U.S. Senators Support Elizabeth Warren’s Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has gained the backing of nine other senators for her Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, which aims to address the perceived risks associated with cryptocurrencies. The coalition supporting the bill includes Democratic Senators Gary Peters, Dick Durbin, Tina Smith, Jeanne Shaheen, Bob Casey, Richard Blumenthal, Michael Bennet, and Catherine Cortez Masto, as well as independent Senator Angus King.
In a statement, Senator Warren expressed concern about how cryptocurrencies enable illicit activities such as money laundering, sanctions evasion, and cyberattacks. She described the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act as the most stringent proposal to crack down on crypto’s illicit use and provide regulators with more tools.
The bill was initially introduced in December last year and was resubmitted in August 2023. It aims to close regulatory loopholes and bring cryptocurrency firms into greater compliance by subjecting them to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements outlined in the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).
Cracking Down on Non-Custodial Wallets
The legislation specifically targets noncustodial or “unhosted” crypto wallets that allow users to have total independent control over their digital assets. Banks and money service businesses would be required to verify customer identities, keep records, and file reports for certain digital asset transactions involving unhosted wallets or wallets hosted in non-compliant jurisdictions.
The bill also mandates that U.S. residents with more than $10,000 in crypto held in accounts outside of the country must submit reports. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized the need for transparency and oversight in an industry that can facilitate criminal activity.
Warren’s Criticism of Cryptocurrencies
Senator Warren has been a vocal critic of cryptocurrencies. In a previous opinion piece, she suggested that crypto investors played a role in the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. She has also claimed that cryptocurrencies are the preferred illicit finance tool for ransomware gangs, fentanyl traffickers, and countries like North Korea.
Hot Take: Elizabeth Warren Gains Support for Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has received support from nine other senators for her Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act. The bill aims to address the perceived risks associated with cryptocurrencies and bring greater compliance to the industry. It targets noncustodial wallets and requires banks and money service businesses to verify identities and report certain digital asset transactions. Warren’s criticism of cryptocurrencies stems from their alleged involvement in illicit activities. With the expanded coalition supporting her bill, Warren believes Congress is ready to take action against crypto’s illicit use.
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