Crypto Regulation: Global Rules & Compliance

When dealing with crypto regulation, the body of laws, licensing requirements, and compliance standards that govern digital assets and blockchain services worldwide. Also known as digital asset regulation, it decides how projects launch, trade, and interact with financial systems.

One of the biggest pieces of that puzzle is crypto licensing, the formal process of obtaining a legal permit from a regulator to offer crypto‑related services. Crypto regulation demands that every token issuer, exchange, or DeFi platform prove they meet those licensing rules. In practice, this means submitting detailed business plans, AML/KYC procedures, and proof of capital to authorities—whether you’re applying in Malta, Singapore, or the United States.

Another force shaping the landscape is crypto sanctions, government measures that prohibit certain digital‑asset activities or entities, often to curb illicit finance. Sanctions can instantly make a previously compliant service illegal, forcing firms to adjust their compliance programs. The latest OFAC designations, for example, have turned many cross‑border token swaps into prohibited transactions, prompting rapid policy updates across the industry.

Closely linked to sanctions is crypto securities law, the set of rules that treat specific tokens as securities, subjecting them to traditional securities regulations. When a token is deemed a security, issuers must register offerings, provide prospectuses, and adhere to reporting obligations. This legal layer directly influences licensing decisions and often determines whether a project can raise funds on a public platform.

Key Topics Covered in This Collection

Our curated articles break down the most pressing aspects of crypto regulation. You’ll find a step‑by‑step guide to the MFSA licensing tracks in Malta, an overview of the EU’s MiCA framework, and a deep dive into U.S. Project Crypto initiatives. There are also practical checklists for AML/KYC compliance, real‑world case studies of sanctions evasion penalties, and actionable advice for navigating securities registration.

Below you’ll discover detailed guides, licensing tutorials, and regulatory analyses that will help you stay ahead of the ever‑changing compliance landscape.