严打虚拟货币交易炒作绝不松懈

Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has reaffirmed its strict stance against virtual currencies, emphasizing the continuation of prohibitive policies and intensified efforts to combat illegal financial activities related to virtual currencies [1][2][3] Regulatory Framework - The PBOC and other government departments have consistently defined virtual currencies as illegal financial activities, starting from a 2013 notice that classified Bitcoin as a "specific virtual commodity" without legal status equivalent to currency [1] - In 2017, the regulatory environment tightened further with a ban on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), which were deemed illegal public financing activities [1] Recent Developments - A recent meeting highlighted the resurgence of speculative activities in virtual currencies, leading to increased illegal activities such as gambling, fraud, and money laundering [2] - The meeting reiterated that virtual currencies do not have the same legal status as fiat currencies and should not circulate as money in the market [2] Focus on Stablecoins - The meeting specifically identified stablecoins as a form of virtual currency, noting their fundamental flaws in meeting customer identification and anti-money laundering requirements [2] - Concerns were raised about the risks associated with stablecoins, including their potential use in money laundering and fraudulent fundraising [2][3] Future Regulatory Direction - The regulatory approach is expected to evolve towards more collaborative, precise, and efficient mechanisms to address the challenges posed by virtual currencies [3] - There will be a focus on leveraging technological advancements to combat hidden transactions and fund transfers, aiming to establish a robust risk isolation framework in the virtual currency sector [3]