The Crypto Cleanup: South Africa’s New Bid to Exit FATF’s Grey List

South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre has issued Directive 9, requiring digital asset platforms to collect and store identity information for cryptocurrency transactions. New Rules Force Crypto Platforms to Track User Identities A South African financial intelligence unit has issued a directive obligating digital asset platforms to collect the identities of parties involved in cryptocurrency transactions. … Read more

Russia’s Digital Currency Measures Fail to Satisfy FATF, Blacklist Possible

Russia’s financial regulator maintains that its anti-money laundering system, including strengthened virtual currency regulations, remains effective even if the country faces potential blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The agency highlighted new federal laws addressing previous concerns and stressed that no significant deficiencies exist that would justify Russia’s inclusion on the FATF blacklist, … Read more

FATF Urges India to Strengthen Virtual Asset Regulation

India has achieved a high level of technical compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, addressing illicit finance, money laundering, and terrorist financing. In a joint assessment with regional bodies, the FATF praised India’s progress but pointed out areas needing improvement, especially in regulating the non-financial sector and virtual asset providers. The country was … Read more

Seychelles Approves Bill on Virtual Asset Regulation

The Seychelles National Assembly has approved a draft bill to regulate virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The bill requires license-seeking VASPs to establish a substantial presence in Seychelles, such as having a resident director and an office with competent staff. The law aims to balance innovation with anti-money laundering efforts, adhering to Financial Action Task … Read more

The Two-Class System of Regulation Plaguing Europe

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance, the emergence of crypto assets has introduced unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities for regulators who provide proactive frameworks across the globe. The European Union is the largest government body that has done so through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), however, it finds itself at a … Read more

Turkish Parliament Committee to Review Crypto Bill This Week

The Turkish parliament’s Planning and Budget Committee will discuss a draft law this week that would require crypto asset service providers to obtain licenses and register. This move aims to enhance Turkey’s compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. In 2021, FATF placed Turkey on its “grey list” due to inadequate oversight of … Read more

Russia’s FATF Rating Downgraded Over Crypto Regulation Shortfalls

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has lowered Russia’s rating owing to insufficient oversight of cryptocurrencies, as indicated by regional coverage. According to RBC, this downgrade highlights escalating worries about the country’s capacity to oversee and mitigate dubious transactions within the rapidly expanding realm of digital finance. Russia’s Financial Strategy Challenged by FATF Downgrade The … Read more