Sharesies Enters Crypto as NZ Bans ATMs

- Sharesies to launch crypto trading with access to Bitcoin and Ethereum. - New Zealand bans crypto ATMs to combat financial crime. New Zealand investment platform Sharesies will introduce cryptocurrency trading in August 2025. The platform will incorporate popular digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum into its offerings. On July 30, 2025, Cryptopolitan reported that Sharesies aims to simplify crypto investing. The company will partner with a major cryptocurrency platform to remove the burden for users of managing wallets and private keys, allowing them to buy, sell, and hold digital assets directly within the Sharesies interface. The decision stems from growing demand among New Zealand investors. On July 30, RNZ News and BusinessDesk reported that Sharesies aims to position itself as a gateway to crypto investing and plans to capitalize on global market highs for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Sharesies' entry coincides with heightened regulatory scrutiny in New Zealand's crypto space. On July 9, 2025, The Block revealed the government has enacted a nationwide ban on cryptocurrency ATMs. The ban, which affects over 220 machines, falls under the country's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework. Additionally, on July 23, 2025, Cointelegraph reported that the reform aims to block unlawful financial activities linked to cryptocurrencies. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee affirmed these changes align with global efforts to regulate digital asset transactions. Another key reform introduces strict limits on cash transfers. On July 10, 2025, 1News reported that New Zealand now imposes a $5,000 cap on international cash remittances to combat financial crimes. In contrast, electronic transfers via banks allow higher thresholds, with some institutions offering limits up to $100,000 per day during regular banking hours. The United Kingdom, Singapore, and China have recently introduced similar policies. According to market data on July 30 at 15:09 UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $118,379.03, up 0.566% over the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) was trading at $3,792.87, marking a 0.593% rise in the same period.