What is Crypto AML Compliance, and What Does It Imply for Crypto Exchanges?

Cryptocurrencies, while revolutionary, have become a medium for criminal activities such as money laundering. The anonymity and decentralized nature of digital currencies make it challenging to track illicit transactions. It has necessitated the implementation of stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures within the crypto industry to reduce these risks and protect crypto businesses and their clients. This article explains the essence of AML crypto checks and the rules that crypto exchanges must adhere to.

The Essence of AML Rules

AML cryptocurrency regulations are crafted to prevent the misuse of crypto for illegal purposes. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an international authority that plays a key role in developing AML guidelines. AML rules mandate thorough customer due diligence, continuous transaction monitoring, and the reporting of suspicious activities. By enforcing these measures, the aim is to close potential loopholes used for laundering money through crypto assets.

How Crypto Exchanges Comply with AML Regulations

An example of AML compliance of the WhiteBIT AML crypto check. This tool allows the exchange’s clients to make sure the transactions are not involved in any illegal schemes. To make such a check, a user needs to specify an asset (BTC, SOL, or any other coin) or a wallet address and pay a check fee (this may be paid with the WhiteBIT coin). The tool will show if an asset or a wallet specified is involved in illegal financial activities. 

Crypto exchanges adhere to AML guidelines through several critical actions:

• Know-your-client (KYC). This is the initial step in AML for crypto, involving the verification of the identity of clients. Exchanges require users to provide personal identification documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses, or other government-issued IDs.
• Transaction monitoring. Exchanges monitor transactions for suspicious activity that might indicate money laundering. That may be unusually large or frequent transactions by a single user. 
• Suspicious activity reports (SARs). If potentially illegal activity is detected, crypto exchanges are required to file SARs with the relevant financial authorities. These reports must be filed confidentially and without notifying the customer involved in the suspicious activities.
• Compliance and audit programs. Crypto exchanges establish compliance programs to ensure ongoing adherence to cryptocurrency AML regulations. These programs often include regular audits both internally and by third parties to verify compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Employee training. Exchanges train their employees in AML crypto compliance to ensure they understand the regulations and their roles in enforcing them. 
• Risk assessment. Exchanges analyze customer behavior to assess the risks of money laundering.

Although cryptocurrencies’ decentralized nature presents unique challenges, robust crypto AML frameworks help ensure that crypto exchanges operate within legal and regulatory norms.