Report Finds Less Illicit Crypto Activity in Nations With Full Licensing Regimes in 2023: TRM Labs

CoinDeskPolicyPublished on 2024-01-07Last updated on 2024-01-08

Abstract

TRM Labs' analysis was published in a report Monday that reviewed 2023 global crypto policy in 21 jurisdictions which represent 70% of global crypto exposure.

Blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs has found that crypto service providers in countries with full regulatory regimes had lower rates of illicit activity than those in less regulated jurisdictions in 2023.

TRM Labs' analysis was published in a report Monday that reviewed 2023 global crypto policy in 21 jurisdictions which represent 70% of global crypto exposure. As many as 80% of the 21 jurisdictions have moved to tighten crypto oversight and almost half have specifically progressed consumer protection measures, the report shared with CoinDesk found.

27.2K

"While differences in national philosophies and priorities persist, we observed a convergence toward certain standards," the report said. "This increasing regulatory maturity and greater focus on compliance by the private sector have already impacted illicit finance activities."

Advertisement
Advertisement

The report predicts that in 2024 questions will remain in the DeFi space – for example, "where responsibility and accountability lie, and how regulators can practically exercise oversight and authority."

While these questions are unlikely to be answered in 2024, data from standards adopted this year will provide insights to better understand the impact of the rules for 2025, the report said.

TRM Labs also predicted that 2024 will see the U.S. move on mixers and refresh national risk assessments on money laundering and terrorist financing.

Edited by Oliver Knight.

Related Reads

Canada MSB, Why is it More Suitable for Teams Focused on Long-Term Payment Solutions?

**Canada MSB: Why Is It More Suitable for Teams Focused on Long-Term Payments?** Many crypto payment projects initially obtain a U.S. MSB registration for its cost-effectiveness and market recognition. However, as they scale operations, they often find it insufficient for sustainable, real-world payment business. This is where the Canadian MSB, regulated by FINTRAC, gains serious consideration. Unlike the U.S. framework, the Canadian MSB is not a "lightweight alternative" but a choice for projects committed to long-term, compliant operations, especially in B2B payments, cross-border settlements, and stablecoin transactions. **Key Distinctions:** The Canadian MSB emphasizes substantive, ongoing regulation. It requires establishing a full-fledged AML/CTF framework *before* launching operations, with continuous obligations for KYC, transaction monitoring, and reporting. This positions the holder as a regulated financial service provider from day one. **Operational Scope:** A properly structured Canadian MSB can support businesses like stablecoin/crypto payments and transfers, fiat-crypto exchange, B2B batch settlements, payment APIs for merchants, and underlying structures for services like crypto cards. **Strategic Advantages:** 1. **Bank & Partner Relations:** Its clear regulatory framework and operational requirements make it easier to explain compliance to banks and institutional partners, which is crucial for securing stable banking relationships. 2. **Centralized Path:** It offers a nationally unified system, avoiding the complexity and cost of navigating multiple U.S. state-level Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs). 3. **Business Model Clarity:** It fosters long-term stability by requiring clear business structures, transparent fund flows, and real risk management from the outset, reducing future uncertainties. **Ideal Candidates:** The Canadian MSB is particularly suitable for B2B crypto payment platforms, cross-border stablecoin services, enterprise payment solutions, Web3 financial infrastructure projects, and teams building a "compliance benchmark" for sustainable growth. **Choosing Between U.S. and Canadian MSB:** The choice depends on the project's stage and goals. The **U.S. MSB** is better for **speed, initial validation, and early launch**. The **Canadian MSB** is better for **stability, substantive compliance, and long-term operation**, especially when serving B2B/enterprise clients and requiring reliable banking channels. In essence, while the Canadian MSB involves higher initial compliance rigor, it provides a more solid foundation for building a payment business that banks, partners, and regulators can accept over the long term.

marsbit18m ago

Canada MSB, Why is it More Suitable for Teams Focused on Long-Term Payment Solutions?

marsbit18m ago

Trading

Spot
Futures
活动图片