Legislators reconsider some legislation on cryptocurrency: Crypto Wrap

(Reuters)
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Updated 18 November 2021
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Legislators reconsider some legislation on cryptocurrency: Crypto Wrap

  • He explained that while banks should be able to issue stable-coins, not all stable-coin issuers need to be banks.

RIYADH: Congress must pass legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies before their rapid growth and popularity poses risks to investors and the financial system, the chairman of the Joint Economic Committee said.

Don Baer, who held a hearing Wednesday on “crypto demystification,” acknowledged that most lawmakers have a steep learning curve when it comes to digital assets, but said it was imperative that they provide guidance to regulators, Bloomberg reported.

Bayer added that he would be happy if the bill was passed sometime next year. “We are trying to get ahead of this,” Beyer said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Wednesday that stablecoins do not need to be regulated by the same rules as banks during a virtual conference organized by the Federal Reserve Board in Cleveland.

He explained that while banks should be able to issue stable-coins, not all stable-coin issuers need to be banks.

He also emphasized that the regulatory and supervisory framework for payment stablecoins should address the specific risks that these arrangements pose directly and fully.

"It does not necessarily mean imposing the full banking rulebook, which is geared in part toward lending activities, not payments," Waller said.

Crypto Services Partnership

Bitcoin services company NYDIG has forged a sponsorship deal with the two-time NBA champion basketball team Houston Rockets.

The deal will allow NYDIG to be the team’s official bitcoin service and bitcoin platform partner, which means the company will have exclusive access to many of the franchise spaces including social, digital and in-arena platforms.

The Houston Rockets will also work with NYDIG to expand knowledge and awareness about the cryptocurrency world and the uses of these new investment tools.

"Our organization has leaned on advancements in technology to remain on the cutting edge. Partnering with NYDIG allows us to leverage the growth of Bitcoin to provide creative rewards and payment options to our fanbase and associates," Houston Rockets President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr said.

Daily Trading

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency in trading internationally, traded lower on Thursday, falling by 4.58  percent to $59,285 at 4:51 pm Riyadh time.

Ether, the second most traded cryptocurrency, traded at $4,178, down by 1.27 percent, according to data from Coindesk.


Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index closes lower at 10,540 

Updated 24 December 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index closes lower at 10,540 

RIYADH: Saudi equities ended Wednesday’s session lower, with the Tadawul All Share Index falling 55.13 points, or 0.52 percent, to close at 10,540.72. 

The sell-off was mirrored across other indices, with the MSCI Tadawul 30 Index retreating 5.79 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 1,393.32, while the parallel market Nomu slipped 74.56 points, or 0.32 percent, to 23,193.21.  

Market breadth remained firmly negative, as decliners outpaced advancers, with 207 stocks ending the session lower against just 51 gainers on the main market. 

Trading activity moderated compared to recent sessions, with volumes reaching 123.5 million shares, while total traded value stood at SR2.72 billion ($725.2 million). 

On the sectoral and stock level, Al Moammar Information Systems Co. led the gainers after surging 9.96 percent to close at SR172.30, extending its rally following a series of contract announcements tied to data center and IT infrastructure projects.  

Al Masar Al Shamil Education Co. climbed 4.89 percent to SR27.48, while Naqi Water Co. advanced 3.36 percent to SR58.50. Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co. and Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. also posted solid gains, rising 3 percent and 2.86 percent, respectively. 

Losses, however, were concentrated in industrial names. Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. fell 3.67 percent to SR4.73, while Makkah Construction and Development Co. slid 3.44 percent to SR80.  

Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co. retreated 3.28 percent to SR147.50, weighed down by broader market weakness, and Saudi Cable Co. declined 3.18 percent to SR143.  

Alkhaleej Training and Education Co. rounded out the top losers, shedding just over 3 percent. 

On the announcement front, BinDawood Holding announced the signing of a share purchase agreement to acquire 51 percent of Wonder Bakery LLC in the UAE for 96.9 million dirhams, marking a strategic expansion of its food manufacturing footprint beyond Saudi Arabia.   

The acquisition, which remains subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to support the group’s regional growth ambitions and strengthen supply chain integration.  

BinDawood shares closed at SR4.68, up 0.43 percent, reflecting a positive market reaction to the overseas expansion move.  

Meanwhile, Al Moammar Information Systems disclosed the contract sign-off for the renewal of IT systems support licenses with the Saudi Central Bank, valued at SR114.4 million, inclusive of VAT.   

The 36-month contract is expected to have a positive financial impact starting from fourth quarter of 2025, reinforcing MIS’s position as a key technology partner for critical government institutions. The stock surged to the session’s limit making it the top gainer. 

In a separate disclosure, Maharah Human Resources confirmed the completion of the sale of its entire stake in Care Shield Holding Co. through its subsidiary, Growth Avenue Investments, for a total consideration of SR434.3 million.  

The transaction involved the transfer of 41.36 percent of Care Shield’s share capital to Dallah Healthcare, with Maharah receiving the full cash proceeds.  

Despite the strategic divestment, Maharah shares closed lower, ending the session at SR6.12, down 1.29 percent.