Category: MEA

Regulatory Watch News

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  DFSA to host webinar on navigating digital assets regulation in the DIFC

  DFSA

  April 7, 2025

  The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) will host a webinar, exploring the evolving regulation of digital assets in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): This webinar will bring together speakers from the DFSA, DIFC Innovation Hub, and Karm Legal Consultants to provide insights on the current regulatory landscape, recent updates, and the role of innovation in shaping the future of digital assets.

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  29 arrested and 26 tonnes of illegal plant protection products seized in France and Spain

  Europol

  April 7, 2025

  Law enforcement from France and Spain, supported by Europol, have arrested 29 members of a criminal organisation for selling illegal plant protection products. The investigation revealed that the gang had sold 25 tonnes of these products, mainly in France. Investigators estimate that the suspects earned more than EUR 5 million from their illicit activities.

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  SFC sets out staking guidance for licensed virtual asset trading platforms and authorised virtual asset funds

  Securities and Futures Commission

  April 7, 2025

  The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today provided regulatory guidance respectively to licensed virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) on their provision of staking services, and to SFC-authorised funds with exposure to virtual assets (VA Funds) on their engagement in staking . In setting out its regulatory approach, the SFC recognises the potential benefits of staking in enhancing the security of blockchain networks and allowing investors to earn yields on virtual assets within a regulated market environment. The latest guidance allows VATPs to expand product and service offerings, one of the five pillars set out in the SFC’s “ASPIRe” roadmap to develop Hong Kong’s virtual asset ecosystem