One of the largest banks in the Philippines is reportedly launching a two-way cryptocurrency ATM that is in compliance with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ specifications. In the Philippines, the central bank regulates cryptocurrencies “when used for delivery of financial services, particularly, for payments and remittances.”
Also read: Indian Supreme Court Moves Crypto Hearing, Community Calls for Positive Regulations
Unionbank’s ATM
The Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank), one of the largest banks in the country, is reportedly launching a two-way cryptocurrency automated teller machine (ATM). The Philippine Star reported on Wednesday that this machine will be the country’s first crypto ATM that complies with the rules set by the central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The project is part of the Philippine government’s regulatory sandbox. The bank says it has been collaborating with the BSP to provide Filipinos with innovative solutions.
Unionbank said in a statement, “In the bank’s continued quest to cater to the evolving needs and tastes of customers, including clients who use virtual currency, the ATM will provide these clients an alternative channel to convert their pesos to virtual currency and vice versa,” the publication conveyed. No specific coins were mentioned in the announcement.
A picture of the bank’s upcoming crypto ATM was posted on social media on Jan. 17 by Twitter user Mike Abundo.
Crypto Regulation in the Philippines
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas explained, “Following the warning advisory issued by the BSP in March 2014, a formal regulatory approach was adopted through the issuance of Circular No. 944 dated 6 February 2017.” This circular establishes “guidelines for virtual currency (VC) exchanges” offering “services or engaging in activities that provide facility for the conversion or exchange of fiat currency to VC or vice versa” in the country, the BSP
