Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Tuesday Evening 3-18-25

Monetary Policy In Iraq And Opportunities For Monetary Stability And Digital Transformation
 
Reports  Samir Al-Nusairi   Today, the Emirati economic magazine Investments, widely circulated in the Arab world, Egypt, and North Africa, published an exclusive analytical study prepared by Counselor Samir Al-Nusairi, a member of the World Union of Arab Bankers.
 
The study highlighted several factors, most notably monetary policy, opportunities for monetary stability, and digital transformation.  The study highlighted the economic changes that occurred after 2003, when the need for radical reform of the Central Bank emerged.

A new law was issued, affirming its independence and consolidating its essential role in protecting the country's resources.
 
Defining its tasks in combating money laundering and terrorist financing attempts, which are at the forefront of the challenges facing the Central Bank of Iraq.
 
It also aims to maintain the bank's independence, enable it to perform its mission without government interference, and make it an effective institution that guarantees the interests of society as a whole.
 
In addition to its control over the stability of the exchange rate and management of the money supply, she pointed out that the process of selling foreign currency requires a deep understanding in light of the major accusations the bank is facing without evidence proving the existence of suspicions of corruption, money laundering, or currency smuggling.
 
She added that selling currency is a waste of public funds, as this description does not relate to economic science.
 
She explained that the Central Bank of Iraq is concerned with financial stability, managing the payments system, managing foreign reserves, and licensing and monitoring banks and financial institutions, as it is responsible for establishing preventive controls, in addition to other tasks related to currency issuance and publishing data, indicators, and economic forecasts.
 
And managing monetary policy, which aims to stimulate the national economy, balance the balance of payments, and achieve monetary stability.
 
She noted that monetary stability represents the starting point for economic stability, which requires monetary stability, embodied in the monetary authority's ability to achieve price stability at targeted levels.
 
The study, prepared by "Consultant Samir Al-Nusairi," revealed the challenges facing monetary policy, most notably the rentier economy, which relies on 95% of general budget revenues, and the weak activation of the real sector and other productive sectors.
 
The study pointed out that financing the state's general budget deficit represents the greatest challenge facing monetary policy, and is inversely proportional to the independence of the Central Bank, as this deficit is financed by the bank purchasing treasury bills and rediscounting them.
 
The Central Bank has deducted treasury transfers from the end of 2015 to the present for the purpose of paying salaries and dues to contractors and farmers.

The study pointed out that the financial markets, stock and bond markets, capital markets, and money markets are limited, which misses opportunities to invest local savings and limit the phenomenon of hoarding and withdrawing liquidity to invest it in real sectors.
 
It pointed to the weakness of the banking system, which represents a fundamental pillar of the economy and its main link and an important arm of the Central Bank in achieving monetary stability. It confirmed the dominance of government banks in the sector by more than 80%.
 
There is also the problem of bad debts and credit concentration.
 
There is also weak institutional governance.
 
There is also the exposure to financial shocks due to the decline in real sector activity.
 
The study noted the decline in local investment and the increase in foreign savings.
 
Samir Al-Nusairi, a member of the International Union of Arab Bankers, pointed out that the Central Bank of Egypt began implementing the digital transformation in the banking sector in 2016, with clear phases included in its first, second, and third strategies.
 
Over the past two years, cooperation between the Central Bank and the government, with the personal support and follow-up of the Prime Minister and his chairmanship of the Digital Transformation Committee, has been a fundamental step toward activating and accelerating the transition to a digital government and moving from a cash economy to a digital economy.
 
The amount collected from digital payments reached 7.6 trillion Iraqi dinars in October 2024, up from 2.6 trillion Iraqi dinars in December 2023.
 
The rate of digital transformation and electronic payments increased to 48.5%, compared to 20% in previous years.
 
The study continued that Iraq now has an advanced infrastructure capable of accommodating electronic payment tools and financial services.
 
It will soon transition to digital banks, where smartphones will drive various banking operations.
 
This transformation will facilitate financial access to services for citizens and provide vital data at the national level on the nature of transactions, their content, supervision, and compliance achieved through this comprehensive system.

The study also indicated that banking reform has now entered the transition phase to digital banks, with the Central Bank currently examining and auditing approximately 70 applications to license new digital banks in accordance with the precise controls and conditions adopted by the Central Bank.

This represents a real and promising start for technical banking development in Iraq to bridge the technical gap with countries around the world in this field.
 
The study pointed out that the current phase is witnessing significant development in the electronic payment system through an increase in the number of ATMs, which exceeded 4,000, the number of electronic cards issued exceeded 17 million cards, the number of POS devices reached approximately 63,000 devices, and the number of credit wallets also increased.
 
It explained that the
 
financial inclusion rate rose to 40% after it was 20% two years ago, and that
 
Iraqi banks are currently witnessing qualitative transformations in their banking operations, especially with regard to future banks that will transform from traditional entities to smart digital platforms and issue digital financial identities that facilitate financial transactions without the need for banks.
 
It stated that the financial and banking system will witness a decline in paper currencies to be replaced by digital payments for central banks, and that
 
the Central Bank is moving to create its own digital currency to gradually replace the paper process, as is happening in some central banks around the world.
 
It is also working to establish a data center in Iraq similar to the major centers in the world, considering it in the digital economy the basis for artificial intelligence, applications, big data analysis and the Internet, and that the Central Bank of Iraq has begun promising steps in this direction.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53283    

The Role Of Electronic Payment In Strengthening Our Banking System
 
Dr. Haitham Hamid Mutlaq Al-Mansour
 
In light of the rapid technological developments witnessed worldwide, financial and banking systems are facing radical transformations aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion.
 
Among these transformations, the electronic payment system stands out as a fundamental pillar in reforming banking systems, especially in developing countries like Iraq.

The Iraqi banking system, which has suffered for many years from structural challenges and weak infrastructure, has begun to witness positive transformations thanks to the adoption of electronic payment technologies.
 
Electronic payment affects the banking system in general through:
 
1. Increased confidence in the banking system: Electronic payments enhance customer confidence in the banking system by providing secure and fast payment methods.
 
When individuals feel their financial transactions are secure and easy to conduct, they are more likely to deposit their money in banks rather than keeping it in cash.
 
2. Promoting financial inclusion: Electronic payments facilitate access to banking services for individuals and small businesses, especially in remote areas or areas with a lack of bank branches.
 
When more people can open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions easily,
this leads to increased deposit rates, as
 
depositing money in banks becomes more attractive than keeping it outside the banking system.
 
3. Reducing reliance on cash: In economies that rely heavily on cash, deposit rates are relatively low due to the widespread cash culture.
 
By adopting electronic payments, reliance on cash can be reduced and individuals and businesses can be encouraged to deposit their money in banks, leading to higher deposit rates.
 
4. Improving the efficiency of banking operations: Electronic payments reduce banks' operational costs, as they eliminate the need for traditional branches and their staff.
 
This improvement in efficiency can translate into better returns on deposits, making them more attractive to savers.
 
5. Increased transparency and anti-corruption: Electronic payments enhance transparency in the financial system, as financial transactions become recorded and monitored.
 
This reduces the risk of corruption and tax evasion, enhancing customer confidence in the banking system and encouraging deposits.
 
Global data clearly demonstrates the strong positive relationship between the spread of electronic payments and increased deposit rates in the banking system.

It is noted that countries that have adopted effective electronic payment systems, such as China, India, and Kenya, have seen significant increases in deposit rates, demonstrating the impact of electronic payments on the banking system. This is as follows:
 
1. China:
 
It is one of the most advanced countries in the field of electronic payments, with more than 80% of the population relying on platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.
 
According to World Bank reports, deposit rates in China have increased significantly with the spread of electronic payments, with the deposit-to-GDP ratio reaching more than 180% in 2022.
 
Electronic payments have contributed to increased financial inclusion, with the number of bank accounts increasing from 64% in 2011 to more than 90% in 2022.
 
2. India:
 
Following the launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in India, bank deposits increased significantly.
 
In 2022, the deposit-to-GDP ratio reached 75%, up from 60% in 2016.
 
Electronic payments have contributed to an increase in the number of bank accounts from 35% in 2011 to more than 80% in 2022.
 
3. Kenya:
 
Kenya is a pioneer in the use of mobile payments through M-Pesa.
 
Bank deposits have increased from 20% in 2007 to more than 70% in 2022, thanks to the spread of electronic payments and increased financial inclusion.
 
4. Sweden:
 
Sweden is one of the countries with the highest reliance on electronic payments, with cash transactions accounting for less than 1% of total transactions.
 
Meanwhile, the Swedish deposit-to-GDP ratio is around 90%, reflecting high confidence in the banking system.
 
In Iraq, the deposit-to-GDP ratio remains relatively low compared to other countries, recording a 9% decline.
 
However, since 2024, the banking sector has begun to witness a significant decline in the total value of deposits, with a 9% decline from IQD 133.5 trillion in 2023 to IQD 123.5 trillion in 2024.
 
This decline is despite the increase in the number of bank accounts following the widespread adoption of electronic payments, which rose from 23% to approximately 50% in just a few years.
 
This reveals the reasons behind the decline in the value of deposits in the banking system, especially in light of the Central Bank's move to promote electronic payment tools and increase reliance on the banking sector.
 
This poses significant challenges for the government to address, developing medium- and long-term plans, and adopting supportive policies to address these challenges, which include the following:
 
1. Weak technological infrastructure: Iraq's telecommunications and internet networks continue to suffer from quality and coverage issues, hindering the effective implementation of electronic payment systems.
 
2. Low levels of financial literacy: A large portion of the population relies on cash transactions due to a lack of sufficient awareness of the benefits of electronic payment and how to use it.
 
3. Lack of a legal and regulatory framework: The implementation of electronic payment requires clear laws and regulations that govern electronic payment operations, protect consumer rights, and facilitate and enhance the flexibility of payment processes.
 
4. Security concerns: Some individuals still fear the risks of cyber-hacking and data theft, which limits their use of electronic payments.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53398 

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Evening 3-18-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

SEC COULD AXE PROPOSED BIDEN-ERA CRYPTO CUSTODY RULE, SAYS ACTING CHIEF

Acting SEC chair Mark Uyeda said he’s asked his staff to look at possibly withdrawing a proposed crypto custody rule for investment advisers.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission could change or scrap a rule proposed under the Biden administration that would tighten crypto custody standards for investment advisers, according to the agency’s acting chair, Mark Uyeda.

In prepared remarks to an investment industry conference in San Diego on March 17, Uyeda said the rule proposed in February 2023 had seen commenters express “significant concern” over its “broad scope.”

“Given such concern, there may be significant challenges to proceeding with the original proposal. As such, I have asked the SEC staff to work closely with the crypto task force to consider appropriate alternatives, including its withdrawal,” Uyeda said.

The rule was floated under the Biden administration during Gary Gensler’s tenure leading the regulator. It aimed to expand custody rules for investment advisers to any and all assets held for a client, including crypto, and upped the requirements to protect them.

This meant that investment advisers would have to custody their clients’ crypto with a qualified custodian. Gensler said at the time that investment advisers “cannot rely on” crypto platforms as qualified custodians due to how they operate.

The proposal caused friction with Uyeda and Commissioner Hester Peirce, along with industry advocacy bodies who claimed the rule was unlawful and dangerous.

“How could an adviser seeking to comply with this rule possibly invest client funds in crypto assets after reading this release?” Uyeda remarked at the time. He did, however, support the proposal despite disagreeing “with a number of provisions.”

Peirce, who was the sole commissioner of the five to vote against the rule, said at the time that the proposed rule “would expand the reach of the custody requirements to crypto assets while likely shrinking the ranks of qualified crypto custodians.”

Uyeda’s latest remarks come days after he said on March 10 that he had asked SEC staff “for options on abandoning” part of a proposal pushing for some crypto firms to register with the regulator as exchanges.

The Trump-era SEC has also killed a rule that asked financial firms holding crypto to record them as liabilities on their balance sheets, called SAB 121.

In December, President Donald Trump picked former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins to take over from Uyeda to chair the agency. This is now a step closer, with a Senate hearing reportedly slated for March 27.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Cointelegraph

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BITCOIN AND NASDAQ SLUMP WHILE GOLD HITS NEW HIGHS – MARKET TRENDS TO WATCH

▪️US stock indices (Nasdaq) have declined in early 2025, mirroring a drop in Bitcoin's value.

▪️Gold has surged, and Peter Schiff predicts further Nasdaq declines will drive Bitcoin down significantly, while gold rises.

▪️Schiff argues gold is a safer hedge than Bitcoin during market instability, predicting a major Bitcoin crash and gold surge.

Since the start of 2025, the Nasdaq Composite Index has dropped by 8.21 percent, while the Nasdaq 100 Index has fallen by 6.16 percent. Bitcoin hasn’t fared any better, sliding 11.25 percent. Meanwhile, gold is on a steady rise, gaining at least 15.1 percent.

With uncertainty gripping the markets, investors are scrambling for safe-haven assets. Gold advocate Peter Schiff believes this is just the beginning. He warns that if the Nasdaq enters a bear market, Bitcoin could plunge to 65,000 dollars—or even as low as 20,000 dollars. At the same time, he predicts gold could soar past 3,800 dollars as investors move away from riskier bets.

Let’s take a closer look.

Bitcoin Faces Growing Pressure

Over the past 30 days, Bitcoin has fallen by about 14.3 percent, including a 0.5 percent drop in just the last 24 hours.

Bitcoin skeptic Schiff warns that if the Nasdaq falls 20%, Bitcoin could drop to $65,000. He also points out that a deeper stock market crisis could pull the BTC price to a low of $20,000 or even lower.

Schiff sees similarities between today’s market and past financial downturns.

Could History Repeat Itself?

Schiff compares the current market to previous major crashes in the United States:

▪️In 2008, during the Global Financial Crisis, the Nasdaq fell 55 percent.

▪️During the COVID crash of 2020, it dropped by 30 percent.

▪️When the dot-com bubble burst, the market collapsed by 80 percent.

Based on these past trends, Schiff argues that Bitcoin is at risk of following the stock market downward.

Gold is Gaining Strength

At the start of this year, the gold spot price was $2,623.954. Since then, the gold market has registered a rise of no fewer than 15.1%.

Schiff notes that there is an inverse relationship between the US market and the gold market.

He forecasts that if the Nasdaq drops further, the price of gold could reach as high as $3,800 per ounce.

Bitcoin vs Gold: Which is the Better Hedge?

Schiff remains firm in his belief that Bitcoin is not a reliable hedge against stock market instability. If gold keeps rising while Bitcoin struggles, he believes many investors will turn away from Bitcoin in favor of gold.

He also warns that major institutional investors—including governments, ETFs, and companies like Strategy – may start reducing their Bitcoin holdings if its price continues to drop.

Will Gold Finally Outperform Bitcoin in 2025?

In conclusion, Schiff maintains that Bitcoin is headed for a major crash, while gold is poised to surge. While the crypto market has defied pessimistic predictions before, Schiff remains firm in his belief that gold will outperform Bitcoin in the long run.

Notably, in 2024, the gold market recorded a growth of just 27.21%, while the BTC market registered a rise of at least 121.28%.

History favors gold, but Bitcoin has rewritten the rules before. This showdown isn’t ending anytime soon.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Coinpedia

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Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Tuesday Afternoon 3-18-25

The Iraqi Market Is Witnessing Remarkable Activity With More Than 1.3 Billion Shares Traded

Stock Exchange   Economy News – Baghdad  The Iraq Stock Exchange witnessed remarkable activity in trading volume today, with the number of traded shares reaching more than 1.3 billion shares.

The value of shares traded during today's session exceeded 2.4 billion Iraqi dinars.

According to market data, the number of listed deals reached 684, reflecting the vitality of trading and investor activity in the market.  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53534

The Planning Ministry Is Discussing With The German Development Bank And The International Organization For Migration The Mechanisms Of The Program To Support Small And Medium Enterprises In Iraq.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:00 PM | Economic Number of reads: 210   Baghdad / NINA / The Ministry of Planning discussed with the German Development Bank and the International Organization for Migration the mechanisms of the program to support small and medium enterprises in Iraq.

The ministry explained in a statement: "The ministry held a meeting today, Tuesday, in the presence of representatives of the German Development Bank and the International Organization for Migration, as well as the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, to discuss the mechanisms of the program to support small and medium enterprises, which is implemented in Iraq by the International Organization for Migration.

Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Saher Abdul-Kazem Mahdi, said according to the statement: "This program is being implemented in Iraq in several phases by the International Organization for Migration, which targets all Iraqi governorates in five main sectors, including youth projects, women, creativity, renewable energy, and agriculture."

He added that the program aims to achieve development at the economic and social levels, indicating that the program supports groups wishing to work and develop their businesses, in partnership with the United Nations and the German side. /   https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1192575

The Parliamentary Finance Committee Calls For Activating Tax Collection And Adopting Privatization To Boost Revenues.

Buratha News Agency135 2025-03-18   The Parliamentary Finance Committee stressed, on Tuesday, the need to activate tax collection mechanisms, stressing that this file remains weak despite the multiple financial resources that could contribute to supporting state revenues.

The committee also urged the activation of privatization as a primary option to boost revenues and reduce operational burdens on the government. Committee member Jamal Kocher explained in a statement to the official agency that tax collection is a basic resource for the economies of countries, but in Iraq it still suffers from weak collection.

 He stressed the need to develop a comprehensive government program that guarantees the full collection of tax, while searching for new alternatives away from traditional mechanisms.

Koger also pointed out that several factors must be considered, including establishing a clear government program for tax collection, exploring alternatives to traditional mechanisms, and providing incentives for both tax collectors and those responsible for paying them. He emphasized that privatization represents the optimal solution to ensure full tax collection.

He added that privatization will help the government reduce the burdens associated with hiring and lower operating expenses, noting that the practical implementation of these mechanisms could yield significant positive returns.

He emphasized that the size of the expected revenues from these reforms will depend on the mechanism implemented by the government, explaining that the move toward privatization will boost state revenues and reduce its financial burdens.   https://burathanews.com/arabic/news/457750

With Iraq's Participation, The International Debt Management Conference Resumes In Geneva.

Money and Business   Economy News - The 14th session of the International Debt Management Conference, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), resumed in Geneva from March 17 to 19, 2025, with the participation of Finance Minister Taif Sami.

The meetings included a number of important topics, most notably (governance, accountability, and transparency in the world of financial constraints), as well as (the relationship between debt and climate: innovative debt tools for managing financial risks).

The meetings also included the theme (Enhancing Debt Transparency: Reconsidering Reporting and Ensuring Standards) in addition to the theme (Strategies for Managing Institutional Challenges to Establish a Sustainable Debt Management Office).  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53536

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Tuesday AM 3-18-25

The Iraqi Economy: Challenges And Opportunities In Light Of Global Financial Transformations

Time: 2025/03/17  Read: 2,790 times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, the economic advisor to the Prime Minister, confirmed today, Monday, that the government is working seriously to reduce reliance on the US dollar in domestic trade and promote the use of the Iraqi dinar in financial transactions.

Speaking to Al Furat News Agency, Saleh highlighted "the importance of continued cooperation with the international financial community to alleviate external burdens and restrictions on foreign currency transfers."

He pointed out that "this approach reflects Iraq's strategy to combat foreign currency smuggling, by strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions to monitor illicit money flows. This contributes to the stability of the national economy and supports Iraq's ability to overcome global financial challenges."  LINK

The Minister Of Finance Affirms The Government's Commitment To Adopting International Best Practices In Public Debt Management.

Monday, March 17, 2025 | Economic  Number of reads: 213  Baghdad / NINA / Minister of Finance Taif Sami affirmed, on Monday, the government's keenness to adopt international best practices in public debt management, noting Iraq's aspiration to benefit from international expertise in this field.

The Ministry of Finance said in a statement that "Minister of Finance Taif Sami participated in the fourteenth session of the International Debt Management Conference, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and held in Geneva during the period from March 17 to 19, 2025."

During the conference, Sami affirmed the Ministry of Finance's commitment to implementing the recommendations issued by the conference within the framework of enhancing the financial and economic performance of the Republic of Iraq, in pursuit of sustainable development and economic well-being for citizens," noting that the conference represents a strategic platform for discussing ways to improve debt management and implement sound financial policies, which contributes to supporting the financial and economic stability of the country.

She expressed her appreciation for "the efforts made by UNCTAD in organizing this important event, which is an opportunity to exchange experiences and review the latest developments in the field of debt management."

On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister of Finance met with Rebecca Krinspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and discussed prospects for cooperation between Iraq and the organization in the areas of debt management and promoting sustainable financial policies.

Sami stressed the importance of the technical support provided by the organization to developing countries, noting that Iraq aspires to benefit from international expertise in this field.

The Minister also met with Paolo Gentiloni, the former Managing Director of Economic Affairs at the organization, and discussed with him the current economic challenges and the importance of developing flexible financial policies that contribute to achieving economic stability.

Sami stressed the Iraqi government's keenness to adopt international best practices in public debt management, praising the benefits of European experiences in this field.

The statement explained that the Minister of Finance's participation comes within the framework of the Iraqi government's efforts to strengthen public debt management mechanisms and develop financial strategies in line with international best practices, in addition to exchanging experiences and opinions with participants from various countries to enhance international economic and financial cooperation. /End  https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1192408

To The Ministerial Council For The Economy

Samir Al-Nusairi  Finally, forecasts indicate that the Russian-Ukrainian war is nearing a halt with US intervention. We recall that when the war broke out three years ago, oil prices soared to over $110 a barrel, resulting in a surge in oil revenues for both rentier and oil-producing countries. This included Iraq, given its rentier economy.

Unfortunately, the achieved abundance was not utilized to activate the real economy.

Rather, operational allocations in the general budgets increased, and the deficit exceeded 60 trillion dinars. Now, with the inevitable expectation that the war will soon end, oil prices will fall, and it is expected that its average price will reach less than 60 dollars per barrel.

And we are still without other significant sources of national income. The Iraqi economy, God forbid, will enter a new economic and financial crisis. We expect the deficit to rise, the inflation rate to rise, and the government will be forced to borrow domestically and abroad.

Borrowing from the central bank will be required, foreign exchange reserves will decline, and external and domestic debts will rise. Since these expectations could soon be realized, they require swift action.

Here, we propose that the Ministerial Council for the Economy hold extraordinary sessions to discuss the expected new crisis and prepare for confrontation in a manner that preserves the path of economic, financial and banking reform and finds solutions and remedies to protect our national economy. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53476

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Morning 3-18-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

WILL PAUL ATKINS LEAD THE SEC? SENATE PREPS FOR HIGH-STAKES CONFIRMATION HEARING

▪️Paul Atkins' SEC confirmation faces delays due to financial disclosure issues linked to family.

▪️Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott schedules March 27 hearing to review Atkins’ nomination process.

▪️If confirmed, Atkins may take a crypto-friendly approach, unlike former SEC Chair Gensler.

Paul Atkins, President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair, is finally moving closer to confirmation after months of delays. The Senate has now set a crucial hearing for March 27 – one that could determine the future of financial and crypto regulations in the U.S.

His nomination hasn’t been smooth sailing. But with momentum building, is he about to take the top job at the SEC? Here’s what you need to know.

Delays and Challenges in Atkins’ Confirmation

Atkins was nominated on December 4, but his confirmation has been delayed due to financial disclosure concerns. The Senate is closely reviewing his financial ties, particularly those linked to his wife’s billionaire family.

His wife’s family is associated with TAMKO Building Products LLC, a major roofing company that generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2023. Because of these connections, Atkins’ financial holdings are complex and require careful scrutiny before he can be confirmed.

Senate Banking Committee Takes Action

Despite these challenges, Atkins is still expected to secure the position. Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott has scheduled a committee hearing on March 27 to move his nomination forward. Ahead of this, the Senate Banking Committee will hold a bipartisan meeting this Friday to discuss his potential role.

What This Means for Crypto Regulation

If confirmed, Atkins could bring a different approach to crypto regulation. Unlike former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who was tough on the industry, Atkins is seen as more open to working with crypto firms.

With past experience as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008 and a background as a corporate lawyer, Atkins is known for favoring clearer and fairer financial regulations. Many in the crypto industry hope his leadership will offer more stability and transparency.

Confirmation Process Finally Moving Forward

Atkins has been waiting nearly four months since his nomination—delays that are not unusual for SEC appointments. Both Gary Gensler and Jay Clayton also faced long waits before officially taking office.

If confirmed, Atkins could bring a fresh perspective to the SEC—one that could shake up crypto rules and financial oversight. Either way, all eyes are on March 27.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

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SWISS CANTONAL BANK STARTS OFFERING CARDANO AND AVALANCHE TO MEET INCREASED DEMAND

Swiss bank Zuger Kantonalbank has added Cardano and Avalanche to its cryptocurrency offering through a partnership with crypto-focused bank Sygnum.

Zuger Kantonalbank, a Swiss universal bank, has expanded its cryptocurrency offerings to include Cardano Avalanche through a partnership with crypto-focused Swiss bank Sygnum.

In a blog announcement on March 17, Sygnum said the expansion was driven by “increased customer demand” amid what it described as growing regulatory clarity in the U.S. and E.U., as well as the establishment of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. 

The bank’s fiat-to-crypto transactions are facilitated through Sygnum’s gateway, while Zuger Kantonalbank customers can access the service via e-banking and its mobile app.

Jan Damrau, head of corporate management and member of the Zuger Kantonalbank executive board, says the addition of ADA and AVAX enables the bank’s clients to “further develop their crypto portfolios conveniently with their principal bank – at a time when digital assets are approaching a global inflection point in terms of adoption.”

“The latest expansion of Zuger Kantonalbank’s token universe illustrates the strong demand for additional tokens with diverse use-cases to complement major protocols like Bitcoin and Ethereum.”  Fritz Jost, Sygnum Bank chief B2B officer.

In early January, Sygnum raised $58 million in its Strategic Growth Round, pushing its value to over $1 billion and making it a “unicorn.” The funding round was oversubscribed, with Fulgur Ventures, a Bitcoin-focused venture capital firm, as the cornerstone investor. New and existing investors, along with Sygnum team members, also participated in the funding.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News

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