European Banking Authority Calls for Enhanced Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Crypto Providers – Regulation Incoming?

cryptonews.com:

The European Banking Authority (EBA) aims to update the Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) rules for crypto providers. 

In a  consultation paper released on November 24 , the banking regulator of the European Union acknowledged that current EU regulations lack the necessary teeth to ensure compliance with AML/CFT standards in the crypto industry. 

Interested parties have until February 26, 2024, to provide their input on the proposed guidelines.

The EBA’s proposals include the integration of AML/CFT criteria for payment service providers and crypto asset service providers (CASPs). 

The goal is to streamline regulations and promote interoperability among these entities. 

By enhancing the interoperability of their protocols, CASPs will be required to “enable the transmission of information in a seamless and interoperable manner.”

Additionally, the new rules would mandate CASPs to obtain and retain information on self-hosted addresses. 

They would also need to ensure the traceability of crypto asset transfers by verifying the ownership or control of the addresses held by their customers. 

Although the EBA does not specify the frequency, the requirements would be triggered when the transfer amount from the self-hosted account exceeds €1,000.

Assuming the consultation process proceeds smoothly, the updated guidelines are expected to take effect on December 30, 2024.

The new consultation paper comes after the  EBA released another paper in October , which assessed the suitability of management body members and stakeholders in issuers of asset-referenced tokens and CASPs. 

In July, the EBA also  encouraged stablecoin issuers  to voluntarily comply with specific guiding