Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance is reportedly pushing a draft plan that would bring cryptocurrency trading profits under the country’s standard 25% flat tax beginning in 2028. According to a draft seen by local outlet Die Welt, the proposed rule would apply to all crypto assets acquired after Jan. 1, 2027, marking a clear break from Germany’s current tax treatment for long-term holders. Under existing law, gains from crypto assets become fully tax-free once they have been held for more than 12 months, a rule that has helped make Germany relatively attractive for investors with longer time horizons. The draft proposal also includes grandfathering protections, meaning digital assets purchased before the cutoff date may still be taxed under the old regime. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil first disclosed the government’s intention to overhaul crypto taxation at the end of April. At the time, he said Germany expected to raise an additional 2 billion euros, or about $2.3 billion, from crypto taxes. Cointelegraph said it had contacted the Finance Ministry for more details on the draft law.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has proposed widening the scope of electronic identification under a draft Law on Electronic Identification and Authentication, according to Vietnamese media outlet An Ninh Tien Te cited by ChainCatcher. The proposal would bring data, applications, digital assets and other types of assets within the identification framework. Under the draft, e-identification subjects would no longer be limited to institutions, organizations and individuals. The scope would also cover physical entities such as products, goods and devices, as well as digital resources including databases, documents, images, videos and digital assets. The draft says identification of digital assets would follow provisions set out in the law on the digital technology industry. The proposal also introduces mechanisms for the suspension, restoration and cancellation of electronic identities and identification codes. Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security said the current e-identification system mainly serves citizens and government digitalization efforts, but a more unified identification mechanism is now needed as the digital economy and digital society develop, covering entities across both physical and digital environments.

A Russian crypto bill approved by a parliamentary committee would allow limited digital asset payments for certain securities deals, crypto-to-crypto swaps, and blockchain transfer fee payments, while keeping the ruble as the sole official payment instrument.

The UK government will impose financial sanctions on crypto exchange HTX starting June 2026, alleging the platform and other entities helped Russia bypass international sanctions. HTX had previously faced FCA legal action. The EU also tightened rules, while Russia advances its own crypto legislation.

South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service asked 15 major virtual asset firms to strengthen governance and prepare for upcoming legal changes, while expanding AI-based market surveillance.

Alfa Bank plans to roll out regulated crypto custody and investment products for retail and corporate clients once Russia’s legal framework takes effect, with retail brokerage expected by late 2026 or early 2027.

Taiwan’s financial regulator said its virtual asset bill has cleared Cabinet review and is set to reach the legislature this session. Formal bank custody guidelines are due within six months, while offshore exchanges will need a local branch or a newly established local entity to operate legally.

Alfa-Bank says it plans to launch a digital depository and a full set of crypto services once Russia’s digital asset rules take effect, with broader market custody and retail brokerage on its roadmap.