China is preparing to implement a significant revision to its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations to encompass transactions involving cryptocurrencies by 2025.
Local media report that on January 22, Prime Minister Li Qiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council wherein the revised AML law was discussed. The first revised draft of the nation’s anti-money laundering (AML) regulations was introduced in 2021.
The revised draft was incorporated into the State Council’s legislative work plan in 2023 and is anticipated to be enacted into law by 2025.
Since 2007, this will be the initial substantial revision to China’s AML regulations.
Prominent academics and financial specialists who participated in the deliberations regarding the revised draft of the AML regulations stated that the draft’s lack of comprehensiveness was due to the relatively broad scope of the AML law. Preceding all else in a framework is the most critical information.
A participant in the discussion, Peking University Law School professor Wang Xin, emphasized the critical nature of resolving legal issues about cryptocurrency money laundering.
According to Xin, money laundering utilizing cryptocurrencies and digital assets has become an increasingly mainstream practice, and the definition of digital assets in Chinese law is currently ambiguous.
The professor observed that while the revised draft does address the prevention of money laundering through digital assets, it needs more operational guidance regarding the confiscation, freezing, deduction, and seizure of such assets in the event of money laundering offenses.
This deficiency ultimately leads to a “disconnection.” He further stated that efforts to combat money laundering involving digital assets have the potential for further development.
China outlawed the use of cryptocurrencies in their entirety in 2021, including providing services by offshore exchanges and all forms of mining. However, due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies and technological advancements, mainland users have discovered methods to access the cryptocurrency market, exposing them to money laundering risks. The newly amended regulations aim to enforce more stringent guidelines to prevent these types of activities.
