Fines and regulation: The ever-growing landscape of crypto compliance

cointelegraph.com:

It is a goal of many in the crypto industry to evolve the space and bring it into the mainstream, but the industry still faces constant criticism from and continues to be regulated by individuals who may not fully understand how it works. Regulatory bodies worldwide have been increasingly vigilant in addressing potential risks and ensuring compliance within the crypto space. 

One notable aspect of this regulatory focus is the imposition of fines and penalties on individuals and companies involved in various crypto-related activities. Here’s how the landscape has transformed since 2018, leading to increasing regulation in 2023.

Since 2018, there has been a substantial rise in the number of regulatory actions and fines imposed on entities operating in the crypto sector, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States and the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom strengthening their enforcement efforts with the aim to protect investors and maintain market integrity.

The expansion of regulatory frameworks, particularly those aimed at cryptocurrencies, has been a prominent development in 2023. They often include provisions related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, investor protection, and disclosure obligations. Implementing these regulations has enabled authorities to take a stronger stance against noncompliant individuals and companies.

The shift toward an individual-focused approach with a strong interest in the crypto sector has played a crucial role in driving the increase in enforcement actions and fines. By imposing fines on fraudulent activities, scams and unlawful touting, regulators aim to create a safer investment environment and deter bad actors from