BaFin Officially Classifies Crypto as a Financial Instrument

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) recently published guidelines under which crypto is a financial instrument. Regarding a press release on March 2, BaFin described crypto as a digital representation of value that is not issued or guaranteed by any central bank or authority. He added that the currency established by law does not tie cryptocurrencies. Hence, they do not have the legal status of currency or money. However, BaFin treats crypto as a medium of exchange accepted by individuals…