The global financial crisis which occurred about a decade ago is credited with inspiring the invention of Bitcoin (BTC). Among the countries that have emerged as the largest markets for the virtual currency is Japan which now boasts of 61% of the worldwide trading volume for Bitcoin with 2.7% of the country’s population holding the virtual currency.
Japan also boasts of having been the first country to have a Bitcoin exchange. This was Bitcoin Market which was set up in 2010 on February 6 when the price of the virtual currency at the time was 30 cents. Bitcoin Market did not stay around for long as a scam led to its closure half a year later.
Series of hackings
Soon after Mt Gox, also in Japan, was set up. It was to meet a similar fate four years later after a hacking incident. At the time this was the biggest heist suffered by a Bitcoin exchange. There have been several others like the hacking of Coincheck, also an exchange located in Japan, where more than half a billion dollars was stolen.
Following the hacking of Mt. Gox regulations focusing on Bitcoin in Japan were proposed. This saw an amendment to an existing law which required banks as well securities firm from allowing Bitcoin transactions for customer accounts that were unregistered. The amendments came into effect last year in April and they additionally recognized virtual currencies as a method of payment.
Source/More: Regulations Help Japan’s Rise As A Top Cryptocurrency Market In The World | Type Board
