Taiwan Fast-Tracks AML Regulations for Crypto Exchanges

As a seasoned researcher with a keen interest in financial crimes and their prevention, I find Taiwan’s proactive approach to combating money laundering in the cryptocurrency sector truly commendable. With my past experiences of investigating similar cases in various parts of the world, I can confidently say that this swift action is a step in the right direction towards establishing transparency and trust in the digital asset industry.


Taiwan is expediting efforts to control money laundering within the cryptocurrency market by accelerating its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has brought forward the registration deadline for crypto exchanges to comply with these rules, from January 1st, 2025, to November 30th, 2024.

Following some regulatory infractions, both cryptocurrency platforms, MaiCoin and BitoPro, have been penalized due to their oversights in client verification procedures and transaction surveillance. This is the next phase we are moving into now.

In simpler terms, starting now, any provider offering services related to virtual assets (like cryptocurrencies) must adhere to the latest anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines set by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC). This decision comes as a response to concerns about suspicious activities within these transactions, specifically difficulties in tracking and reporting them.

Key Points of the New Regulations: 

It’s Compulsory to Register for Anti-Money Laundering (AML): All cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers are required to register for anti-money laundering measures by November 30, 2024. Failing to comply could result in severe consequences, such as fines of up to NT$5 million ($155,900) or imprisonment for two years.

Revised Regulations: These fresh regulations encompass both established and newly emerging crypto firms. Consequently, the 26 existing crypto service providers in Taiwan, who have been previously authorized, must adapt to the latest guidelines.

Improved Surveillance on Cryptocurrency Transactions: It is mandatory for cryptocurrency exchanges to keep a close eye out for potentially suspicious transactions, including odd transaction patterns, separation of funds, several accounts tied to the same IP address, and frequent modifications in user data.

Fraud Detection Guide: The Financial Security Council (FSC) has provided a comprehensive guide for businesses to spot warning signs. It’s crucial for platforms to meticulously monitor customer information such as names, bank accounts, IP addresses, and patterns of activity, to identify any suspicious behavior that may indicate fraudulent activities.

Foreign Cryptocurrency Operators: To conduct business within Taiwan, it is mandatory for overseas crypto companies to set up a local entity and go through the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) registration procedure as required by Taiwan’s Corporation Act.

Read More

2024-11-30 14:28