In an ambitious bid to bolster its foothold in the European market, the celebrated cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken, has unveiled its strategy to take over the Dutch crypto brokerage, Coin Meester B.V. (BCM). The Netherlands, famed for its culture of innovation and substantial crypto adoption, is key to USA-based Kraken's European blueprint. Accelerating their continental growth aligns not only with their business vision but also blends with the latest Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework laid down by the European Commission.
Kraken's Advancement in the Dutch Market
The announcement came on Thursday, capturing Kraken's strategic intention to acquire Coin Meester B.V. (BCM), one of the most revered crypto brokers in the Netherlands. Established in 2017, BCM has earned substantial respect for providing expansive services in purchasing, selling, and staking crypto. Their portfolio flaunts access to over 170 cryptocurrencies.
Kraken's coveted acquisition of BCM is aimed at reinforcing their standing in the Netherlands and supplementing their product offerings, security standards, liquidity, and round-the-clock live customer support to BCM's clientele.
CEO David Ripley's Perspective on the Acquisition
Adding his thoughts on the acquisition, David Ripley, CEO at Kraken, depicted the move as a significant step towards establishing Kraken's prominence in the Dutch marketplace. The inclusion of BCM would enrich Kraken's product portfolio, opening doors to a wider range of services for BCM's clients.
Ripple further elaborated on the importance of The Netherlands in Kraken's European expansion, citing the country's innovative culture and high level of crypto adoption as standout attributes of interest.
Compliance with European Regulations Accelerating Growth
In line with the European Commission's initiation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework, Kraken emphasized its focus on expanding their business while remaining in compliance with European regulations. The company is actively pursuing registrations in various European markets, complementing its already established VASP licenses in Ireland, Italy, and Spain.
Of course, Kraken's proposed acquisition is contingent upon satisfying customary closing conditions and acquiring the required regulatory approvals.
The Takeaway
Kraken continues to strengthen its international footprint with the strategic acquisition of a Dutch crypto broker as part of its European expansion plan. With this move, Kraken is set to offer an even more comprehensive and robust product offering to customers across Europe, thereby advancing their standing in global crypto markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good retirement strategy to buy gold?
Although it may not look appealing at first, buying gold for investment is worth considering when you consider the global average gold consumption per year.
The best form of investing is physical bullion, which is the most widely used. There are other ways to invest gold. It is best to research all options and make informed decisions based on your goals.
If you don’t need a safe place for your wealth, then buying shares of mining companies or companies that extract it might be a better alternative. If you need cash flow to finance your investment, then gold stocks could be a good option.
You can also invest your money in exchange-traded fund (ETFs), which give you exposure to the gold price by holding securities related to gold. These ETFs typically include stocks from gold miners, precious metallics refiners, commodity trading companies, and other commodities.
What are the pros and cons of a gold IRA?
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA), unlike regular savings accounts, doesn't require you to pay tax on interest earned. An IRA is a great option for those who want to save money, but don't want tax on any interest earned. However, there are also disadvantages to this type of investment.
To give an example, if your IRA is withdrawn too often, you can lose all your accumulated funds. Also, the IRS may not allow you to make withdrawals from your IRA until you're 59 1/2 years old. If you do decide to withdraw funds from your IRA, you'll likely need to pay a penalty fee.
You will also need to pay fees for managing your IRA. Many banks charge between 0.5% and 2.0% per year. Other providers may charge monthly management fees, ranging between $10 and $50.
If you prefer to keep your money outside a bank, you'll need to purchase insurance. In order to make a claim, most insurers will require that you have a minimum amount in gold. Some insurers may require you to have insurance that covers losses up $500,000.
You will need to decide how much gold you wish to use if you opt for a gold IRA. Some providers restrict the amount you can own in gold. Others let you choose your weight.
You will also have to decide whether to purchase futures or physical gold. Physical gold is more expensive than gold futures contracts. However, futures contracts give you flexibility when buying gold. Futures contracts allow you to create a contract with a specified expiration date.
Also, you will need to decide on the type of insurance coverage you would like. The standard policy doesn't include theft protection or loss due to fire, flood, or earthquake. The policy does not cover natural disasters. Additional coverage may be necessary if you reside in high-risk areas.
In addition to insurance, you'll need to consider the cost of storing your gold. Insurance won't cover storage costs. Additionally, safekeeping is usually charged by banks at around $25-$40 per monthly.
To open a IRA in gold, you will need to first speak with a qualified custodian. A custodian maintains track of all your investments and ensures you are in compliance with federal regulations. Custodians don't have the right to sell assets. Instead, they must retain them for as long and as you require.
Once you've decided which type of IRA best suits your needs, you'll need to fill out paperwork specifying your goals. Your plan should include information about the investments you want to make, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. Your monthly investment goal should be stated.
You will need to fill out the forms and send them to your chosen provider together with a check for small deposits. The company will review your application and send you a confirmation letter.
When opening a gold IRA, you should consider using a financial planner. A financial planner can help you decide the type of IRA that is right for your needs. They can also help reduce your costs by suggesting cheaper options for purchasing insurance.
What is the benefit of a gold IRA?
There are many advantages to a gold IRA. It's an investment vehicle that lets you diversify your portfolio. You decide how much money you want to put into each account, and when you want it to be withdrawn.
You can also rollover funds from other retirement accounts to a gold IRA. This makes for an easy transition if you decide to retire early.
The best part is that you don't need special skills to invest in gold IRAs. They're readily available at almost all banks and brokerage firms. Withdrawals can be made instantly without the need to pay fees or penalties.
That said, there are drawbacks too. The volatility of gold has been a hallmark of its history. It's important to understand the reasons you're considering investing in gold. Is it for growth or safety? Is it for security or long-term planning? Only once you know, that will you be able to make an informed decision.
If you plan on keeping your gold IRA alive for a while, you may want to consider purchasing more than 1 ounce of pure gold. A single ounce isn't enough to cover all of your needs. Depending upon what you plan to do, you could need several ounces.
You don't have to buy a lot of gold if your goal is to sell it. You can even get by with less than one ounce. However, you will not be able buy any other items with those funds.
Can I have physical gold in my IRA
Gold is money, not just paper currency or coinage. People have been using gold for thousands of years to store their wealth and protect it from economic instability and inflation. Investors use gold today as part of their diversified portfolio, because it tends to perform better in times of financial turmoil.
Today, Americans prefer precious metals like silver and gold to stocks and bonds. While owning gold doesn't guarantee you'll make money investing in gold, there are several reasons why it may make sense to consider adding gold to your retirement portfolio.
Another reason is the fact that gold historically has performed better than other assets in times of financial panic. Between August 2011 to early 2013, gold prices rose close to 100 percent while the S&P 500 fell 21 per cent. During these turbulent market times, gold was among few assets that outperformed the stocks.
One of the best things about investing in gold is its virtually zero counterparty risk. Your stock portfolio can fall, but you will still own your shares. You can still own your gold even if the company where you invested fails to pay its debt.
Finally, gold is liquid. This allows you to sell your gold whenever you want, unlike many other investments. Gold is liquid and therefore it makes sense to purchase small amounts. This allows for you to benefit from the short-term fluctuations of the gold market.
Should you open a Precious Metal IRA
The most important thing you should know before opening an IRA account is that precious metals are not covered by insurance. You cannot recover any money you have invested. This includes investments that have been damaged by fire, flooding, theft, and so on.
Protect yourself against this type of loss by investing in physical gold or silver coins. These items have been around for thousands of years and represent real value that cannot be lost. If you were to offer them for sale today, they would likely fetch you more than you paid when you bought them.
You should choose a reputable firm that offers competitive rates. It's also wise to consider using a third-party custodian who will keep your assets safe while giving you access to them anytime.
You won't get any returns until you retire if you open an account. Remember the future.
How is gold taxed within a Roth IRA
The tax on an investment account is based on its current value, not what you originally paid. If you invest $1,000 into a mutual fund, stock, or other investment account, then any gains are subjected tax.
However, if the money is deposited into a traditional IRA/401(k), the tax on the withdrawal of the money is not applicable. Only earnings from capital gains and dividends are subject to tax. These taxes do not apply to investments that have been held for more than one year.
The rules that govern these accounts differ from one state to the next. Maryland requires that you withdraw funds within 60 business days after reaching the age of 59 1/2. Massachusetts allows you to delay withdrawals until April 1. New York offers a waiting period of up to 70 1/2 years. To avoid penalty fees, it is important to plan and take distributions in time to pay all your retirement savings.
Should You Invest in gold for Retirement?
This will depend on how much money and whether you were able to invest in gold at the time that you started saving. If you are unsure which option to choose, consider investing in both options.
Gold offers potential returns and is therefore a safe investment. It's a great investment for retirees.
While many investments promise fixed returns, gold is subject to fluctuations. Therefore, its value is subject to change over time.
However, this does not mean that gold should be avoided. It is important to consider the fluctuations when planning your portfolio.
Another benefit to gold? It's a tangible asset. Gold is more convenient than bonds or stocks because it can be stored easily. It is also easily portable.
You can always access your gold as long as it is kept safe. Plus, there are no storage fees associated with holding physical gold.
Investing in gold can help protect against inflation. As gold prices rise in tandem with other commodities it can be a good hedge against rising cost.
A portion of your savings can be invested in something that doesn't go down in value. Gold usually rises when the stock market falls.
Another benefit to investing in gold? You can always sell it. You can also liquidate your gold position at any time you need cash, just like stocks. You don't have to wait for retirement.
If you do decide to invest in gold, make sure to diversify your holdings. Don't place all your eggs in the same basket.
Don't buy too many at once. Start small, buying only a few ounces. Continue adding more as necessary.
The goal is not to become rich quick. Instead, the goal here is to build enough wealth to not need to rely upon Social Security benefits.
Gold may not be the most attractive investment, but it could be a great complement to any retirement strategy.
Statistics
- Indeed, several financial advisers interviewed for this article suggest you invest 5 to 15 percent of your portfolio in gold, just in case. (aarp.org)
- You can only purchase gold bars at least 99.5% purity. (forbes.com)
- The price of gold jumped 131 percent from late 2007 to September 2011, when it hit a high of $1,921 an ounce, according to the World Gold Council. (aarp.org)
- Instead, the economy improved, stocks rebounded, and gold plunged, losing 28 percent of its value in 2013. (aarp.org)
- If you take distributions before hitting 59.5, you'll owe a 10% penalty on the amount withdrawn. (lendedu.com)
External Links
bbb.org
cftc.gov
wsj.com
- Saddam Hussein's InvasionHelped Uncage a Bear In 90 – WSJ
- Want to Keep Gold in Your IRA at Home? It's Not Exactly Legal – WSJ
finance.yahoo.com
How To
Tips to Invest in Gold
Investing in Gold remains one of the most preferred investment strategies. There are many advantages to investing in Gold. There are many ways you can invest in gold. There are many ways to invest in gold. Some prefer buying physical gold coins while others prefer gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds).
You should consider some things before you decide to purchase any type of gold.
- First, verify that your country permits gold ownership. If your country allows you to own gold, then you are allowed to proceed. Otherwise, you can look into buying gold from abroad.
- Secondly, you should know what kind of gold coin you want. You can go for yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, etc.
- Third, consider the cost of gold. It is best to begin small and work your ways up. It is important to diversify your portfolio whenever you purchase gold. Diversifying assets should include stocks, bonds real estate mutual funds and commodities.
- You should also remember that gold prices can change often. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
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By: Kevin Helms
Title: Kraken Gains Stature in European Market with Acquisition of Prominent Dutch Crypto Broker
Sourced From: news.bitcoin.com/kraken-to-expand-its-presence-in-europe-with-acquisition-of-dutch-crypto-broker/
Published Date: Sat, 07 Oct 2023 02:30:04 +0000
