We've all seen the movies and read the sci-fi books about machines and robots taking over the world. But how close are we to that becoming a reality? Smart contracts are becoming more and more commonplace in our society. Will they replace lawyers, accountants, and other officials completely or is this still just a fantasy?
The path of crypto-currencies has not run smooth since the outset of 2018. Many digital currencies, some of which had soared to their highest ever levels at the end of 2017, dropped to record lows once the new year began. Bitcoin, IOTA, Ethereum and Ripple, considered to be leaders among the crypto-currencies, lost massive amounts of value. The naysayers felt justified, and some were even waiting for the end. National banks which had warned against crypto-currency value spikes fuelled by speculation, felt they’d been proven right. The truth is, however, that crypto-currencies often plummet around the new year period. Why is this? Some believe it’s because of the changes in routine at the start of a new year. Many crypto-currency watchers have observed that digital currencies with strong connections to the Asian market tend to go very quiet when festivals are on. Once the Asian traders are back at work, the action is sure to begin.
The rapid increase in blockchain technology has given many smaller countries the opportunity to attract companies and investors from a range of specialised online industries as they bid to improve their financial resources. The selling of domain names, online gambling and financial enterprises involving digital blockchain cryptocurrencies are just some of the entrepreneurial schemes and investments that small island territories in particular are keen to encourage.
Malta asset-backed tokens are among the best uses of blockchain technology to real-world assets, increasing liquidity and price consciousness for illiquid assets, with the possibility of freeing up trillions.
Until relatively recently, the tiny island nation of Malta was perhaps best known as a favourite holiday destination for many a European tourist. In fact, this Mediterranean hotspot is still said to host three times as many tourists as actual Maltese residents at any one time. However, while the hotels and beaches are still bursting at the seams with sun-seekers, Malta’s economy has been steadily diversifying and expanding in interesting new directions. One such direction has been a movement into the digital realm, with Malta becoming a pioneering player in this respect. As attention on cryptocurrencies increases so has the discussion surrounding regulation. As such, cryptocurrency regulations in Malta are a hot topic.
Malta asset-backed tokens are among the best uses of blockchain technology to real-world assets, increasing liquidity and price consciousness for illiquid assets, with the possibility of freeing up trillions.
The conference was opened by Parliamentary Secretary, Silvio Schembri who expressed the opinion that the Maltese Government was planning to launch a new Digital Innovation Authority Bill (DIA) which will operate as the only regulator for ‘Innovative Digital Technology’. The Technology Arrangements and Services Bill (referred to henceforth as TAS) was also mentioned by Dr Schembri, as was the keenly anticipated Virtual Currency Act. The triumvirate of bills will form the foundation of the Maltese Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Regulation.
Virtual currencies, also known by the name crypto currencies, are an entirely digital form of money. They are unregulated by any financial authority, instead being entirely under the control of their developers. National and international banks do not oversee the use of virtual currencies, as there is no physical aspect to them, and they are therefore, not considered to be legal tender.Transactions in a virtual currency involve them being shown on an online platform, which is called a BLOCK. The person sending the money must first purchase Bitcoins, on a platform known as an Exchange. The new BLOCK is then broadcast to all the other users of the network, and is added to the current blocks, making a blockchain. This completes the transaction, with no intermediate banks or transfer fees involved.The Exchanges on which Bitcoins are purchased will eventually all be approved and awarded the relevant licences in the appropriate financial jurisdictions. At present, the Bitstamp exchange has had full licensing since 2016, which means it can be used within the European Union. Regarding security, the blockchain is held over thousands of different networks, making it more difficult to hack than the one central system which holds all the details of one bank's customers and accounts.
The last few years will be remembered as those which saw the introduction of Bitcoin to the general public. Although cryptocurrencies have been discussed in the media for a while, it was only recently that the terminology became commonly used and more importantly understood, by the average person on the street. Here, we will look at the way cryptocurrencies taxes are treated in Malta for the purposes of income tax and the reasons a person may invest in cryptocurrency.
The conference was opened by Parliamentary Secretary, Silvio Schembri who expressed the opinion that the Maltese Government was planning to launch a new Digital Innovation Authority Bill (DIA) which will operate as the only regulator for ‘Innovative Digital Technology’. The Technology Arrangements and Services Bill (referred to henceforth as TAS) was also mentioned by Dr Schembri, as was the keenly anticipated Virtual Currency Act. The triumvirate of bills will form the foundation of the Maltese Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Regulation.
In 2009, a seismic shiver ran through the financial sector. The global financial crisis was more than just a practical disaster. On a psychological, philosophical, and ethical level, it exposed crippling uncertainties within the financial arena. Like a weed in the heart of the garden, the roots of this failure ran frighteningly deep.One of the responses to this has been a shift away from centralised banking and towards technologically driven decentralised networks. Enter Blockchain. Blockchain represents an ideological statement that rejects the central ledger approach, and instead gives power to hundreds of thousands of users, each participating in the transaction approval process. Known as decentralised ledger technology (DLT), Blockchain harnesses technological innovation for financial security, stability, and trust.
Raise capital for your venture by registering an ICO. Let us guide you through the entire process from assessing your tokenomic model, creating smart contracts, legal document requirements, marketing and tax planning.
Let us guide you through launching your STO and help you getting started with issuing security tokens backed by a real world assets. Digitize your business by using the blockchain to raise capital for your business.
A cryptocurrency exchange has the toughest requirements from the VFA services regulated in Malta. When holding clients money, VFA’s and cryptographic keys the regulation takes great care of protecting users. Let us guide you through the complete registration of registering your cryptocurrency exchange.
The VFA agent is central in conducting crypto and blockchain related business in Malta. The agent is the bridge between your business and the authorities. Our experience as VFA agent will guide you through the fit and proper tests, financial instruments tests and ensure your business remains compliant.
Contact us via telephone or fill out the form below to discuss your blockchain and crypto needs.