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The president of Colombia has entered the world of Bitcoin, receiving a gift from prominent Bitcoin figure Samson Mow—a wallet containing 100,000 satoshis, equivalent to approximately $39. This symbolic gesture signifies the growing acceptance of Bitcoin among global leaders. While the president's specific plans for the Bitcoin remain unclear, the act reflects an openness to exploring the potential integration of cryptocurrency into Colombia's economic landscape. This move follows the footsteps of leaders like Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, who has embraced Bitcoin as legal tender in the country. Source: U.Today

Proposed crypto bills in the United States are set to face a delay in approval, with the legislative timeline pushed to early 2024. The delay is attributed to recent disagreements among House Republicans, specifically in selecting a new speaker. Rep. Patrick McHenry's temporary role as stand-in speaker, amidst internal conflicts, has impeded floor time for lawmakers to discuss the crypto legislations. Senator Hill and Senator Cynthia Lummis acknowledge the setback but express optimism that discussions on the stablecoin bill may progress in early 2024. Source: Coinspeaker.com

Ripple Labs' Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, hints at a potential legal victory against the SEC, suggesting a move to the U.S. Supreme Court. Citing the Supreme Court's historical tendency to rule against the SEC, Alderoty's signal follows Ripple's recent partial success in a ruling by Federal Judge Analisa Torres related to certain XRP sales. The development adds an optimistic dimension to Ripple's ongoing legal battle with the SEC. Source: Cryptopolitan.com

Microsoft announces a significant investment in the United Kingdom, focusing on major artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives encompassing infrastructure, talent development, and safety measures. The investment aims to propel the UK into a leadership position in AI innovation while fostering job creation, service improvement, and public security enhancement. Researchers from top UK universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College, UCL, Bath, and Nottingham, will collaborate with Microsoft on these transformative projects. Source: Beincrypto.com

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiates the process for gathering public comments on Fidelity's application for a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF). The statement invites interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed rule change, signaling a crucial step in the regulatory evaluation of Fidelity's Ethereum ETF application. Source: Beincrypto.com

Cristiano Ronaldo is embroiled in a $1 billion lawsuit, accused of promoting Binance's unregistered securities and illegal operations in the United States. The lawsuit alleges Ronaldo's celebrity endorsement contributed to driving traffic and investors to the platform. With recent legal standards in mind, the plaintiffs argue that promoters like Ronaldo can be held liable for mass solicitations of cryptocurrency. To potentially avoid a public trial, Ronaldo may settle the case for $750,000. Source: Bitcoinist.com

In Brief: Swiss crypto bank SEBA Bank AG undergoes a significant rebranding, now known as AMINA Bank AG. Authorized by FINMA to provide banking services since 2019, the move represents a strategic shift in the company's growth and vision. Franz Bergmueller, CEO of AMINA, highlights the brand's commitment to defining the future of finance with a client-focused approach and a platform ensuring wealth-building under the highest regulatory standards. Source: The Block

November emerges as the cryptocurrency industry's most "damaging" month, witnessing a staggering $363 million lost to crypto thievery, scams, and exploits, reports a blockchain security firm. Exploits alone accounted for $316.4 million, while flash loans inflicted $45.5 million in damage. Various exit scams also contributed, with $1.1 million lost. The alarming trend highlights the escalating challenges and financial impact of cyber threats in the crypto space. Source: Cointelegraph

The IOTA token experiences a 43% surge after the registration of the IOTA Ecosystem DLT Foundation in Abu Dhabi. With a funding commitment of $100 million worth of tokens vested for four years, this foundation claims to be the first of its kind registered under Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework, the DLT Foundations Regulations, established by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This development marks a significant step for IOTA and signals growing support within the Abu Dhabi financial ecosystem. Read more

The Brazil Senate approves new income tax rules, likely requiring Brazilians to pay up to a 15% tax on income derived from cryptocurrencies held on exchanges outside the country. The bill, expected to be approved by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, sets the effective date as January 1, 2024, with the tax applicable to earnings exceeding $1,200. Source: Cryptopolitan

The U.S. Treasury is developing new sanctions tools to combat illicit activities in the cryptocurrency sector, with recent actions against Binance and Sinbad. The initiative aims to prevent crypto use in terrorism and money laundering, prompting a push to update regulations and tax rules for the evolving digital asset ecosystem. Source: Cryptopolitan

Andrea Enria of the European Central Bank (ECB) warns that crypto firms may face banking regulations if providing services resembling those of traditional banks. He emphasizes the need for monitoring and regulation to ensure entities in the crypto world acting as banks are subject to appropriate supervision. Source: Cryptoglobe