EU Ups Control Over Citizens, Takes Aim at Anonymous Crypto Transactions

In an aggressive move to combat money laundering, as that is how it communicates this, the European Union has implemented new rules that shake the foundations of cryptocurrency anonymity. The directive, approved by the majority of the EU Parliament’s leadership committee on a recent Thursday, fundamentally changes the landscape for crypto transactions within the EU.

Under this new regulation, the veil of anonymity in crypto transactions is lifted, making transactions from private, unregistered wallets to regulated entities illegal. This significant shift is designed to curb the misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities by enforcing transparency. The directive restricts cash transactions exceeding €10,000 and specifically outlaws any anonymous transactions over €3,000.

The heart of this initiative is to clamp down on the laundering of money through crypto assets. By requiring crypto businesses to conduct rigorous due diligence and maintain detailed records of the real individuals behind transactions, the EU aims to pierce through the anonymity that has long been a hallmark of cryptocurrency transactions. The regulation expands the requirement for thorough customer background checks across a wide array of entities, including banks, real estate firms, and all cryptocurrency related businesses.

With the implementation of these rules, the EU is taking another stance against the anonymous nature of crypto transactions, and thereby also into financial freedom of it citizens, with further control.

It really begs the question, which is echoed by the crypto community, is the EU not going to far in its measures to “take care” of its residents, by limiting their financial movements?

For now, the legislation’s broader implications have already started to ripple through the crypto market. OKX, a leading exchange, has responded by delisting USDT trading pairs in the region, in anticipation of further regulatory tightening with the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations.