularly in underdeveloped districts.


Siemens partners with Tietoevry for Nordic power utility digitalization

Siemens and Tietoevry have announced a collaboration to enhance the digitalization of the power utility sector in the Nordic region.


Standard Chartered targets $200 billion net new money with strategic five-year plan

Standard Chartered has announced an ambitious plan to increase its net new money by USD200 billion over the next five years, alongside achieving double-digit growth in Wealth Solutions income.


EU-Mercosur negotiations approach decisive moment at Mercosur Summit

This week is pivotal for the EU-Mercosur agreement as negotiations near a potential conclusion at the upcoming Mercosur Summit.


IMF's Georgieva highlights green energy opportunities at Caribbean forum

December 3, 2024 Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), addressed the High-Level Caribbean Forum to discuss the critical issue of transitioning to green energy in the region.