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FATF Chairman Urges G7 to Implement Stricter Regulations for Crypto Assets

In a bid to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, Raja Kumar, Chairman of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), has called on the G7 nations to strictly adhere to international standards advocated by the regulatory body.

In a recently published document titled “Ending the Lawlessness of Cryptocurrencies,” the FATF emphasized the importance of implementing travel rules and other recommendations to regulate the crypto asset sector.

The FATF, an international organization overseeing anti-money laundering measures, holds significant influence through its examination of member countries and disclosure of non-cooperating nations. While the FATF recommendations are not legally binding, their adoption by member states serves as global standards.

With 37 countries and regions, including the G7, as members, and more than 200 countries and regions worldwide subject to FATF recommendations, the need for effective implementation becomes paramount.

Chairman Kumar highlighted that despite the FATF’s recommendations, many areas have not implemented them. Shockingly, 73% of countries, including some G20 nations, are either non-compliant or only partially compliant with FATF standards, neglecting to supervise cryptocurrency activities. This alarming situation requires urgent attention and corrective measures.

Kumar pointed out the rise in ransomware attacks, wherein cryptocurrencies are frequently used as ransom payments. Additionally, cryptocurrencies are utilized for sanctions evasion and terrorism financing. Against this backdrop, Kumar stressed the significance of G7 countries leading by example and regulating the cryptocurrency sector to eliminate safe havens for illicit financial transactions.

The FATF’s travel rules, which mandate information sharing during cryptocurrency transfers, are set to be fully enforced in Japan from October 2022. The Chairman expects the G7 nations to act as pioneers in implementing these rules and expanding regulation beyond transactions between exchanges to include transactions between individuals.

During the FATF’s February meeting, the organization agreed to expedite anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts in the cryptocurrency sector. Kumar further emphasized the need for international cooperation mechanisms and tools to enable authorities to track cryptocurrency transactions and recover illicit funds.

In conclusion, the FATF Chairman’s call for the G7 to effectively implement global standards for regulating crypto assets reflects the urgent need to address non-compliance and ensure the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing. With the influence of the FATF, coupled with international cooperation and robust tracking mechanisms, it is hoped that the crypto sector will become a safer and more transparent environment for financial transactions.

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