Europe considers investment-based crowdfunding regulation

Written by Conor Brennan on 16 Jan 2015

Crowdfunding is now considered a legitimate alternative form of finance for businesses across Europe. The sector continues to grow and shows no signs of slowing down. Investment-based (or equity) crowdfunding is no exception – according to a recent report by NESTA, this form of crowdfunding grew by 201 per cent in 2014.

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Bright future for alternative finance following Osborne’s announcement

Written by Conor Brennan on 28 Aug 2014

The American business magazine, Forbes, recently crowned London ‘the world’s most influential city’, paying special attention to the role it plays in leading innovation in technology. The accolade comes on the coattails of Chancellor George Osborne announcing the launch of a major new trade body for the UK FinTech industry, in London’s Canary Wharf.

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European Banking Authority begins the debate on an EU-wide virtual currency regulation

Written by Conor Brennan on 15 Jul 2014

At the beginning of the month, the European Banking Authority (EBA), the institution charged with overseeing the European banking sector, proposed guidelines for a regulatory regime for virtual currency. The report has now been presented to the EU Council, Commission and Parliament for consideration. The report also issues guidelines for national supervisory bodies.

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Dark pools and the push for transparency

Written by Conor Brennan on 14 Jul 2014

Goldman Sachs received an $800,000 fine from US regulators a fortnight ago for failing to meet the guidelines for trading within a private forum. Private trading platforms, commonly known as dark pools, now account for 15% of all US trading over 40 closed exchanges. Regulators are beginning to take note and see how they can limit the risk involved.

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Virtual currency prospers in Asia: Will China follow?

Written by Conor Brennan on 25 Jun 2014

Last Thursday, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announced that it is not currently looking to regulate virtual currency. This is a significant announcement as there previously was uncertainty over how state officials, particularly in Japan, would react following the collapse of the leading Japanese Bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox and the loss of over $420 million worth of Bitcoins. 

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London Technology Week puts the spotlight on tech in the capital

Written by Inline Policy on 20 Jun 2014

The inaugural London Technology Week comes to a close today. Featuring over 200 events, the week-long showcase has shone a light on many of the innovative companies who are thriving in London. More broadly it has underlined the growing sense that London is fast becoming one of the leading tech centres in the world. Former Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, who joined London Mayor Boris Johnson in launching the event on Monday, went as far as declaring that London is now a real challenger to Silicon Valley. Beyond the fanfare, an important thread of this week has also been the growing discussion about the challenges which need to be addressed if London is to truly cement its place as a global tech leader.

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UK moves ahead with crowdfunding regulation

Written by Shomik Panda on 16 Jun 2014

The Financial Times recently reported that the amount lent by peer-to-peer websites internationally was almost $3bn in 2013, up from around $100m in 2007. There has been an equally impressive growth in the estimated number of crowdfunding websites, which have grown from 1,100 to 2,700 in the last year alone.

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Regulators begin looking at promoting virtual currencies

Written by Conor Brennan on 04 Jun 2014

Last week the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is responsible for UK financial regulation, outlined plans to launch a policy hub for start-up companies including those in the virtual currency sector. Head of the FCA, Martin Wheatley (pictured), stated “it’s an imperative for the regulators to be standing on the right side of progress”.

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Virtual currency and the pursuit of legitimacy

Written by Inline Policy on 20 May 2014

A number of news stories over the last few days once again illustrate the momentum that virtual currencies are gathering towards increased legitimacy amongst regulators and consumers. 

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US Federal Election Commission approves use of Bitcoin for campaign contributions

Written by Inline Policy on 09 May 2014

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has unanimously approved the use of Bitcoin for political donations after months of debate on the issue. Commissioners imposed several conditions. Among them: No anonymous bitcoin contributions will be allowed, and campaign treasurers must scrutinize the donations for "evidence of illegality."

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U.S. State Regulators issue warnings on virtual currency

Written by Inline Policy on 30 Apr 2014

Investors should consider risks associated with virtual currencies, including bitcoin, before trading in them, two U.S. regulators warned on Tuesday.

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UK Government invests £500m in green cars

Written by Inline Policy on 29 Apr 2014

A £500 million initiative to boost the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, which still represent just one per cent of car sales in Britain, will be launched today by Nick Clegg.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he wanted to encourage drivers to ditch petrol or diesel vehicles by making it cheaper and more convenient to drive cars which run on green alternatives.

At least £200 million is being set aside to fund grants of 25 per cent, up to a maximum of £5,000, towards the cost of an ultra-low emission car.

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