Binance & OKX users face $1,900 fines in Vietnam, Coinbase in China? Asia Express

Retail users in Vietnam who trade on offshore crypto exchanges like Binance or OKX face heavy penalties. Network School controversy in Malaysia over Israeli citizen ban.

Vietnam will fine retail crypto users up to $1,900 if they trade on unlicensed overseas platforms such as Binance, OKX and Bybit, instead of on licensed local exchanges.

There’s just one problem: Vietnam’s Finance Ministry has yet to issue any exchange licenses for its regulated digital asset market, which is due to start on Sept. 1. Five exchanges have been approved in principle however.

Domestic investors who trade crypto that’s been designated exclusively for foreign investors can be fined up to $3800. Crypto companies providing or advertising services without a license, those who fail to properly ID customers, or unlawfully deal with crypto account data, can be fined up to $7600.

Balaji Srinivasan’s utopian Network School in Forest City, Malaysia is under fire over allegations it has been hosting Israeli citizens using second passports.

The claims trace back to an activist group Malaysia Protest 4 Palestine, which has accused the school of becoming a “gathering place for Israeli entrepreneurs.”

In other countries such a kerfuffle might result in a few BDS protesters or a boycott, but Malaysia has no diplomatic relations at all with Israel, and bans Israeli citizens from even visiting.

That said, dual nationals with Israeli passports are allowed... for now, although the controversy suggests that particular loophole may be closed soon.

Vitalik, Bryan and Balaji at the Network School. (X)

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