Ireland drafting urgent crypto laws before EU money laundering rules

As a seasoned crypto investor with a knack for navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, I find Ireland’s proactive approach to drafting new cryptocurrency regulations both reassuring and prudent. Having witnessed the rollercoaster ride of market volatility and regulatory uncertainties, I appreciate the Irish Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for growth while minimizing risks associated with money laundering and terror financing.


Ireland is gearing up to create fresh, immediate regulations concerning cryptocurrencies, as the European Union’s Anti-Money Laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws are set to take effect soon.

Ireland’s Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, informed the cabinet that there will be a swift creation of new legislation to modernize cryptocurrency rules, as this update is needed before the EU regulations become effective on December 30th. The Irish Examiner published this report on October 16th.

No details were shared about the new crypto legislation or when exactly it could come into effect. 

The “Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act” by the EU, effective from December, strengthens the capabilities of financial investigation units, empowering them to temporarily halt financial transactions.

Ireland drafting urgent crypto laws before EU money laundering rules

Additionally, it mandates tighter documentation standards for cryptocurrency platforms and sets a maximum of $10,850 (equivalent to 10,000 euros) for cash transactions. This also means increased scrutiny on large financial transfers and the introduction of new reporting obligations for significant transactions.

The legislative framework covers a range of areas posing such risks, including crypto assets and crowdfunding. It also “complements other regulations such as Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA),” the European Commission noted in an earlier statement. 

In September, Derville Rowland, the deputy governor of Ireland’s Central Bank, expressed the nation’s intention to lead in safe innovation by adopting the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.

She expressed the viewpoint that implementing cryptocurrency regulations is crucial for Europe to establish itself as a world pioneer in embracing and utilizing innovative technological advancements.

Starting from June 2023, the specific regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies known as MiCA within the European Union has been implemented, distinct from their Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) act.

The Central Bank of Ireland emphasized the significance of Ireland, given its status as a small, dynamic economy with a robust financial sector, taking an active role in ensuring that its financial system is not exploited for money laundering or funding terrorist activities.

By the month of July, a total of 15 virtual asset service providers had received approval from the Central Bank of Ireland. Among these approved entities were Gemini, Ripple, Paysafe, Moonpay, and Coinbase. These companies have decided to remove any non-compliant stablecoins from their European platform.

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2024-10-17 09:17