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In Ukraine, cryptocurrency does not have an official status. By the end of August 2017, the Eastern European nation will clarify its position through a meeting of the Financial Stability Council.

On August 11, 2017, the National Bank of Ukraine released a statement by deputy chairman Oleg Churiy. According to Churiy, the Financial Stability Council (FSC) will meet by the end of August 2017 to work out a joint position on the legal status of bitcoin and its regulation.

Although Churiys comments specifically single out bitcoin, it seems likely that the FSCs conversation will encompass additional blockchain-based digital assets. The term bitcoin often functions as a catch-all placeholder for government agencies.

To date, the National Bank of Ukraine has collaborated with many governmental agencies on the topic, including:

Ukraine is clearly taking a broad and holistic approach to its digital asset guidance. A multi-pronged approach is vital because of the many functions of virtual money. The Ukrainian government may consider instances where a digital asset serves as currency, provides utility to consumers, or even grants ownership in a company.

In his statement, Churiy references the diverse cryptocurrency regulatory schemes currently employed by the European Union, Israel, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the Peoples Bank of China. He notes that discordant regulatory schemes around the world have made it difficult to give bitcoin a definite status in Ukraine. The FSCs meeting should generate needed dialogue, if not a resolution.

In the meantime, a lack of government guidance has not prevented Ukrainian involvement in cryptocurrency. For example, a Ukrainian white hat helped rescue funds from wallets that were compromised during Julys Parity hack. More recently, the Kyiv Post reported that a group of Ukrainian entrepreneurs have invested in 150 bitcoin teller machines, to be installed across the country by January 2018.

Matthew is a writer with a passion for emerging technology. Prior to joining ETHNews, he interned for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the OECD. He graduated cum laude from Georgetown University where he studied international economics. In his spare time, Matthew loves playing basketball and listening to podcasts. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

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National Bank Of Ukraine To Clarify Legal Status Of Cryptocurrency - ETHNews