FATF – The Backbone of Global Crypto Regulation
When working with FATF, the Financial Action Task Force, an inter‑governmental body that creates worldwide standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Also known as Financial Action Task Force, it guides how countries regulate crypto assets and enforce compliance. The FATF isn’t just a name on paper; its recommendations ripple through every exchange, wallet provider, and DeFi protocol. If a platform wants to stay legal in the EU, the US, or Asia, it first checks the FATF’s latest guidelines. That’s why you’ll see headlines about bans, licensing, or new reporting rules – they’re often a direct response to FATF pressure.
Why AML Standards Matter for Crypto Users
One of the most talked‑about offshoots of FATF work is Anti‑Money Laundering (AML), a framework of laws, procedures and controls designed to stop illegal money from entering the financial system. AML rules force crypto businesses to verify who their customers are (KYC), monitor transactions for suspicious patterns, and report anything that looks shady. In practice, that means a trader in Norway might be asked for an ID scan before a big swap, while a DeFi protocol could automatically flag unusually large flows to a black‑listed wallet. The FATF’s latest “Travel Rule” even requires cross‑border transfers to carry source‑of‑fund details, tightening the net around illicit activity. Understanding AML helps you keep your accounts safe and stay on the right side of regulators.
Another pillar connected to the FATF is Sanctions, government‑issued measures that freeze assets, block transactions and ban dealings with specific individuals, companies or countries. Sanctions hit the crypto world hard because digital tokens can move across borders in seconds. When the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) adds a crypto address to its list, exchanges must freeze any related funds, or they risk hefty fines. This also explains why you’ll read about “bank account freezing” for crypto users in places like the US and EU – banks act on sanction lists to avoid breaking the law. The FATF works with bodies like OFAC to align AML and sanction policies, creating a tighter compliance web that affects everything from airdrops to token swaps.
All this may sound dense, but the articles below break it down into bite‑size pieces. You’ll find coverage of Norway’s temporary mining ban, a roundup of the most restrictive crypto countries in 2025, and practical guides on bypassing exchange limits safely. Whether you’re curious about how the FATF influences a single token or want to audit your own compliance steps, the collection gives you real‑world examples and actionable advice. FATF compliance isn’t optional – it’s the rulebook that shapes today’s crypto landscape, and these posts show exactly how it plays out across markets and regulations.
