Autor: Kimberly Clark

Summary

• The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has signed agreements with South Korea to expand Web3 and metaverse businesses in the emirate.
• The DMCC has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Korea Blockchain Industry Promotion Association (KBIPA) and Seongnam City.
• Dubai is working to establish a local economy based on the metaverse, expecting it to contribute $4 billion by 2030.

Overview of Dubai Free Trade Zone Partnership

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of the largest free trade zones in the world, recently signed partnerships with South Korean entities to bring more Web3 and metaverse businesses to the emirate. The agreements were made as part of a series of roadshows held in various cities in South Korea. The DMCC committed to supporting Korean companies in setting up their business operations within its zone. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of the Dubai Free Zone, expressed his enthusiasm for this move: “We are proud to contribute to the strong and resilient economic relations between the UAE and South Korea.”

Background Information on Metaverses

Interest and investment into metaverses have seen a decline over recent years; however, Dubai was one of the first places that embraced this technology as part of its structured government approach. In May 2022, a task force was created with an emphasis on promoting a local economy based around metaverses. By July last year, reports indicated that Dubai was looking towards taking some offices into these virtual worlds so government departments can operate there effectively. As part of this initiative, plans were set in motion for the sector to contribute $4 billion by 2030 while also creating 40,000 new jobs by 2025.

Advantages for Businesses Operating Within Free Zones

Business operations conducted within free zones often provide many advantages compared to those outside them. Companies operating within these zones are not subject to taxation or custom duties which makes them extremely attractive for foreign investors or entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective way of doing business abroad. On top of this, many free zones offer services such as dedicated customer service teams who can help companies navigate any local laws and regulations they may need assistance with while they are establishing their business operations there.

Conclusion

The agreement between DMCC and several South Korean entities is an important step forward for both countries‘ economic relations as well as furthering Web3 businesses in Dubai’s free zone environment. This collaboration is expected to lead to increased investment opportunities while providing greater access into global markets whilst avoiding taxation or customs duties – making it highly attractive for prospective investors or entrepreneurs wanting to do business abroad at low cost.

• Silvergate Bank and Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) have faced financial difficulties, resulting in the liquidation of Silvergate and the closure of SVB.
• Signature Bank (SBNY) may be a buy, as it is seen as the „last game in crypto-town“ by market analysts.
• Wells Fargo equity analyst Jared Shaw suggests that SBNY could use its status as the last major bank standing in the crypto market for additional pricing power.

Troubles for Silvergate and SVB

The cryptocurrency markets experienced a tumultuous week following the disclosure on March 8, 2023, of Silvergate Bank’s failure. The bank, which is friendly towards cryptocurrencies, informed the public that it was winding down its business and liquidating its assets. Additionally, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has also faced financial difficulties due to having been compelled to sell a $21 billion bond at a loss of $1.8 billion. As a result, SIVB shares plummeted more than 60% before regulators shut down SVB causing FDIC to take over as receiver creating the “Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara” which now holds FDIC-insured deposits from SVB.

Last Major Bank Standing: Signature Bank

Signature Bank (Nasdaq: SBNY) saw a decrease of over 13% in trading on Friday due to these events but losses had dropped to 8.55% by 11:30 p.m.(ET). Piper Sandler market analysts Mark Fitzgibbon and Gregory Zingone remarked that since Signature’s Signet platform also had numerous cryptocurrency clients; SBNY’s stock will continue to be under some pressure in short term though they noted that Signature’s balance sheet is significantly larger than that of Silvergate with many other deposit verticals to depend on. In addition, Wells Fargo equity analyst Jared Shaw suggested that SBNY might be an opportunity being „the last game in crypto-town“ providing potential additional pricing power through this status.

Analysts Perspective

Piper Sandler market analysts Mark Fitzgibbon and Gregory Zingone remarked on Thursday that since Signature’s Signet platform also had numerous cryptocurrency clients; SBNY’s stock will continue to be under some pressure in short term though they noted that Signature’s balance sheet is significantly larger than that of Silvergate with many other deposit verticals to depend on. Jared Shaw an equity analyst at Wells Fargo wrote about Signature Bank suggesting it might present an opportunity being “the last game in crypto-town” providing potential additional pricing power through this status..

Silvergate and SVB Troubles Impact On Market

The demise of Silvergate caused SBNY shares to drop more than 13% when Wall Street began trading sessions on Friday while Silicon Valley Banks troubles resulted their stocks plummeting more than 60% before regulators shut down SVB causing FDIC to take over as receiver creating the “Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara” which now holds FDIC-insured deposits from SVB .

Conclusion

With two major players out -Silvergate & SVV-,market analysts believe Signature may be a buy as it stands alone being considered „the last game in crypto town“. With its large balance sheet & multiple deposit verticals combined with potential additional pricing power through its status may suggest buying into SBNY stock could possibly offer investors great opportunities for growth & profits

• The Spanish tax agency has included crypto as part of its new guidelines for this year’s upcoming tax collection season.
• The agency will potentiate the investigation of cryptocurrency in digital payments, including potentially seizing cryptocurrency associated with tax debts and criminal activity.
• Reports indicate that it only managed to warn 5.3% of the cryptocurrency investors in the country about their duty of paying crypto taxes in 2022.

Spanish Tax Agency Puts Crypto In Its Sights

The Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) has announced new guidelines that include cryptocurrency for this year’s upcoming tax collection season. This move is intended to boost channels for voluntary tax applications, as well as investigate and seize any cryptocurrency associated with criminal activity or unpaid taxes.

Increased Crypto Tax Oversight

In order to increase collection of taxes related to the use of cryptocurrencies in digital payments, AEAT declared its intention to „locate crypto assets subject to seizure“. While details on how this will be done are not yet available, it is clear that debtors may have their cryptocurrency seized if they fail to pay their taxes on time. Additionally, an investigation plan will be developed „in order to detect assets whose origin may be linked to criminal activities.“

Crypto In The Crosshairs Worldwide

While Spain’s efforts are more focussed on increasing taxation and curbing criminal activity than other countries, Argentine authorities have already been able to confiscate funds from digital wallets since February 2022 by including them as part of susceptible assets for seizure.

Poor Success Rate For Crypto Warning

Unfortunately, reports indicate that AEAT only managed to warn 5.3% of the country’s cryptocurrency investors about their duty of paying crypto taxes in 2022 – leaving a staggering 4 million unnotified about their obligations when it comes to declaring these assets on their taxes.

Conclusion

The Spanish Tax Agency is aiming at improving their efforts when it comes to taxing cryptocurrencies and cracking down on crime related activities – especially those involving fraudulent use of digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, more needs to be done in order educate citizens regarding their responsibilities when investing and trading cryptocurrencies in the future