Indonesia to Increase Crypto Transaction Taxes Starting Next Month
Indonesia will impose higher taxes on cryptocurrency transactions beginning August 1, including significantly larger levies on trades carried out through overseas exchanges, according to a new regulation issued by the finance ministry. Under the revised policy, the tax on sellers of crypto assets through domestic exchanges will rise to 0.21% of each transaction, up from 0.1%. Meanwhile, those using foreign-based platforms will face a sharper increase to 1%, compared to the previous 0.2%. The changes come as the country moves to treat cryptocurrencies as financial assets rather than commodities. The total transaction value of crypto assets in Indonesia tripled in 2024 from the previous year, reaching over 650 trillion rupiah ($39.67 billion), based on data from regulators. The country now has more than 20 million users on licensed crypto exchanges, surpassing the number of investors in the domestic stock market. VAT Adjustments and Mining Tax Changes As part of the new framework, buyers of crypto assets will no longer be required to pay value-added tax (VAT). Previously, buyers paid VAT of between 0.11% and 0.22% on transactions. The government also doubled the VAT rate on crypto mining activities from 1.1% to 2.2%. Additionally, it removed the 0.1% special income tax on mining income, meaning mining profits will instead be subject to standard personal or corporate income tax rates starting in 2026. These measures are intended to align Indonesia’s tax treatment of crypto assets more closely with its treatment of other financial products. Meanwhile, officials have argued that the revised policy aims to ensure fair tax contributions from the growing digital asset market, while closing gaps that could encourage the use of unregulated foreign exchanges. Industry Response and Calls for Flexibility Binance-backed Tokocrypto, one of the country’s major crypto exchanges, said it supported the government’s reclassification of digital assets as financial instruments. However, it urged authorities to grant at least a month-long grace period to allow industry players to adapt to the higher tax rates. “We also emphasize the importance of strengthening oversight and tax enforcement on crypto asset transactions conducted through foreign platforms,” Tokocrypto said in a statement. The company added that the new tax rate for crypto transactions remains higher than the capital gains tax applied to stock market investments. It called for additional fiscal measures to encourage innovation within the domestic crypto sector. Indonesia has taken a gradual approach to regulating cryptocurrencies, allowing them to be legally traded as investment assets, though they remain prohibited as a means of payment.
The Very Best Card for Every Traveler
Are you currently planning on travelling? You’ve gone shopping, booked your flights, and made your itinerary. Good! You have just one thing left out: A travel card! This card can make your trip much smoother and help you save money along the way. A travel credit card is more than just a means of payment. It’s your ticket to earning points on every purchase, getting free airport lounge access, and avoiding those annoying foreign fees when you shop abroad. Let’s examine the best travel card and determine which one works best for your next adventure. Key Takeaway Cards Annual Fees Rewards Credit Score Best Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card $95 60,000 welcome bonus points Good and Excellent Card for flexible points American Express® Gold Card $325 1x – 4x points at restaurants. Good – Excellent A card for a dining experience Citi Strata Premier℠ Card $95 1x-10x points Good – Excellent Rewards for everyday spending Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card $95 2x-5x points Good – Excellent Rewards for everyday spending Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card $395 2x-10x points Excellent For travel benefits Barclaycard Reward Credit Card $30 0.5% cashback Fair For UK residents. Chase Sapphire Reserve® $550 1x-10x points Excellent For Bonus rewards Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card $95 1x-3x points Excellent For small business owners Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card $95 1x-5x points Good – Excellent For earning travel rewards Chase Freedom Unlimited® $0 1.5%-5% cashback Good – Excellent For budget-conscious travelers 10 Best Cards for Travel 2025 I will be reviewing the 10 best cards for travel in 2025. I’ll explain what makes each card special, what they cost, and how much value you can get from them. This will help you pick the best travel card for your needs and spending habits. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card If this is your first time getting a travel card, this is the best for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has been helping people earn travel rewards for over 10 years, and it’s still one of the top choices today. Best: Card for flexible points. Rewards: 60,000 welcome bonus points Credit score needed: Good and Excellent. Annual fees: $95 Pros Cons American Express® Gold Card This card shines when it comes to earning points on everyday spending. It gives you lots of points when you spend at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. You also earn extra points on flights booked directly with airlines. It comes with useful credits for Uber, Dunkin’, dining, and Resy, which can save you money. Best: Card for dining experience Rewards: 1x – 4x points at restaurants. Credit score needed: Good – Excellent Annual fees: $325 Pros Cons Citi Strata Premier℠ Card No other card at this price point offers such strong rewards across so many everyday spending categories. This versatile card rewards you whether you’re at home or traveling. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on flights, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations, covering most of your regular spending. When you book through Citi’s travel portal, hotels and car rentals jump to an impressive 10 points per dollar. Best: Rewards on everyday spending Rewards: 1x-10x points Credit score needed: Good – Excellent Annual fees: $95 Pros Cons Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card What sets this card apart is its simplicity. You earn 2 miles on every single purchase with no categories to track or spending limits to worry about. When you book hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals through Capital One Travel, you’ll get 5 miles per dollar spent. Best: Rewards on everyday spending Rewards: 2x-5x points Credit score needed: Good – Excellent Annual fees: $95 Pros Cons Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card A premium travel card that delivers exceptional value. This card is built for serious travelers who want maximum rewards and premium benefits. The standout feature is the complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One’s own lounges and partner locations. This benefit alone can be worth hundreds of dollars per year if you travel frequently. Best: For travel benefits Rewards: 2x-10x points. Credit score needed: Excellent Annual fees: $395 Pros Cons Barclaycard Reward Credit Card This card makes the most sense for UK residents who travel internationally several times per year and want a simple, no-fee way to earn rewards on their spending. It’s particularly good for people who prefer cashback over points, don’t want to manage complex bonus categories. Best: For UK residents. Rewards: 0.5% cashback. Credit score needed: Fair Annual fees: $30 Pros Cons Chase Sapphire Reserve® For a $550 annual fee, this card delivers premium travel benefits that can easily pay for itself, although the annual fee is costly. The card gives you big points on travel and dining, valuable travel protections, and access to airport lounges around the world. You also get a $300 annual travel credit, a large welcome bonus, and 50% more value when using points for travel through Chase Travel℠. If you use it right, the benefits can outweigh the fee. Best: For Bonus rewards. Rewards: 1x-10x points. Credit score needed: Excellent Annual fees: $550 Pros Cons Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card This card is designed for businesses that spend heavily on travel and common business expenses. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on travel and select business categories like shipping, online advertising, and phone services, up to $150,000 per year. Everything else earns 1 point per dollar with no earning limits. Best: For small business owners Rewards: 1x-3x points. Credit score needed: Excellent Annual fees: $95 Pros Cons Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card This card makes travel spending rewarding without forcing you to use complicated booking portals. You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on hotels, 4 points on airlines, and 3 points on restaurants and other travel, all when booking directly. What sets this card apart is its flexibility. You can book wherever you want and still earn top rewards, plus you get a $50 annual airline credit that covers more than half the
Bit2me Card Review
Bit2Me is a popular cryptocurrency platform from Spain that makes it easy for users across Europe to buy, sell, and earn with digital assets. One of its notable features is the Bit2Me Card, which allows you to use your cryptocurrency anywhere. Imagine having the ease to use your cryptocurrency just like cash, and being able to shop anywhere. Mastercard is accepted, whether you are shopping online or at local stores. The Bit2me card allows you to spend Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies with the same ease as using a traditional debit card. No more complicated exchanges or waiting to convert your crypto into cash. With just a few taps on your phone, you can access your funds and spend them wherever you go. Key takeaway What is a Bit2Me Card? Think of it as a crypto debit card that lets you spend your cryptocurrencies like regular money, whether you’re buying coffee, shopping online, or booking a trip. Instead of converting your crypto manually or transferring funds to your bank, the Bit2Me Card allows you to pay directly using your crypto holdings. It works just like a traditional debit card, but it’s connected to your crypto wallet. With real-time conversion, contactless payments, and cashback rewards, Bit2Me makes it easier than ever to bring your crypto into your everyday life. Pros Cons Key Features of the Bit2Me Card When it comes to crypto cards, not all are created equal. The Bit2Me Card stands out with a great mix of practicality, rewards, and security. Here’s a closer look at what it offers Card Types and Availability You get to choose between two types of cards: As of now, the Bit2Me Card is available across the European Economic Area (EEA). That includes countries like Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and many others in Europe. So if you’re based in the EEA, you’re good to go. Supported Currencies The Bit2Me Card is designed for crypto users, and it doesn’t disappoint. It supports over 250 cryptocurrencies and tokens. You can link your card to several top cryptocurrencies, including: Even better? You can also spend euros (EUR) directly from your Bit2Me wallet. The card automatically converts your crypto into euros at the moment of purchase, making it super easy to spend your digital assets. Cashback and Rewards Who doesn’t love getting something back? With the Bit2Me Card, you can earn up to 7% cashback on your purchases. Yes, even when spending crypto. The exact percentage depends on your loyalty level within the Bit2Me ecosystem. Plus, you’ll find extra bonuses and promotions, especially when shopping with partner brands. For example, they’ve recently offered extra cashback for Huawei products, among others. It’s a great way to earn while you spend. Integration with Payment Systems Bit2Me offers its users the ability to purchase cryptocurrencies with fiat money, including through credit or debit card payment. The Bit2Me Card works with the tools you already use: Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, your Bit2Me Card fits right into your everyday routine, with no clunky setup or workarounds needed. Security Features Crypto security is no joke, and Bit2Me has taken it seriously. You can instantly turn your card on or off from the app, super useful if you ever lose it or just want extra peace of mind. Bit2me securely stores all users’ crypto in cold wallets, protected by a €150 million Ledger Insurance. Fiat funds are kept in separate bank accounts, insured up to €100 million. This approach effectively safeguards cryptocurrencies from theft. Want to change the crypto wallet your card pulls from? No problem. You can switch wallets at any time, giving you total flexibility and control. All this means you stay in charge of your money, no matter what. Fees and Limits Let’s be honest, fees can make or break your experience with a crypto card. The good news is Bit2Me keeps things refreshingly simple and transparent when it comes to costs. Here’s a breakdown of fees and payments you can expect: Fee Type Cost Virtual card issuance Free Physical card issuance Varies (based on user level) Monthly maintenance Free Euro transactions 0% Crypto transactions 0.95% ATM withdrawals (Eurozone) Free ATM withdrawals (outside the EU) 2% Currency conversion Real-time rate + 0.95% fee Issuance and Maintenance Fees Starting with the basics, issuance and maintenance fees covers your virtual card, physical card, and monthly maintenance fee. Here is what you are to expect: This makes the Bit2Me Card an excellent option if you’re looking for a low-cost way to spend your crypto. Transaction Fees Here’s where things get even better: This fee is still lower than what you’d find on many other crypto cards, especially those that add extra “network” or “processing” costs. ATM Withdrawal Fees There are various ATMs spread out across Europe that support the Bit2Me card. Need to grab some cash? Here’s how it works: Pro tip: Use your card for purchases rather than frequent ATM withdrawals when abroad to save on fees. Currency Conversion and Other Fees How to Obtain and Use the Bit2Me Card Ready to start spending your crypto like regular money? The Bit2Me Card makes it easy, from applying to using it at checkout. Here’s everything you need to know to get started. Application Process Getting your Bit2Me Card is quick and straightforward, no paperwork or confusing steps. To apply, you must be a resident of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA). That includes most EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Here’s how to apply: Activating and Managing the Card Once you receive your card, you’ll need to activate it, and again, Bit2Me keeps it easy: Managing Your Card: Inside the app, you’ll find several helpful settings: Linking Wallets One of the coolest features of the Bit2Me Card is that you can spend directly from your crypto wallet. Here’s how it works: Making Payments The card automatically converts your crypto to euros at the time of purchase, so you can use it anywhere that accepts Mastercard no manual exchanges
Who Is Jason Hsu? The Real Story of Jason Hsu’s Life and Work
One notable figure shaping the future of quantitative investing is Jason Hsu, a respected academic, financial innovator, and the founder of Rayliant Global Advisors. With a PhD in finance from UCLA and co-founder status at Research Affiliates, Hsu has helped manage strategies behind hundreds of billions in assets globally. Known for his forward-thinking views on smart beta and factor investing, he stands at the intersection of academic theory and real-world asset management. His influence extends far beyond textbooks. As Chief Investment Officer at Rayliant, Hsu is redefining how investors approach emerging markets using behavioral finance and data-driven strategies. His work has shaped portfolios and sparked global conversations about extracting long-term value in complex markets. This article explores fascinating facts about Jason Hsu, offering insight into his career, investment philosophy, and the impact he’s making through Rayliant Global Advisors, a firm at the cutting edge of modern finance. Key Takeaways Early Life and Education Source: Raydiant website Jason Hsu, the renowned founder of Rayliant Global Advisors, was born in Taiwan, a country known for its dynamic economy and strong emphasis on education and innovation. Growing up in an environment that valued academic excellence and global awareness, Hsu was exposed early on to the importance of analytical thinking and rigorous problem-solving—traits that would later define his career in quantitative finance. Although born in Taiwan, Hsu eventually moved to the United States to pursue higher education, where he embarked on a remarkable academic journey. His path reflects his intellectual prowess and a unique blend of Eastern discipline and Western innovation. Educational Qualifications Jason Hsu’s academic credentials are both impressive and influential in the field of financial economics: Though Hsu operates globally and has significant business interests across Asia and North America, he is currently based in Hong Kong, where Rayliant Global Advisors has a strong presence. His location strategically positions him at the heart of some of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets. From this global vantage point, Hsu leads research, advises institutional investors, and develops cutting-edge financial products tailored to regional markets. Academic and Professional Achievements Source: Raydiant website Jason Hsu is a pioneering investment strategist and a distinguished academic whose research and teaching have shaped the evolution of quantitative finance and smart beta investing. His contributions straddle academia and industry, making him a uniquely positioned thought leader at the intersection of theory and practice. Faculty Roles and Teaching Excellence After earning his Ph.D. in Finance from the UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2005, Jason Hsu returned to the school as a faculty member in fall 2008. At UCLA Anderson, he teaches: Hsu also held teaching positions at: These appointments underscore Hsu’s global academic reach and commitment to financial education across North America and Asia. Leading Voice in Smart Beta and Quantitative Investing Jason Hsu has earned international acclaim for his pioneering work in smart beta investing, which seeks to improve traditional index investing by using alternative weighting methods and factor exposures. His research in this area, especially in collaboration with renowned investor Rob Arnott, led to the development of the RAFI™ Fundamental Index™, which marked a turning point in how investors construct equity portfolios. His co-founder and Chief Investment Officer role at Research Affiliates before founding Rayliant also helped shape smart beta adoption among institutional investors. Award-Winning Research and Publications Hsu’s academic output is prolific, with more than 40 peer-reviewed articles published in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Portfolio Management, Financial Analysts Journal, and Journal of Investment Management. His research is widely cited and continues to influence asset managers and academics. Notable Awards & Recognitions Some of his many awards are: “A Survey of Alternative Equity Index Strategies” (Also won the Readers’ Choice Award from CFA Institute) “A Survey of Alternative Equity Index Strategies” “The Surprising Alpha from Malkiel’s Monkey and Upside-Down Strategies” “A Study of Low-Volatility Portfolio Construction Methods” These accolades affirm Hsu’s standing as one of the most cited and respected academics in modern portfolio theory and index investing. A Recognized Global Scholar Jason Hsu’s ability to blend deep academic rigor with market-oriented solutions places him among the top thought leaders in global finance. His articles are frequently referenced by institutions seeking to design better passive and active strategies. He has also served on editorial boards and speaks regularly at major financial conferences and think tanks worldwide. Jason Hsu Early Career Overview Source: Jason Hsu LinkedIn profile Before founding Rayliant Global Advisors, Jason Hsu had already established himself as a formidable finance and investment research force. His early career is marked by a unique blend of academic achievement, entrepreneurial spirit, and groundbreaking innovations in quantitative investing. One of Hsu’s most influential early roles was as a co-founder and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Research Affiliates, a global investment firm known for its innovative work in smart beta and asset allocation strategies. Founded in the early 2000s by Rob Arnott, Research Affiliates quickly became a powerhouse in systematic investing, and Jason Hsu played a critical role in shaping its core philosophy. At Research Affiliates, Hsu helped to develop and promote the Fundamental Index™ (RAFI™) methodology. This strategy challenged traditional market-cap-weighted indices by using fundamental metrics such as sales, dividends, cash flow, and book value to weight companies in a portfolio. This model aimed to deliver better risk-adjusted returns than conventional passive investing, and it soon gained international attention. His collaboration with Rob Arnott was particularly significant in publishing “Fundamental Indexation,” one of the most cited papers in the smart beta space, and a catalyst for the rise of factor-based investing. Strategic Consulting and Advisory Roles In addition to his work at Research Affiliates, Hsu was frequently engaged as a strategic advisor and consultant to asset management firms, pension funds, and financial institutions seeking data-driven approaches to investment strategy. His expertise in quantitative modeling, behavioral finance, and portfolio optimization positioned him as a trusted voice in institutional investing long before he launched his firm. Hsu also served on various editorial boards and investment committees, contributing to the