Are countries banning crypto currencies? I haven't read any news recently about any countries banning crypto currencies. I've ready about countries banning ICOs or banning crypto currency exchanges dealing in the local currency, but that's it.

Which countries are you referring to?

Until you can reply, here's a link to the legal status of Bitcoin by Country, it's updated regularly: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_bitcoin_by_country_or_territory