AML
AML BitCoin is being designed by the NAC Foundation. AML BitCoin will have anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and theft-resistant properties built into the code of the coin and will be compliant with a host of laws.
Cyprus Tightens Crypto Regulations with Hefty Penalties for Non-Compliance
Cyprus is tightening its cryptocurrency regulations by introducing hefty penalties for non-compliance. The government aims to align with international AML/CFT standards and has submitted a legislative amendment for review. All crypto service providers must register with CySEC, facing fines or imprisonment for non-compliance.
HKEX Introduces Synapse: A New Settlement Acceleration Platform for Stock Connect
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) announces the launch of HKEX Synapse, a settlement acceleration platform designed to improve market efficiency and transparency for Northbound Stock Connect participants. The platform, set to launch on October 9, 2023, will employ DAML smart contracts to streamline post-trade operations. The move aims to enhance real-time data synchronization and scalability for asset managers, brokers, and other market participants.
Polygon MATIC Launches Solution Provider Network (SPN) for Seamless Developer Collaboration
Polygon has launched the Solution Provider Network (SPN) to facilitate real-time connections between developers and essential infrastructure like oracles, bridges, RPC providers, and wallets, enhancing visibility and credibility within the Polygon ecosystem.
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.
Hong Kong to Release Cryptocurrency Exchange Licensing Guidelines
The Hong Kong Securities Futures Commission (SFC) plans to release guidelines for cryptocurrency exchange licensing next month, in support of trading services to retail investors by June 1. AML/KYC regulatory requirements were key considerations in the consultation process. Some trading platforms have already received licenses, while others have chosen to cease operations.
US Treasury to Increase DeFi Regulation
The US Treasury conducted a risk assessment of DeFi, finding it lacking in AML/CFT compliance, and reported money laundering, scammers, and North Korean hackers benefiting from the sector. The Treasury response to Biden's executive order suggests more regulation for DeFi, including compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act.
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.