European Parliament have greenlit measures aimed at curbing anonymous transactions facilitated through hosted crypto wallets. This decision comes as part of the European Union’s broader efforts to bolster Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing laws to encompass the realm of digital currencies.
The latest Anti-Money Laundering legislation, which garnered majority approval from lead committees on March 19, entails a ban on cryptocurrency transactions conducted through third-party hosted wallets, notably those provided by centralized exchanges. This move is expected to bring greater transparency and oversight to the crypto sphere, a sector often associated with anonymity and decentralized transactions.
However, the legislative push hasn’t been without dissent. Members of the European Parliament Patrick Breyer and Gunnar Beck voiced opposition to the ban on anonymous crypto payments, citing concerns over its potential encroachment on economic autonomy and financial privacy. Breyer, particularly vocal in his reservations, emphasized the significance of anonymous transactions as a fundamental right.
Under the proposed legislation, stringent limits will also be imposed on cash transactions and anonymous cryptocurrency payments. Commercial transactions exceeding 3,000 euros in anonymous cash payments will be prohibited, with a complete ban on cash transactions exceeding 10,000 euros in business dealings.
Despite the projected timeline of three years for full implementation, legal experts anticipate the measures to take effect sooner, potentially reshaping the landscape of cryptocurrency regulation within the EU. The move signals a concerted effort by European authorities to address the perceived risks associated with unregulated digital currencies, including money laundering and terrorist financing.
While proponents argue that the regulations are essential for combating illicit activities, critics within the crypto community fear that such measures could stifle innovation and impede the free flow of economic transactions. Daniel “Loddi” Tröster, host of the Sound Money Bitcoin Podcast, highlighted practical challenges posed by the legislation, particularly its impact on donations and the broader implications for cryptocurrency adoption across the EU.
As the EU moves forward with its regulatory framework, the global crypto community awaits further developments, anticipating both challenges and opportunities in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
