- Anonymous crypto cap at €1,000
- Combats money laundering
- Greater transparency required
In a significant move, European Union lawmakers have approved draft legislation that puts a 1,000 euro ($1,083) cap on anonymous cryptocurrency transfers. The aim is to curb money laundering and terrorist financing activities within the region.
As per a statement from the European Parliament dated March 28, the imposed limit will be applicable to any crypto asset transfer where the customer’s identity cannot be verified. Alongside this, cash transactions will face a cap of 7,000 euros ($7,585).
The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) package is slated for confirmation during a plenary session in April. Following this, negotiations will commence to finalize the details of the proposed bills.
The European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), established in June 2022, is expected to enforce these new rules once they are implemented. Lawmakers displayed strong support for the text pertaining to anonymous instruments, including cryptocurrencies, with 99 votes in favor, eight against, and six abstentions.
The recently adopted text highlights the necessity for increased transparency and compliance, particularly for crypto asset managers. Various entities, including banks, asset and crypto asset managers, real and virtual estate agents, and top-tier professional football clubs, will be obligated to verify their customers’ identities, their holdings, and who controls the respective companies.
Furthermore, the affected industries must identify specific risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing within their business domains and convey this crucial information to a centralized registry.
In other news, Do Kwon, a co-founder of Terraform Labs, has founded a new company in Serbia for just $1, a few weeks after receiving an Interpol red notice targeting him. The Serbian Commercial Registry provided the documentation that revealed this unusual development.
