Summary:
According to the FATF, more than half of the UN member countries have not enforced the Travel Rule. The rule is aimed at closing a loophole in crypto assets that could be exploited by money launderers and terrorist funders. It requires all crypto companies to screen, record, and communicate user information. This would eliminate anonymity for most crypto users, except for those transacting in amounts less than $1,000. The FATF is a 39-member body that provides financial recommendations to UN nations, but each country can choose whether or not to implement them. Failure to comply may result in increased monitoring of financial activities. The FATF believes that crypto assets can be used for illegal activities and wants all countries to enforce the Travel Rule to prevent this. However, many jurisdictions have only partially or not at all complied with the recommendations, possibly due to concerns of interference and Western bias.
Key Points:
– More than half of UN member countries have not enforced the Travel Rule.
– The Travel Rule aims to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing in crypto assets.
– It requires crypto companies to screen, record, and communicate user information.
– Anonymity would be eliminated for most crypto users, except for small transactions.
– The FATF is a 39-member body that gives financial recommendations to UN nations.
Hot Take:
The lack of enforcement of the Travel Rule by many jurisdictions highlights a resistance to the influence of the FATF. Concerns about interference and Western bias may be contributing factors. It remains to be seen whether governments will prioritize implementing the rule to prevent illegal activities involving crypto assets.