AML compliance: What crypto firms need to know

When working with AML compliance, the set of procedures and controls that crypto businesses use to detect, prevent, and report money‑laundering activities. Also known as Anti‑Money‑Laundering compliance, it forms the backbone of trustworthy crypto operations and keeps regulators happy. In plain terms, AML compliance means you have systems that spot suspicious transactions, keep records, and file reports when needed. It’s not just a legal checkbox; it protects users from fraud and isolates the industry from criminal misuse. The stronger your AML program, the easier it is to partner with banks, attract institutional traders, and stay on the right side of the law.

Core pieces that make AML work

One of the most common building blocks is KYC, the process of verifying a user’s identity before granting access to crypto services. KYC feeds the AML engine with reliable customer data, making it possible to flag high‑risk behavior. Around the globe, the FATF, the Financial Action Task Force that sets international anti‑money‑laundering standards pushes the industry toward tighter checks, especially through the Travel Rule, which forces exchanges to share sender and receiver details on transfers above a certain amount. Meanwhile, a robust crypto compliance program, a structured set of policies, training, and technology that addresses AML, KYC, and related regulations helps firms map out risk assessments, allocate resources, and audit their own processes. Together, these elements create a feedback loop: solid KYC data improves AML detection, FATF guidelines shape program design, and compliance programs ensure everything stays up‑to‑date.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that break down each of these pieces in real‑world context. From a 2025 crypto exchange review that scores platforms on AML practices, to a step‑by‑step guide on building a crypto compliance program, the collection gives you actionable insights and concrete examples. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to tighten an existing framework, the posts ahead will help you see how AML compliance fits into the broader crypto ecosystem.