FATF Releases Action Plan to Improve Implementation of Global Standards on Crypto

According to a study published by the Financial Action Task Force, often known as FATF, its delegates have reached a consensus on an action plan "to encourage prompt worldwide implementation" of global standards on cryptocurrencies.

According to a publication that was released on February 24 by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the plenary for the financial watchdog, which is comprised of delegates from more than 200 jurisdictions, recently met in Paris and reached a consensus on a roadmap that is intended to strengthen the "implementation of FATF Standards on virtual assets and virtual asset service providers." The task force has said that it would provide a report on how FATF members have progressed in implementing the crypto standards in 2024. This study will include topics such as the regulation and monitoring of VASPs.

According to the findings of the research, "the absence of regulation of virtual assets in many nations presents possibilities that are used by criminals and terrorist financiers." "Since the FATF strengthened its Recommendation 15 in October 2018 to address virtual assets and virtual asset service providers, many countries have failed to implement these revised requirements," the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) writes. "This includes the 'travel rule,' which requires obtaining, holding, and transmitting originator and beneficiary information relating to virtual asset transactions."

The "Travel Rule" established by the FATF contains a section that recommends virtual asset service providers (VASPs), financial institutions, and regulated organizations in member states gather information on the originators and beneficiaries of certain digital currency transactions. The financial watchdog said that as of April 2022, several nations were not in accordance with its requirements for combating the financing of terrorism and anti-money laundering.

The nations of Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have been among those that have shown the most willingness to put policies in place that are in line with the Travel Rule. According to reports, a number of countries, including Iran and North Korea, have been added to the "grey list" maintained by the FATF in order to monitor potentially illicit financial activities.