Sun Hui from the Shanghai headquarters of the Central Bank: No news on the release of Bitcoin regulatory documents

Sina Technology reported on the morning of June 17 that recently, at a municipal government press conference held by the Shanghai Municipal Government Information Office, Sun Hui, deputy director of the Shanghai headquarters of the People's Bank of China, answered questions related to Bitcoin regulation. Regarding the document on Bitcoin regulation to be issued in June, he said that he has not received any news at present.

Regarding the characterization of Bitcoin, Sun Hui said that the central bank has not defined Bitcoin as a financial product so far, so it does not involve the concept of "financial innovation supervision." Prior to this, several ministries and commissions had issued documents on Bitcoin, which defined it as a virtual commodity.

"The issue of Bitcoin is indeed a hot topic around the world. The regulatory measures of relevant departments in various countries are different, and they all respond differently according to the characteristics and situations of each country. It can be said that we are also paying attention to the relevant situation of Bitcoin in China. As you all know, some time ago, we also conducted some investigations on relevant Bitcoin institutions from the perspective of the People's Bank of China's statutory responsibilities, such as the implementation of relevant anti-money laundering regulations. Next, we will continue to pay attention to the progress in this area. As for what the next development direction and trend will be, I don’t have updated information at present." Sun Hui said when answering reporters' questions.

According to media reports, based on the results of the previous on-site inspection, the central bank intends to issue administrative penalty notices to OKCoin, Huobi and Bitcoin China, three bitcoin trading platforms. Two regulatory documents on the management of bitcoin trading platforms and the anti-money laundering regulations for bitcoin platforms are being promoted and may be issued in June.

At the end of May, the three major Bitcoin platforms resumed withdrawals of Bitcoin and Litecoin. This is the first time that the three major trading platforms have opened withdrawals since the central bank carried out a systematic rectification of digital currency trading platforms in January this year. It is also interpreted as the central bank's inspection of Bitcoin trading platforms may be coming to an end. (Xu Li)