austrac

With the official implementation of cryptocurrency regulatory reforms in Australia, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) announced today the launch of two supervisory actions targeting the virtual asset industry.AUSTRAC stated on social media that it is engaging with dozens of cryptocurrency companies and trading platforms, focusing on how they manage anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) risks and preparing for the upcoming reforms. This supervisory action primarily targets over-the-counter (OTC) operators and local trading platforms. The new laws have expanded the regulatory scope to include custodial and brokerage services. This reform marks a further improvement in Australia's regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry, aiming to enhance industry compliance standards and mitigate financial crime risks.

KuCoin announced the launch of KuCard in Australia, allowing users to use cryptocurrency assets for daily consumption at merchants worldwide that accept Mastercard, with payment options through Apple Pay and Google Pay. The service initially supports 37 USDC trading pairs, covering mainstream digital assets such as BTC, ETH, and USDT, with real-time conversion to fiat currency during the settlement process. KuCoin stated that this move is an important step in enhancing compliance and transparency in the cryptocurrency payment experience, and it is the latest progress in promoting the real-world application of cryptocurrency assets after completing its registration with AUSTRAC as a digital currency exchange (DCE).

ChainCatcher news, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke announced new regulations for cryptocurrency ATMs, labeling these devices as "high-risk products" associated with money laundering, fraud, and child exploitation. Burke stated that the number of cryptocurrency ATMs in Australia has surged from 23 to over 2000 in six years.An investigation by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) found that 85% of funds involved in large user transactions were linked to fraud or money laundering activities. The proposed legislation will empower AUSTRAC to restrict or ban "high-risk products," specifically targeting cryptocurrency ATMs. Burke indicated that the relevant bill will be submitted to Parliament in the coming months but declined to disclose whether these devices would be completely banned.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has ordered an audit of the operations of the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance in Australia.In response, Binance stated that Binance Australia fully understands and respects AUSTRAC's decision to appoint external auditors to independently review our anti-money laundering projects. This is one of their regulatory review measures and not an enforcement action. Over the past few months, we have maintained open and transparent communication with AUSTRAC and greatly value their professional guidance and oversight. Binance will always be committed to maintaining industry-leading compliance standards and continuously strengthening its capabilities.Binance understands that responsible growth means always prioritizing user safety. To this end, we have invested in over 1,200 compliance staff, accounting for nearly 22% of our global workforce, and we expect compliance expenditures to grow by 33% this year. We will also further build and expand local compliance and operational capabilities to ensure a robust governance framework. As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, we will continue to work hand in hand with regulators to uphold the highest industry standards.

ChainCatcher news, according to Decrypt, global fiat on-ramp and off-ramp service provider Transak has obtained Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) registration from the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), allowing it to operate as a fully compliant exchange in Australia.

ChainCatcher news, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has taken regulatory action against 13 remittance service providers and cryptocurrency trading platforms, while issuing compliance warnings to over 50 institutions.AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas stated that the agency rejected the registration renewal applications of 6 providers due to serious violations by key personnel that affect their integrity. Additionally, 2 providers were subjected to conditional restrictions for failing to meet requirements within the deadline.Currently, there are 417 digital currency trading platforms registered with AUSTRAC and 5,112 remittance registered entities in Australia. Notably, the two defunct cryptocurrency trading platforms, FTX Australia subsidiary FTX Express and Zipmex Australia, have been removed from the country's digital currency exchange registration list.AUSTRAC indicated that this action stems from the agency's discovery of systemic issues related to unreported and underreported suspicious transactions in the remittance and digital currency trading platform industry. The agency plans to strengthen regulation of the cryptocurrency industry by 2025.

ChainCatcher news, cryptocurrency payment solution provider Alchemy Pay has announced that it has registered as a digital currency exchange service provider with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). This registration will enable Alchemy Pay to provide Australian users with secure and seamless fiat-to-cryptocurrency payment services.

ChainCatcher news, the encrypted payment infrastructure Moonpay has registered with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to provide digital currency exchange services in Australia. This registration will enable Moonpay to establish local payment processing relationships and offer alternative payment methods such as Osko and Pay ID to Australian users.As a registered entity, Moonpay will comply with Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, adhering to reporting, KYC, and record-keeping requirements.