Israel’s Growing Blockchain Industry and Regulatory Challenges

Israel's Growing Blockchain Industry and Regulatory Challenges

Israel is well known to be a leader in crypto projects, cyber security and seizures of illicit proceeds from terrorist financing. 

In this episode, host Ian Andrews explores what factors have contributed to Israel’s tech growth with Yosi Biton (Partner, Head of Forensic and Compliance Services, KPMG Israel.) 

Yosi explains how cultural influence, government programs, and military units have contributed to strong cyber security and blockchain technology focused startups. 

He emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity and the need for companies to comply with AML and other compliance measures, and explains why he believes that smart contracts, digital currencies and DeFi will be the future. 

Minute-by-minute episode breakdown

• (2:22) - Introduction and discussion about the state of blockchain and cyber security in Israel 
• (4:18) - Cultural influence and government / military programs encouraging tech founders in Israel
• (8:20) - KPMG's perspective on cryptocurrency and blockchain industry 
• (12:06) - Regulatory clarity and the need for licenses in the crypto industry and CBDC’s and potential for digital shekel 
• (18:05) - Discussion on DeFi and the need for compliance in the industry
• (22:02) - Tel Aviv Stock Exchange launches framework for crypto brokerage services
• (26:21) - Regulatory challenges and opportunities in the Israeli crypto market
• (30:37) - Future predictions for the adoption of smart contracts and digital currencies 

Related resources

Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.

• Website: KPMG Israel: One-stop-shop for global and local reports, events and careers at KPMG
• Press Release: Digital Shekel - Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Project
• Event Recap: Chainalysis Global RKO in Budapest
• Chainalysis In Action: Israeli Authorities Disrupt Hezbollah and Iran Quds Force Terrorism Financing Crypto Infrastructure, Seize $1.7 Million in First 
• Announcement: Launching Our Next Generation Data Platform to Scale Blockchain and Asset Support
• Blog: OFAC and Crypto Crime: Every OFAC Specially Designated National with Identified Cryptocurrency Addresses
• YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page 
• Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: BuildCareers at Chainalysising trust in blockchain
• Tik Tok: Building trust in #blockchains among people, businesses, and governments.
• Telegram: Chainalysis on Telegram 

Speakers on today’s episode

• Ian Andrews * Host * (Chief Marketing Officer, Chainalysis) 
• Yosi Biton (Partner, Head of Forensic and Compliance Services, KPMG Israel)

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