https://qz.com/1074032/ethereum-eth-and-bitcoin-btc-prices-are-falling-on-fresh-news-of-a-china-crackdown/ >Fresh reports have emerged about an imminent shutdown of cryptocurrency exchanges by Chinese authorities. The Wall Street Journal reports (paywall) that the Chinese central bank has prepared a set of “draft instructions” that would ban the trading of digital currencies such as bitcoin and ether, citing unnamed sources. The price of bitcoin has fallen about 9% since business publication Caixin first reported on a ban on Sept. 8. The price of ether has fallen 12% in the same period. >The WSJ report echoed one from the official China Securities Journal on Sept. 9, which cited unnamed sources close to the regulator saying bitcoin trading platforms “should be banned” as soon as possible. Despite the reports, the major exchanges are still operating, and they say they haven’t received any notices from regulators.