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“The moment Bitcoin is identified as a currency, it will legally disappear” – said Vienna stock exchange chief Boschan

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4 years ago

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Christoph Boschan is unlikely to become a convinced Bitcoin investor anytime soon. Most recently, the head of the Vienna Stock Exchange compared the Bitcoin hype with the tulip mania and attested a crash as soon as BTC was regulated as a currency or financial instrument. In an interview with BTC-ECHO, Boschan wants to clarify the question: Is there a threat of an exchange rate collapse?

In an interview with Die Presse , Christoph Boschan hit a low blow a few days ago: Bitcoin is “vastly inferior to any alternative course of action” and shows similarities with “the tulip mania”. He rounded off the criticism with the ironic formulation that Bitcoin was after all “extremely important for criminal payments”. The criticism again made waves in the crypto space. However, if the statements are straightened out a bit, an existing basic Bitcoin problem becomes apparent.

Bitcoin: a matter of regulation

Opinions are divided on Bitcoin, not only among investors but also among regulators. There is still no common European legislation that creates a binding framework for crypto values. Crypto regulation is a country issue. The EU Regulation on  Markets in Crypto Assets  (MiCA) is still in draft status .

Germany, on the other hand, has a special role in European comparison. Since 2020, crypto values, including Bitcoin, have been included as financial instruments in the German Banking Act . In contrast to the MiCA draft, which provides for a separate division of tokens, e-money tokens, utility tokens and other crypto values, German legislation tries to create a uniform framework.

In Austria, however, Bitcoin is classified neither as a currency nor a financial instrument, but as a property right. This is “the great stroke of luck for Bitcoin” and “ultimately an expression of our liberal economic order”, as Christoph Boschan explains

Bitcoin is currently classified as a property right rather than a currency or financial instrument. It cannot be otherwise, because if it were classified as a currency its existence would simply not be permitted, its issuance and use would be forbidden and prosecuted in many cases – Articles 16 and 128 of our EU treaty only give the ECB the right to issue a currency.

Christoph Boschan

According to the CEO of the Vienna Stock Exchange, the regulatory status can be reduced to the following formula: “The moment BTC is identified as a currency, it disappears legally”. A supposedly sensational thesis that may lure crypto enthusiasts out of the reserve, but according to Boschan only reflects the “current legal situation”. After all, Bitcoin cannot be classified as a currency, since the “house right” for the issue of currencies lies with the EU.

Ripple precedent

According to Boschan, the same applies “to regulation as a financial instrument”. Finally, the example of Ripple shows “what it means to be viewed as a financial instrument”. In December last year, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) declared the Ripple currency XRP a security token, which resulted in a legal dispute with the Californian FinTech.

But this example shows that the legal situation for the token economy is anything but clear. Contrary to the attitude of the SEC, XRP is not classified as a security in other jurisdictions, but as a utility token. In addition, it is unclear whether the SEC is right with its move. Ultimately, the competent courts will decide on the regulatory status. The precedent Ripple shows: crypto assets and regulation are still in the discovery phase.

Bitcoin regulation shows gaps

The blanket criticism that the Vienna Stock Exchange boss unloads representative of supposedly Bitcoin-skeptical stock exchange representatives may be understandable from a crypto investor’s point of view, but it is not more correct. Statements such as: “If you regulate Bitcoin like a currency or a financial instrument, then it is no longer worth anything”, should be understood less as a rejection or attack on Bitcoin and the financial infrastructure behind it, and rather as a pointer to a lack of regulations.

As a manager, however, I can conclude with astonishment that the BTC industry is looking for such proximity to “currencies” or “financial instruments” and that this is the basis for sales. This is not strategically smart, but rather toxic, because the other way around it becomes a shoe, both – both the identification as a currency and as a financial instrument – are the greatest Achilles heels of the value of Bitcoin.

Christoph Boschan

Ultimately, however, it depends on the design of the legal framework. After all, Bitcoin is classified as a financial instrument in Germany, but it has not lost its value.

A common misconception?

A few friends from the crypto environment are likely to have Boschan also made the statement that Bitcoin is a vehicle for illegal purposes. According to Boschan, this view is derived from “very simple observation from the reality of life”. Whenever the Vienna Stock Exchange is exposed to blackmailing cyberattacks, “the payment requests come exclusively in BTC, […] not in euros, not in dollars, not in yen, not in gold, not in stocks, bonds or other derivatives, all of which are digital would be even smoother ”.

Obviously, the criminals use the most obvious instrument for them.

Christoph Boschan

As is so often the case, the devil is in the details. Wanting to push Bitcoin and Co. into the corner of a shadow currency, which is primarily used by criminals, belongs in the realm of fables . As the blockchain analysis company Chainalysis outlines in the current 2021 Crime Report , only a small fraction of 0.34 percent of all crypto transactions were for illegal purposes in 2020. Compared to the previous year, the criminal crypto cash flows have decreased by almost 2 percent, “the crime related to cryptocurrencies has decreased significantly in 2020”.

However, what is generally true of illegal crypto transactions is not particularly true of ransomware attacks. According to the report, “the total amount paid by ransomware victims has increased by 311 percent this year”. Accordingly, “no other category of cryptocurrency-based crime has had a higher growth rate”. According to Chainalysis, 2020 is not only the Covid year, but also “the year ransomware exploded”.

Bitcoin economy wins through exchange

In this light, Boschan’s remarks seem to be a very sober confirmation of the increase in ransomware identified by Chainalysis. So the Vienna Stock Exchange CEO finally defends himself against the attempt to put him “across the board in the anti-crypto corner”. Because the opposite is ultimately the case:

As an infrastructure provider whose foundation is databases, we are extremely attentive and very open-minded about developments relating to distributed database infrastructures. We have dozens of initiatives behind us and we certainly share the fascination that can trigger.

Christoph Boschan

Against this background, the Bitcoin-critical tones are already losing their explosive power. Boschan’s statements can certainly be read as a call to action to embed the crypto market in clear regulations. Ultimately, this creates the basis for sustainable growth in the industry, on which a wide variety of service providers are based. In the long term, the Bitcoin economy can only benefit from an unbiased discourse with traditional financial market players.

 

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Fintopio Launches First CeDeFi Wallet Enabling Crypto Transfers via Telegram Usernames

Published

7 days ago

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November 15, 2024

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Fintopio, the leading Web3 wallet co-founded by former Binance executive Steve Milton, has officially launched its CeFi services, making it the only CeDeFi wallet in the market accessible on Telegram, iOS, Android, and Web. With its new CeFi offerings, Fintopio merges centralized and decentralized finance, providing a seamless platform that caters to a diverse global audience eager to access digital assets as simply as sending a message.

With Fintopio’s CeFi wallet, users experience simplified, frictionless transactions with key features like username-based transfers, Zero-Fee transfers, and innovative tools such as Vouchers for bulk crypto transfers and gifting. This milestone enhances Fintopio’s existing Web3 ecosystem, which has grown rapidly since its beta launch in April 2024, attracting over 2 million monthly active users.

Simplifying Crypto with Telegram-Based Transfers

Fintopio’s strategic integration with Telegram leverages the platform’s 950 million-strong user base, positioning Fintopio as the go-to wallet for crypto users seeking accessibility and convenience. By enabling crypto transactions through Telegram usernames, Fintopio eliminates complex wallet addresses, empowering users to conduct transactions with a familiar interface.

“We wanted to create a wallet that makes crypto as accessible as texting,” explained Steve Milton, Co-founder & CEO of Fintopio. “With our CeFi services, we’re moving closer to this goal, giving users a way to manage and transfer digital assets without the usual hurdles of traditional wallets.”

Fintopio’s intuitive design has been instrumental in driving adoption within emerging markets, especially in Africa and Asia, where the need for accessible financial tools has spurred millions to explore digital finance. By offering seamless transactions and secure asset management in a single, user-friendly platform, Fintopio makes Web3 accessible to users across various levels of crypto expertise.

Blending CeFi and DeFi in One Wallet

The launch of Fintopio’s CeFi wallet aligns with its mission to bridge centralized and decentralized finance in a single, cohesive ecosystem, making it a standout choice for users looking to engage with both worlds. Already popular on Telegram for its non-custodial DeFi wallet, which grants users full control over their private keys, Fintopio now offers the added option of a custodial wallet through its CeFi services, catering to users who prioritize the enhanced security and platform custody.

Additionally, Fintopio’s CeDeFi model introduces Zero-Fee transfers within its CeFi wallet, allowing Telegram users to transfer funds using just usernames, lowering barriers to entry and making daily transactions cost-effective and seamless. Available as a Telegram mini app, and natively on iOS and Android, Fintopio is uniquely positioned as the only CeDeFi wallet live across multiple platforms, reinforcing its commitment to making crypto accessible for everyone.

Vouchers: The Ultimate Tool for Bulk Crypto Transfers

The CeFi wallet also introduces a new feature called Vouchers, which serve as customizable tokens for transferring crypto on a large scale. Vouchers allow users to create tokens representing funds from verified accounts that can be securely shared with others. Designed for mass distributions, giveaways, and gifting, Fintopio’s Vouchers include robust security features such as password protection and anonymous transfer options.

Fintopio is currently available as a Telegram mini app and has recently launched its iOS and Android apps, which will soon reach a broader audience beyond the Telegram community. This multi-platform availability reinforces Fintopio’s commitment to making crypto accessible for everyone, positioning it as the only CeDeFi wallet live on the market ro do so.

Engaging Users with Web3 Ecosystem and HOLD Game

Beyond the basic wallet functions, Fintopio has developed an extensive Web3 ecosystem aimed at engaging users. Through the addition of  HOLD, a tap-to-earn game built within the wallet, Fintopio has created a rewards economy for a gamified crypto experience. This unique feature allows users to earn future HOLD tokens, which will serve as part of Fintopio’s expanding payment utilities on both CeFi and DeFi functions. 

Expanding to CeFi and Future Offerings

Fintopio’s CeFi wallet marks an important step in its roadmap as the company continues to innovate. Future plans include enhanced functionality for the HOLD game, P2P trading, and on-ramp/off-ramp solutions, allowing users to bridge the gap between traditional and digital finance seamlessly. By continuously expanding its offerings, Fintopio is set to become one of the most versatile Web3 wallets of 2024, catering to the needs of a diverse, growing crypto community.

About Fintopio

Fintopio is a Web3 wallet ushering in the New Payment Era on Telegram and Beyond. Founded by a team of blockchain industry veterans, it stands as the first CeDeFi wallet in the market available on iOS, Android, Telegram Mini App, and Web.

For more information on Fintopio, visit the official website and follow the official Fintopio community today.

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Matthias Mende Honored as Binance’s ‘Creator of the Year’ at Binance Blockchain Week Dubai

Published

2 weeks ago

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November 8, 2024

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Founder of Bonuz Market and Co-founder of Dubai Blockchain Center Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the Binance Community

Matthias Mende, the founder of Bonuz Market and co-founder of the Dubai Blockchain Center, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Creator of the Year’ award by Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange. The accolade was presented by Binance Co-founder He Yi and Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Conlan during the Binance Blockchain Week held in Dubai on October 30th and 31st. Binance is the world’s leading exchange, with over 238 Million Users.

The award, voted by the global community of Binance users on Binance Square, acknowledges Mende’s exceptional contributions to the blockchain community and crypto industry. His innovative work with Bonuz Market, a pioneering ecosystem that launched the social smart wallet on October 15th, has solidified not just his reputation as a key opinion leader but also as a builder.

“Receiving this award from Binance is a profound honor,” said Matthias Mende. “Happy that it validates my hard work and dedication invested to the Blockchain Ecosystem. Sharing information and educating is one of my missions, and building my consumer app also reinforces to drive more newcomers into our innovative crypto space. This recognition strengthens my obsession to continue building platforms that empower humans and enhance their daily experiences, as well as redefining community and brand engagement.”

He Yi, Binance Co-founder, remarked, “All winning Key Opinion Leaders demonstrated great value with the knowledgeable content shared on Binance Square. Their contributions have advanced the community, and we’re thrilled to recognize the winning Binance Square Creator’s achievements.”

The award ceremony was one of the highlights of Binance Blockchain Week, an event held in the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai that convened industry leaders, leading innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the future of blockchain technology. The biggest highlight was Chengpeng Zhao’s first public appearance since his release last month. The former CEO served a four-month sentence following his guilty plea and has returned to the United Arab Emirates.

About Matthias Mende

Matthias Mende is a seasoned entrepreneur and blockchain evangelist with a passion for fostering innovation and building technology that adds value to daily human life. As the founder of Bonuz Market, the co-founder of IDsign, and co-founder of the Dubai Blockchain Center, he has been instrumental in advancing blockchain adoption and education in the Middle East and globally.

About Bonuz Social Smart Wallet

Bonuz’s social smart wallet has quickly gained traction, offering users a seamless and secure way to interact with digital assets. The platform’s successful launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize the way people engage with blockchain technology. The smart wallet’s secure and simple Social Login with sponsored Gas Fee’s for Bonuz use-cases give users the feeling of using any familiar web2 product. Bonuz strives to be the first ecosystem to bring 1 Billion users onchain. Currently, Bonuz’s “Onchain Social ID” protocol can aggregate up to 11 Billion active social media accounts. The Bonuz Mobile App is free and can be downloaded for IOS and Android.

For more information about Bonuz, please visit www.bonuz.xyz.

Follow Mende on Social Media:

X – https://x.com/MendeMatthias

BINANCE – https://www.binance.com/en/square/profile/Mende

INSTA – https://instagram.com/mende

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GameChain’s Multi-Chain Ecosystem Poised to Revolutionize Gaming and Propel GAME Token Growth

Published

2 months ago

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September 25, 2024

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GameChain is at the forefront of transforming the gaming industry by creating a robust ecosystem that brings together developers and players in an unprecedented way. By fostering an environment where both parties can thrive, GameChain is opening up a world of possibilities that extends beyond traditional gaming platforms. Central to this innovation is its broad multi-chain compatibility, which is set to redefine the boundaries of blockchain gaming.

One of GameChain’s standout features is its support for multiple leading blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, and Avalanche. This extensive compatibility ensures that developers have the flexibility to build and deploy games across various platforms, tapping into different user bases and leveraging the unique advantages of each network. For players, this means access to a wider array of games and assets, all within a seamless and interconnected ecosystem.

The broad multi-chain support not only enhances accessibility but also significantly improves scalability and transaction efficiency. By utilizing networks like Arbitrum and Optimism for their layer-2 solutions, GameChain can offer faster transaction times and lower fees. This technical prowess ensures a smoother gaming experience and encourages more users to participate in the ecosystem.

Based on these groundbreaking developments, industry analysts anticipate that the GAME Token is set to experience substantial growth. The token’s utility across multiple chains and its integral role in transactions, staking, and governance within the GameChain platform position it for increased demand. As more developers and players join the ecosystem, the value of the GAME Token could rise, reflecting its central role in this expanding network.

With its commitment to innovation and community empowerment, GameChain is not just creating an ecosystem—it’s pioneering the future of blockchain gaming. The platform’s multi-chain compatibility and the potential surge in GAME Token value underscore its capacity to reshape the gaming landscape. For developers and players looking to be part of a transformative movement, GameChain offers the tools, community, and opportunities to thrive in the evolving world of Web3 gaming.

For more information, visit the GameChain presale site or join the community on Telegram and X.

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