Canadian exchange Coinsquare has acquired software allowing traditional ATMs to sell cryptocurrency such as bitcoin (BTC), according to a press release on July 3. Coinsquare announced a controlling investment in Just Cash, a United States-based fintech startup that has developed a software that allows users to purchase crypto directly through traditional ATM machines without the need of additional hardware or mobile application. Following the investment of undisclosed amount, the Just Cash team will join Coinsquare in and operate under Coinsquare brand. Coinsquare CEO Cole Diamond says that the new initiative reflects the company’s mission of bringing mainstream adoption to the …

The total number of bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) worldwide reached 5,000 for the first time, monitoring resource CoinATMRadar confirmed on June 24. According to the latest statistics, there are now 5,006 standalone BTMs in around 90 countries, where cryptocurrency users can buy or sell bitcoin (BTC). Some machines offer both services simultaneously. The data caps a protracted period of growth in the BTM sector, with the U.S. leading the trend as more and more locations and formats appear. June has seen a total of 150 installations, around 6 per day. General Bytes recently overtook Genesis Coin as the manufacturer with the …

The city of Vancouver, Canada, is considering banning bitcoin (BTC) automated teller machines (ATMs) due to money laundering issues, the Next Web reported on June 5. The mayor of Vancouver, Kennedy Stewart, has reportedly suggested a complete ban on bitcoin ATMs in connection with the increasing number of money laundering cases. A police report cited by the Next Web claim that criminals could purchase a bitcoin ATM for their own needs for a few thousand dollars, and then deposit their cash into that ATM “as many times as required” to profit from or eliminate the transaction fees. Authorities reportedly expect …

Bitcoin ATM operator Coinme has expanded its bitcoin (BTC) purchasing options for United States residents to cover 21 states, the company confirmed in a press release on May 22. Coinme, which began as the U.S.’s first licensed bitcoin ATM provider in 2014, will now serve around 2,200 locations in the country via its existing partnership with coin kiosk operator Coinstar. As Cointelegraph reported, Coinstar first started selling bitcoin for USD in January this year, so far restricting the feature to the U.S. market. “Bitcoin and other digital currencies offer unique benefits to consumers — including the potential for more cost-effective …

In Spain, eight people have been arrested for allegedly operating a money laundering scheme involving cryptocurrencies, Europol announced in a press release on May 8. Per the release, the group laundered money by exchanging fiat currency to crypto assets. The individuals reportedly used cryptocurrency ATMs and split funds into smaller sums to introduce them into the financial system without having the transactions reported as suspicious. Participants reportedly carried cash, depositing it in several bank accounts and moving it around through different accounts before exchanging it for crypto. Large transfers were sent to accounts from corporate entities owned by the alleged …

Cryptocurrency automated teller machine (ATMs) operator CoinFlip has postponed support for the stablecoin tether (USDT). The company announced the development in a tweet on May 1. CoinFlip initially revealed that it will start listing Tron-powered stablecoin USDT at over 180 CoinFlip’s ATMs on April 30. However, in about 24 hours CoinFlip posted an update, saying that it has postponed USDT listing “until a later time.” The company noted in the tweet that it will still work together with Tron to provide customers with the cash-to-tron option. Commenting on the company’s decision, CoinFlip CEO Daniel Polotsky told Cointelegraph: “CoinFlip's number one …

Saudi automated teller machine (ATM) provider Alhamrani Universal (AU) has collaborated with blockchain identity platform ShoCard to develop a blockchain-based biometric ATM, according to a press release published on Feb. 27. The collaboration will see AU and ShoCard create a new type of an ATM combining blockchain technology and biometrics as part of a five-factor authentication process. The ATM will reportedly allow customers to use a blockchain-based app and facial recognition instead of personal identification numbers to withdraw funds. The ATMs will purportedly be able to communicate across banks in the region, while the deployment of blockchain technology will allow …

Major Philippines bank Union Bank is launching the country’s first two-way cryptocurrency ATM, local media outlet Philstar reported Feb. 6. The move will reportedly let customers buy and sell cryptocurrencies for cash via the ATM as part of the bank’s “sandbox” — a framework for conducting experiments in a controlled environment. The report did not specify which digital currencies will be supported in the experiment. According to Philstar, the system complies with current regulations and is the result of a collaboration between Union Bank and the country’s central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The article cites a statement released …

The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has granted a virtual currency license, or BitLicense, to Cottonwood Vending LLC, according to an official tweet on Jan. 31. Cottonwood Vending is a Bitcoin (BTC) ATM operator with terminals in New York City and the surrounding area. According to the tweet, the granting of such licenses “continues to advance responsible innovation in New York’s fintech industry.” Bitcoin ATMs, or BTMs, are touchscreen kiosks that enable users to deposit cash and either buy Bitcoin, or to scan their mobile wallet, sell their crypto, and withdraw cash. Sales and purchases sync automatically …

A new crypto purchasing portal is enabling users to purchase more than 20 cryptocurrencies and altcoins using fiat directly. Netcoins, the Canadian company behind the app, says the recently launched service is operational 24/7 online — helping to deliver real-time transactions without delays. The Netcoins team says its offering stands out from competitors because it simplifies transactions for crypto enthusiasts, and eliminates the need to change fiat currencies into Bitcoin or Ethereum before going on to purchase altcoins. The new Netcoins platform also offers an automated Know Your Customer (KYC) product, giving users the opportunity to complete the registration quickly …

United States Bitcoin ATM (‘BTM’) operator Coinme has entered a partnership to sell Bitcoin (BTC) at coin counting kiosks owned by Coinstar, the company confirmed in a press release Jan. 17. Coinme, which was the first BTM operator to receive a license in the U.S. in 2014, will reportedly add thousands of locations via the move, which has already seen integrations go live. CEO and cofounder Neil Bergquist commented in the press release: “Bitcoin is now accessible at your local grocery store via Coinstar kiosks, and this offering will make it even easier for consumers to participate in this dynamic …

Bitcoin (BTC) automated teller machine (ATM) manufacturer Lamassu has moved to Switzerland due to regulatory difficulties in other countries, according to a blog post published Jan. 1. Lamassu — now called Lamassu Industries AG — has moved to the Swiss canton of Lucerne, because the firm wants “to be in a place where rules are well defined and regulators are pro-innovation.” Lamassu revealed in the post that its applications to open an account were rejected by 15 banks because it produces terminals for Bitcoin, while not taking part in trading or storing digital currencies. Additionally, the company was purportedly rejected …