Ireland will draft urgent legislation to update crypto regulations in accordance with EU money-laundering rules

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience in the financial sector, I find Ireland’s proactive approach to cryptocurrency regulations commendable. The Irish government’s decision to draft urgent legislation before the EU’s AML/CFT standards come into effect on Dec. 30 demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of combating money laundering and terror financing in the digital age.


Ireland plans to swiftly establish cryptocurrency regulations that align with the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards, which are set to be enforced as of December 30.

On October 16th, as reported by The Irish Examiner, Ireland’s Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, announced his intention to swiftly draft legislation aimed at revising Ireland’s regulations concerning crypto companies and digital assets. This action is intended to ensure compliance with the EU’s “Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act” before it takes effect on December 30th.

Currently, Chambers hasn’t disclosed specifics about the scope of the upcoming cryptocurrency law or when it’ll be enacted yet.

The European Union’s “Act on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism” is designed to boost the capabilities of financial analysis units, allowing them to temporarily halt certain financial transactions.

In the context of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations under the European Union, crypto exchanges can anticipate more stringent rules regarding reporting obligations and a cap of €10,000 or approximately $10,850 on cash transactions. There will also be increased scrutiny over large transactions and new mandates for high-value transaction reporting.

The regulations cover certain areas that pose high risks for money-laundering and terrorism financing, including laws involving crypto assets and crowd fundings. In addition, the AML/CFT is poised to complement other regulatory frameworks including the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.

On September 23rd, Derville Rowland, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, expressed their plans to maintain Ireland’s financial system as a leader in secure and innovative practices, all while adhering to the guidelines set by the MiCA regulations.

She recognized that crypto regulations were a vital part of Europe’s development into a global finance leader in adapting and adopting new technologies.

The Central Bank of Ireland emphasized the significance of Ireland, being a small, dynamic economy with a strong financial sector, taking an active role in ensuring that its financial system isn’t exploited for money laundering or funding terrorist activities,” is one way to paraphrase the original statement.

By July, the Irish Central Bank has given approval to a total of 15 companies offering virtual asset services, among them are Gemini, Ripple, Paysafe, MoonPay, and Coinbase.

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2024-10-17 13:34