Bybit, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its decision to cease operations in France due to recent regulatory developments. Effective August 2, 2024, Bybit will restrict all accounts held by French residents to a “Close-Only” mode, preventing new positions from being opened or new funds from being deposited. This move comes in response to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), France’s financial regulator, which has been tightening its oversight of cryptocurrency platforms.
The AMF had previously blacklisted Bybit in 2022, citing the exchange’s failure to register as a Digital Asset Services Provider (DASP). This blacklisting has now culminated in Bybit’s decision to exit the French market. The exchange has instructed its French users to close all open positions and withdraw their assets by August 13, 2024, after which any remaining positions will be automatically liquidated.
Bybit’s departure from France highlights the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe. The AMF’s actions are part of a broader effort to curb illicit activities such as money laundering and to protect retail investors. Bybit has expressed its intention to return to the French market once it secures the necessary regulatory licenses.
This development is a significant blow to Bybit, which had recently surpassed Coinbase to become the world’s second-largest exchange by trading volume. The exchange’s exit from France underscores the challenges that cryptocurrency platforms face in navigating complex regulatory environments. As the industry continues to evolve, exchanges like Bybit will need to adapt to ensure compliance and maintain their market positions.
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Ethereum ETFs Launch with Strong Inflows, Marking a Milestone for Crypto Investments
On July 23, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved nine Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marking a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency market. These ETFs, which track the price of ether, the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, saw substantial interest from investors on their first day of trading.
The launch was met with strong inflows, totaling approximately $107 million. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) topped the list with $273 million in investments, while the Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW) came in second with $204 million. The Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH) also saw significant interest, securing $71 million in assets.
This launch comes after the successful introduction of Bitcoin ETFs earlier in the year, which set a precedent for cryptocurrency-based ETFs. The approval of Ethereum ETFs is expected to make ether more accessible to traditional investors, as these funds can be bought and sold through conventional brokerage accounts.
The trading volume for these new ETFs reached nearly $1.1 billion on the first day, indicating robust market interest. Despite the strong start, the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) experienced outflows of $484 million, highlighting a shift in investor preference towards the newly launched ETFs.
The introduction of Ethereum ETFs is seen as a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency market, potentially driving further adoption and investment in digital assets. Analysts predict that these ETFs could attract up to $10 billion in inflows over the coming months, potentially pushing the price of ether to new highs by the end of the year.
This development underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance and the increasing demand for diversified investment options in the digital asset space.
