FATF Regulations To Access User Data From Crypto Exchanges Endorsed By G20

The guidelines initially put forward by the FATF had received the support of the G20 countries and this may see these guidelines become the law in many of the countries.

Cryptocurrency guidelines proposed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have received an endorsement from the members of the G20. These regulations stipulate that cryptocurrency exchanges should avail user data to the authorities in the same way that traditional banking institutions do. The data would include the personal details and of a holder or transacted of cryptocurrency. By so doing, the FATF hopes to be able to counter financial crimes that are performed using cryptocurrencies such as money laundering through the anonymized cryptocurrency accounts.

These guidelines set by the FATF would be applicable to online crypto trading platforms. The FATF is voluntary and member countries can choose to adopt proposed measures as they see fit. By endorsing the guidelines, the G20 has, in essence, accepted these regulations. Countries in the G20 include the US, China, South Korea, Germany, France and Japan.

FATF Guidelines

The guidelines issued by the FATF require cryptocurrency exchanges to use a risk based approach to assist in the prevention of financial crimes. If there is a suspicion that a particular transaction or a set of transactions may involve criminal activity, exchanges will be required to provide the information of the person or entities which have participated in said transactions.

These guidelines bind all exchanges which operate in countries that make use of FATF rules and regulations. The endorsement of these regulations at the G20 summit could mean that the privacy of crypto users on top digital cryptocurrency exchanges could soon be a thing of the past.

What It Means a For Digital Assets

The endorsement of the proposed guidelines could undo the very basis of cryptocurrencies. These digital assets were created with the purpose of protecting the identity of their owners from scrutiny from governments and other organizations who might seek to force the owner’s hand regarding their financial standing. A person can use cryptocurrencies without their identity being known to any of the people or businesses they transact with. This anonymity is one of the biggest selling points for digital assets and the absence of it is sure to have an adverse effect on their trade.

These proposed regulations could also come with some benefits for the crypto industry. If exchanges find a way to meet the FATF standards, it could speed up the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. It could also protect the digital assets and their owners from possible fraudulent activity as there would now be a way to identify and track criminal elements. A statement from the G20 said that technological innovation such as cryptocurrencies could bring significant benefits to the financial sector and the broader economy. If the digital assets can meet the set regulations, the benefits of digital assets can soon be experienced fully.