The U.K.’s financial watchdog has watered down some of the key compliance requirements for crypto firms as it released its first full set of rules for the industry to follow.
Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets
Posted inCryptocurrency and Digital Assets
U.K.’s sanctions on cryptocurrency exchanges signal new focus on illicit digital financing
Cryptocurrency exchanges believed to be financing Russia’s war in Ukraine have been sanctioned by the U.K. government in the first attempt to prevent evasion via “dark networks.”
Posted inCryptocurrency and Digital Assets
Experts weigh up challenges for firms, FCA under U.K. plan to regulate crypto
The U.K. has set itself a path to regulate crypto from the end of next year that is different to the rest of Europe. While the EU has created sector-specific rules for the industry under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation, the U.K. will instead make crypto firms subject to the same rules as every other financial services provider.
Posted inCryptocurrency and Digital Assets
The SEC’s crypto taxonomy changes everything. Pending enforcement targets should act now
The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance published a 68-page interpretive release in March that, for the first time, defines what is and is not a security in the digital asset space.
Posted inCryptocurrency and Digital Assets
Bank of England changes stance on stablecoins after cumbersome compliance complaints
The Bank of England has revealed that it is reconsidering two of the more contentious aspects of its proposed stablecoin framework after pressure from many in the crypto asset sector. Crypto companies have complained that the proposed regulations would be too restrictive and would hold back the industry in the U.K. in comparison with other global financial markets.
Posted inCryptocurrency and Digital Assets
U.K. sets out parameters of crypto regulation in guidance consultation
Crypto firms are set to be regulated by the United Kingdom’s key financial watchdog from late 2027, but the rules around how it will do so are still being ironed out.
Posted inSanctions
EU’s 20th Russian Sanctions Package extends compliance to third parties and anti-circumvention measures
The EU has intensified its focus on sanctions circumvention and the supply of Russian oil in a clear signal that the energy crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will not weaken its efforts to sever Russian cashflows.
Posted inCryptocurrency and Digital Assets
FCA joins police, HMRC to carry out first crackdown on illegal crypto trading
The U.K.’s financial services regulator has raided eight addresses in London as part of an operation working with police and tax authorities to disrupt illicit crypto activity and prevent possible financial crime risks.
Posted inCryptocurrency and Digital Assets
Crypto rules may diverge across jurisdictions, but EU’s MiCA likely to prove most attractive
One of the most common ways for a jurisdiction to attract the attention—and investment—of a particular industry is to offer them a regulatory regime that is different and provides enough scope for players in the sector to leverage opportunities for growth.
Posted inRisk Management
Experts warn of increased global AML risks as criminals seek to launder Venezuelan money
The U.S. action to remove President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and reopen access to the country’s oil reserves will have a significant impact on geopolitics and organized crime activities – creating new challenges for global compliance teams.
