EBA to extend EU Travel Rule to crypto exchanges starting from December

As an analyst with a background in financial regulation and a strong interest in the crypto space, I believe that the European Banking Authority’s (EBA) expansion of Travel Rules guidelines to include crypto service providers is a positive step towards enhancing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures. With the increasing popularity and adoption of cryptocurrencies, it is essential for regulatory bodies to adapt and address potential risks associated with these assets.


To strengthen Anti-Money Laundering (AML) efforts, the European Banking Authority (EBA) has broadened the Travel Rules regulations to encompass crypto service providers and their intermediaries.

Effective December 30, cryptocurrency exchanges based in the European Union are mandated to adhere to Regulation (EU) 2023/1113. This regulation necessitates reporting of details regarding fund and crypto asset transfers.

As a crypto investor, I understand that under the European Union’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), crypto asset service providers (CASPs) will now fall under the jurisdiction of the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. This means that these providers will be required to comply with the same strict regulations as traditional financial institutions in order to prevent illicit activities within the crypto market.

Payment service providers (PSPs), intermediate PSPs, Card and Account Information Security Players (CASPs), and intermediate CASPs will have a two-month period to affirm their adherence to the latest regulations.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has recently released updated instructions specifying the required details for transfers involving funds and specific cryptocurrencies. [Link]

— EU Banking Authority – EBA 🇪🇺 (@EBA_News) July 4, 2024

When dealing with cryptocurrency transactions, service providers have the responsibility of obtaining necessary user information, distinguishing between regular transactions and those related to funds or crypto transfer, as well as identifying linked transfers. Additionally, they are required to disclose their approaches regarding multi-intermediation and cross-border transfers.

Crypto exchanges and service providers may experience financial pressure as they strive to adhere to the European Union’s Travel Rule guidelines set by the EBA.

However, the financial regulatory body noted a silver lining:

As a researcher studying the impact of these guidelines, I believe that the advantages they bring will surpass any associated costs. These guidelines are poised to significantly strengthen our efforts in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Under the European Union’s Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) or a comparable anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulation in their home countries, crypto exchanges and service providers are obligated to adhere to the necessary AML/CFT guidelines.

I, as a cryptocurrency market analyst, have observed that various governments worldwide have been implementing stricter regulations on crypto exchanges. In response, crypto protocols are proactively taking steps to ensure compliance with these new rules.

In March, the biggest cryptocurrency exchange globally, Binance, became a member of the Global Travel Rule alliance in order to fight financial criminal activities such as money laundering and terrorist funding.

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2024-07-05 14:04