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.


Saudi energy minister holds series of high-level meetings to cement collaborations

Updated 16 January 2026
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Saudi energy minister holds series of high-level meetings to cement collaborations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy held a series of strategic meetings in Riyadh with senior ministers from various counties, in a diplomatic push to bolster international energy collaboration.

Officials from Greece, Brazil, and Morocco were among those to meet with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, as well as representatives from Libya and Pakistan.

The discussions centered on expanding cooperation across a wide spectrum of energy sectors, from traditional hydrocarbons to cutting-edge clean technologies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The engagements underscored Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in shaping the global energy transition through bilateral partnerships. A consistent theme across the talks was the dual focus on securing energy supplies and advancing climate-related solutions, including renewable power, clean hydrogen, and carbon management.

Deepening European and South American ties

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou. Building upon a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two officials explored avenues for joint cooperation in oil and gas, electricity, and renewables, as well as other related sectors.

In a separate meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, the parties discussed prospects for collaboration across various energy domains. They reviewed means to enhance coordination, particularly in electricity, renewables, oil and gas, and the exchange of technical expertise.

Signing a program with Morocco

A key outcome emerged from the meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali. Following their discussions on mutual interests, investment opportunities in renewables, and energy efficiency, the two sides signed an executive cooperation program.

This program, falling under an MoU signed in May 2022, aims to concretize the energy partnership. Its goals are boosting mutual investments in renewable projects and enabling national companies to collaborate on renewable energy projects.

It also encompasses using renewables in development projects, establishing joint research and development centers, and facilitating training and knowledge transfer.

Strengthening regional and Islamic cooperation

Prince Abdulaziz also conferred with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek. Their meeting focused on energy cooperation, including energy technologies and solutions, as well as enhancing investment opportunities in renewables and energy efficiency.

Discussions with Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, covered shared interests in oil and its supplies, renewable energy, energy efficiency, joint investment opportunities, and the exchange of expertise in project, policy, and regulatory development.

This flurry of diplomatic activity highlights Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive energy strategy, which seeks to maintain its leadership in traditional energy markets while pursuing a stake in the future clean energy economy.