Donald Trump has chosen cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to lead the SEC, potentially reshaping regulations in the crypto space. Meanwhile, political unrest in South Korea and France has captured attention. A major UK investigation has unveiled a massive money laundering operation linked to organized crime, connecting European drug traffickers and Russian hackers. This podcast also highlights the murky ties between cryptocurrency and global crime networks, alongside Google's new AI weather forecasting model that outstrips traditional methods.
Donald Trump's nomination of Paul Atkins for SEC chair signals a potential shift toward relaxed regulations and support for cryptocurrencies.
The uncovering of a multi-billion dollar crypto money laundering scheme highlights the serious risks posed by digital currencies in organized crime.
Deep dives
New Leadership at the SEC
Donald Trump has nominated Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission, indicating a shift toward less stringent regulations on Wall Street and a more favorable approach to cryptocurrencies. Atkins' previous experience as a commissioner and his advocacy for the growth of crypto markets have garnered support from industry leaders, who are eager to rebuild public trust in the agency. This contrasts sharply with the current chair, Gary Gensler, known for introducing numerous new regulations and enforcement actions. This nomination is seen as a direct response to concerns regarding the previous administration’s regulatory stance and may shape the future landscape of financial oversight.
Political Turmoil in South Korea
South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeo faced significant backlash after declaring martial law, a move that he quickly rescinded following parliamentary opposition. This decision was perceived as a desperate attempt by a politically isolated leader struggling with low approval ratings and scandals. The swift reaction from Parliament and the public's growing anger reflect the precarious nature of his presidency, raising questions about potential impeachment proceedings. The political instability comes at a challenging time for South Korea's economy, already burdened by concerns over trade policies and a slowing market.
Crypto Crime Network Uncovered
A multi-billion dollar cryptocurrency-based money laundering network has been revealed, linking drug traffickers and Russian spies as its primary users. The operation utilized Tether, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, to facilitate the conversion of illicit cash into cryptocurrency and vice versa. This network, which operated across numerous countries, highlights the dangers of crypto in terms of facilitating organized crime, especially in a climate of increasing sanctions on nations like Russia. As the cryptocurrency market gains legitimacy amid new regulatory discussions, these revelations raise critical concerns about the potential misuse of digital currencies for illegal activities.
Donald Trump has nominated cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and a dramatic attempt to impose martial law in South Korea by its president has backfired. The French parliament voted to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier and a UK-led operation has uncovered a multibillion-dollar money laundering scheme. Plus, Google DeepMind has unveiled an artificial intelligence weather prediction model that outperforms traditional methods.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.