New Zealand's Dollar-Pegged Crypto "NZDT" To Be Officially Re-Introduced Next Year

New Zealand's dollar-pegged crypto, popularly known as the New Zealand Dollar Token (NZDT), was delayed many months following its rollout in 2017, after the Blockchain New Zealand conference took place in Auckland. According to the latest news from Newsroom, a local news outlet, a Crypto exchange based in New Zealand which is behind NZDT, is more than ready to release again the crypto within the Q1 of 2019. Plans are underway to be reintroduced to its national fiat currency known as the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

The exchange is collaborating with a new unidentified financial institution to launch NZDT again. Their most recent bank, ASB, had some issues with the coin inasmuch as compliance is concerned, know-your-customer (KYC) needs and the increase in Australian digital currency slanders. Currently, the coin’s developers are working hand in hand with several senior government officials that are so determined and inquisitive about digital currency, not condemning. 

Additionally, a crypto tax expert at Bell Gully law firm, Campbell Pentney, also talked about the regulatory issues that left several people at the mercy of financial institutions, especially banks that were themselves spooked because of the uncertain legal climate. Due to that factor, trading volumes were hindered since people had limited alternatives. The lawyer repeated these sentiments and explained: 

“Not having them matters hugely. It was going great, growing massively fast, and then suddenly there was no banking access. People are saying: ‘how do I buy bitcoin? There are a few cryptocurrency exchanges in New Zealand, but volumes are very low and few people are using it. If you had a large amount in bitcoin, it would be quite difficult to get it out. Some banks are cautious about cryptocurrencies and anti-money laundering legislation and some go as far as closing your account if you are dealing with cryptocurrencies.” 

Refiring Kiln   

Pentney is optimistic that the relaunch of NZDT will be a boon to New Zealand's cryptocurrency investors. Originally, NZDT was largely applied to buy other coins, in fact, the tax expert revealed that he expects the market expansion:   

"Let's assume blockchain takes off and has amazing projects all over the world," he said. "Without an NZ dollar entry point [like NZDT], New Zealanders will find it hard to invest in these projects directly."   

The coin, NZDT, was originally released in May last year, prompting Kiwis to enter the cryptocurrency space and start purchasing Bitcoin (BTC) and other bullish cryptos. In the beginning, the trading volume was too low but the exchange later progressed after 4 months and started transacting 1 million New Zealand dollars a day. Nevertheless, earlier this year, its account was officially shutdown by ASB bank.