AML
US Government Removes Cryptocurrency AML Provisions from NDAA
The US government has removed two AML provisions relating to cryptocurrencies from the NDAA, indicating a cautious approach to crypto regulation and raising concerns about future AML measures.
185 Blockchain Hacking Incidents with $920M Loss Reported by SlowMist in First Half of 2023
SlowMist, a renowned blockchain security firm, has recently published its mid-2023 report on Blockchain Security and Anti-Money Laundering (AML). The report offers a comprehensive overview of the current global landscape of blockchain security and AML developments.
Crypto Exchange BKEX Halts Withdrawals Amid Money Laundering Investigation
In a surprise announcement on May 29, 2023, BKEX, one of the major cryptocurrency exchanges, has temporarily suspended user withdrawals due to alleged involvement in money laundering activities.
Estonia Shuts Down Crypto Firms
Nearly 400 virtual asset service providers (VASPs) have shut down in Estonia due to enhanced Anti-Money Laundering laws. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) revoked the authorizations of almost 190 firms for non-compliance. The remaining 100 active crypto firms had issues with misleading company information, including falsified professional backgrounds and copied business plans.
Hong Kong Central Bank Urges Crypto-Friendly Banking
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has instructed authorized institutions to adopt a risk-based approach in Anti-Money Laundering efforts and provide banking services to cryptocurrency firms.
DeFi Execs Argue KYC as Solution to Combat Money Laundering in the Industry
DeFi executives at the WOW Summit in Hong Kong endorse KYC as a solution to tackle AML issues and combat hackers laundering stolen funds into clean money. However, there are concerns that KYC alone will not solve all AML problems and that different mechanisms should be used for different solutions.
India Implements AML Standards on Crypto
The Indian government has imposed anti-money laundering (AML) standards on crypto, subjecting a range of crypto transactions to the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PLMA) 2002. The PLMA obliges financial institutions to maintain a record of all transactions for the last ten years, provide these records to officials if demanded, and verify the identity of all clients. The notification will complicate the life of crypto companies in India, as regulators worldwide are tightening AML standards for crypto.
FATF Releases Action Plan to Improve Implementation of Global Standards on Crypto
Over 200 governments agreed to tighten the "application of FATF Standards on virtual assets and virtual asset service providers".
WazirX Faces Sanction For Abating Illegal Loan App Companies
Asian crypto exchange WazirX which has been under the probe of the Indian enforcement agency, Directorate of Enforcement has finally had its bank assets seized
EU Partially Agrees to Establishes Anti-Money Laundering Authority
The European Union through the Council of the EU has agreed on partial terms to establish an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) body that will be named the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA)
