According to Resolution 215 published by the state-run Official Gazette on Thursday, the country’s central bank is set to roll out new rules on how to deal with crypto assets. The move means that commercial providers of related services are now required to secure a license to operate from the central bank, CNBC reports.
Cuba to benefit from recognizing cryptocurrencies
Fintech data analyst Boaz Sobrado said that Cuba could be seeing the benefits of adopting cryptocurrencies. Cuba’s decision to recognize cryptocurrencies could help the island circumvent the United States embargo that restricts the nation’s international commerce and remittances. US companies are not allowed to deal with Cuba and there are laws that punish foreign companies that do business with the Latin American nation. Last year, financial services company Western Union, which served as an important channel for remittances in the country, closed its 407 locations across Cuba as the Trump administration imposed new sanctions against the communist regime.
Cuba embracing cryptocurrencies as the new asset class goes mainstream
Cuba is embracing cryptocurrencies amid the rising popularity of this new class of assets. It is following the lead of El Salvador, which earlier decreed that it will make Bitcoin a legal tender. It’s worth mentioning that Honduras also recently saw the installation of its first cryptocurrency ATM machine that allows users to acquire Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) using the local currency. [coinbase]
