FCA Report Highlights Crypto in UK Money Laundering Battle

The UK is accelerating its anti-money laundering efforts in the crypto sector, with plans for new legislation by mid-2023.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has brought attention to the possibility of money laundering activities being exploited within the cryptocurrency sector.

In a recent risk assessment report encompassing 238 firms, the FCA classified crypto firms alongside the retail and wholesale banking and wealth management sectors as being among the most hazardous.

Since 2020, crypto firms have been required to register with the FCA, a financial regulator in the United Kingdom, and comply with rigorous money laundering regulations. 

The FCA allocated 52.8 full-time employees to anti-money laundering during 2022-2023, of which 15.8 were explicitly assigned to crypto enterprises. This endeavor highlights the regulatory organization’s dedication to supervising and mitigating illicit financial transactions in cryptocurrency. 

UK’s Efforts to Combat Crypto Crimes 

Law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom have implemented substantial measures to combat offenses associated with cryptocurrencies. The National Police Chiefs’ Council announced the nationwide deployment of crypto tactical advisors in October 2022.

The work of these advisors is vital in confiscating digital assets associated with illicit operations. Law enforcement has reportedly seized hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency obtained by criminal enterprises. 

During the reporting period, the FCA financial crime specialist teams, excluding the dedicated divisions, instigated 95 cases about crypto assets. These endeavors are integrated into a more comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing regulatory control and fortifying the legal structure of digital currencies and their application in unlawful undertakings. 

Future Regulatory Alterations And Worldwide Developments 

In light of the dynamic environment, the United Kingdom is anticipated to enact fresh legislation encompassing diverse facets of the cryptocurrency market by the midpoint of 2023.

Economic Secretary Bim Afolami declared the implementation of regulations about stablecoins and the wider operations of the cryptocurrency market, including staking, trading, and custody.

These modifications aim to establish the United Kingdom as a preeminent center for cryptocurrencies while also conforming to worldwide regulatory patterns. 

Currently, crypto assets that function as property or underpin regulated financial products or activities, such as collective investment schemes, are subject to regulation by the FCA.

Subsequent legislation will further broaden this jurisdiction, signifying a noteworthy progression in the regulatory structure governing cryptocurrency transactions in the United Kingdom.