Bitcoin trading spike unlikely due to Hong Kong unrest
Trading volume on LocalBitcoins tripled in Hong Kong last week as protests continued, but analysts disagree on the cause.
Leading peer-to-peer exchange LocalBitcoins stops servicing Iranian users
Peer-to-peer bitcoin exchanges have established themselves as one of the few viable trading platforms for bitcoin investors in less developed or emerging markets. In struggling economies, such as Venezuela, they can even serve as a lifeline for cash-strapped citizens. However, despite the peer-to-peer ethos of these platforms, they are not immune to the geopolitical levers of the state, as Iranian bitcoin users discovered last week.
FinCEN back on the bitcoin beat with civil penalty for peer-to-peer trader
After first issuing cryptocurrency guidance back in 2013, enforcement by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has been out of the headlines in recent years. Now the bureau of the US Department of the Treasury is back on the bitcoin beat and taking action — dishing out a hefty fine to a prolific bitcoin trader accused of wilfully violating the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to register as an exchange.
Bitcoin adoption in emerging markets outpacing the developed world
Emerging markets winning the race for bitcoin adoption as genuine need outweighs speculation as the driver for peer-to-peer bitcoin trading.
