The People’s Bank of China (PBC) has released a new regulation against Bitcoin transaction services, meaning that exchanges such as BTC China must stop taking customer deposits in yuan.

In March, the country’s central bank demanded that existing accounts for Bitcoin transactions be cleared by 15 April.

Provider Alipay quickly made its position clear by stating that it would not provide value-added and cash withdrawal services for virtual currencies such as Bitcoin.

However, other platforms have been functioning as usual, with almost 20 organisations enabling services in digital currencies.

China Merchants Bank, one of the country’s biggest banks, stated that it would stop handling Bitcoin-related transactions "to protect public interests and safeguard the legal status of the yuan to prevent money laundering."

This new regulation follows a statement by the PBC in December 2013, banning financial institutions in China from dealing with Bitcoin.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Related articles:

BTC China halts Bitcoin transactions to China Merchant Bank

PBOC orders shutdown of Bitcoin trading accounts

China suspends mobile payments using QR codes: Reports