The Top 10  Most Difficult Countries for Identity Verification

The Top 10  Most Difficult Countries for Identity Verification

Download Report

    n-img-roi-cross

    Before You Go, Schedule Your Free Demo Today

    Valid Invalid number


    Note: Fields marked with an asterisk(*) are mandatory.

    n-exit-img-roi-cross

    Thank you for your demo request

    We appreciate your interest and look forward to discussing how our solution can meet your needs. Expect to hear from us shortly with scheduling details.

    Close

    us

    2a03:2880:f800:6::

    5AMLD: Implications for Cryptocurrency

    AMLD Implications for Cryptocurrency

    What is 5AMLD?

    As part of the Action Plan against terrorism, the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) proposed by the European Commission aims to address risks associated with virtual currencies and wallet providers. The proposal augments the 4th Directive in its efforts to enact EU rules designed to combat Anti Money Laundering (AML) and financing of terrorist activities (CFT). 

    The indication is of thorough regulatory change as digital currency exchange platforms and e-wallet providers are now required to comply with AML and CFT requirements. Collecting and monitoring customer data will be part of their compliance operations. 

    Under the new law, the general public will have access to beneficial ownership information of EU companies, and due diligence measures for financial flows from high-risk countries will be beefed up. 

    Cryptocurrency – Safe or Not?

     

    Virtual currencies such as bitcoin provide efficient ways of data sharing and user interaction for a wide customer base. However, the inherent way in which cryptocurrencies are able to hide user identity opens up opportunities for suspicious transactions online. 

    This implies that authorities cannot trace the identity behind any kind of transaction, and financial transfers can therefore be concealed easily. The risk of such services being used by terrorist organisations looms large on the horizon, leading to strict scrutiny measures for the crypto realm in 5AMLD. Virtual currency remittance systems are also at the risk of being used for terrorist and illegal activity financing.

    As safety of digital transactions dwindles, KYC for identity verification becomes an increasingly important part of the security equation. In contrast, at the very heart of cryptocurrency is the counter-intuitive idea of decentralisation that allows a user to create a disconnect between his identity and e-money. The key here is finding the middle ground between privacy and legality. 

    Currently, only a third of all businesses across Europe and the US perform background checks on their users. And this is about to change after the implementation of 5AMLD. 

    Before this commission, no other EU Laws were directed at monitoring digital currencies or e-wallets. Previously absent in 4AMLD, the new directive includes a definition of virtual currencies: 

    ‘a digital representation of value that is not issued or guaranteed by a central bank or a public authority, is not necessarily attached to a legally established currency and does not possess a legal status of currency or money, but is accepted by natural or legal persons as a means of exchange and which can be transferred, stored and traded electronically’.

    This covers a wide range of virtual money – coins, tokens, custodial wallets – to ensure that no form of electronic value escapes monitoring. Although the definition is all-encompassing, it is useful to note that it merely views cryptocurrency as a means of exchange online and not as assets, securities or commodities. 

    There is no clarification for ‘virtual currency exchanges’, but individual entities are identified as providing services between virtual and fiat currencies. Again, the scope of such transactions under AML/CFT compliance is unclear, and the commission almost overlooks crypto-to-crypto exchanges. For Initial Coin Offering (ICO) organisers, brokers and other platforms, this underscores the need for detailed checks under 5AMLD Compliance.  

    In this respect, the UK has warned against the use of crypto assets in illegal activities, and hinted at using a broader regulatory framework. 

    Next in importance to cryptocurrencies are e-wallets. A custodian wallet is explained by the law as:

    “An entity that provides services to safeguard private cryptographic keys on behalf of their customers, to hold, store and transfer virtual currencies”. 

    Following this interpretation, a service provider shall not be liable under CFT/AML laws unless it holds the user’s private key. Obliged entities include centralised cryptocurrency exchanges such as Mist, Ledger Nano S and Trezor. 

    Under 5AMLD, previously unlicensed exchange services and e-wallet providers now need to be authorised through a registration process. This means that common AML practices such as customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and fraud detection will need to become part of company compliance processes. Countries are obliged to create central databases, with complete lists of virtual currency users and their self-declaration forms. 

    As ironic as it may seem, cryptocurrency providers will collect, store and monitor information of customers, as well as any beneficiary owners that may be involved. For the purpose of AML/CFT screening, this puts an end to any anonymity in the currency space, and enables concerned national authorities to collect such data and verify it against relevant account holders. 

    The law also lowers the threshold for identifying users of e-money, to further empower Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) by facilitating information exchange. In addition, when performing a KYC before a business relationship, the corresponding beneficial register in the EU must be accessed. 

    Onwards and Safer

     

    After the 5th AML Directive of the EU is rolled out, crypto exchanges, e-wallets and trading platforms will require efficient identity verification processes and AML monitoring tools for enhanced customer experience. 

    For smooth sailing amid regulatory change, digital currency providers are better off adopting reliable KYC/AML/Customer Due Diligence and financial crime control strategies well in time. Cybercrime and terrorism need to be rooted out at source, and compliance officers must carefully identify their exposure to the risk of criminal activity. Keeping in view the products and services being offered, cryptocurrencies must conduct a risk assessment and take pre-emptive action against high-risk transactions and users. 

    Regulating cryptocurrency space will not be as easy as controlling its non-digital counterpart. Regulators, financial institutions and crypto providers equally face technical challenges in ensuring compliance of AML laws. Sharing relevant, open and transparent information, as well as establishing partnerships at each level, will, therefore, be central to the process of regulation and innovation. 

    Related Posts

    Blog

    Top 10 Technology Trends in the Travel Industry to watch for in 2022

    The travel industry is one of the worst-hit sectors from the coronavirus outbreak, which disturbe...

    Top 10 Technology Trends in the Travel Industry to watch for in 2022 Explore More

    Blog

    Digital KYC – Protecting All Generations from ID Fraud

    From baby boomers to Gen Z, identity fraud is the problem of all generations. Studies suggest tha...

    Digital KYC  – Protecting All Generations from ID Fraud Explore More

    Blog, Identity & KYC

    Enhanced Due Diligence: Ensuring KYC and Regulatory Scrutiny

    Enhanced Due Diligence: The adoption of innovative solutions in businesses today, should not have...

    Enhanced Due Diligence: Ensuring KYC and Regulatory Scrutiny Explore More

    Blog

    The UK, US & Singapore – A Spotlight on the Crypto Regulations

    Non-compliance with anti-money laundering regulations has been an issue for the finance and crypt...

    The UK, US & Singapore – A Spotlight on the Crypto Regulations Explore More

    Blog

    AML/CFT Compliance – Why Australia is a Safe Haven for Money Laundering

    Recent inquiries and cases against major Australian casinos have raised questions about the measu...

    AML/CFT Compliance – Why Australia is a Safe Haven for Money Laundering Explore More

    Blog

    KYC and AML Compliance – Addressing the Challenge of Money Laundering in Online Trading Platforms

    An online trading platform is a program where shareholders and traders deal through financial int...

    KYC and AML Compliance – Addressing the Challenge of Money Laundering in Online Trading Platforms Explore More

    Blog

    UK Elections: Photo ID Law Change Raising Concerns for Voters

    Law changes bring several hassles for the public and government authorities. The recent photo ID ...

    UK Elections: Photo ID Law Change Raising Concerns for Voters Explore More

    Blog

    Halloween Scams – Watching Out for Tricks, Identity Fraud, and Financial Crime

    Halloween is one of the most awaited and celebrated events in a large number of countries across ...

    Halloween Scams – Watching Out for Tricks, Identity Fraud, and Financial Crime Explore More

    Blog

    Securing Cryptocurrency Sector and Fighting Financial Crimes With Shufti’s AML Solution

    A decade ago, digital currencies were an academic concept, largely unknown to the world’s general...

    Securing Cryptocurrency Sector and Fighting Financial Crimes With Shufti’s AML Solution Explore More

    Blog

    Identity Verification making online dating platforms secure

    The expansion of the internet and mobile devices has led to the rapid adoption of online dating. ...

    Identity Verification making online dating platforms secure Explore More

    Blog

    NFC Verification – Securing Large-scale Events from Frauds

    Large-scale events are a great way for imposters to execute their illicit plans. Data breaches, m...

    NFC Verification – Securing Large-scale Events from Frauds Explore More

    Blog

    AML Compliance and Digital Banks – Understanding the Evolving Regulatory Landscape

    The emergence of new technologies in FinTech, increasing use of digital currencies, and alternati...

    AML Compliance and Digital Banks – Understanding the Evolving Regulatory Landscape Explore More

    Blog

    Combating Money Muling Activities With Shufti’s AML Screening Services

    The coronavirus pandemic has brought about unusual changes in industries and lifestyles across th...

    Combating Money Muling Activities With Shufti’s AML Screening Services Explore More

    Blog

    Addressing Regulatory Compliance in Online Gambling with Effective AML Screening

    The internet is a key risk element for gambling because it gives the user a sense of obscurity, t...

    Addressing Regulatory Compliance in Online Gambling with Effective AML Screening Explore More

    Biometric Technology, Blog

    Online Facial Recognition Could Drive a New Wave of Digital Transparency

    Online facial recognition is a much less explored territory when it comes to online identity veri...

    Online Facial Recognition Could Drive a New Wave of Digital Transparency Explore More

    Blog

    AML Screening – Combating Money Laundering in Luxury Vehicle Dealings

    Financial criminals usually look for priceless items like art, antiquities, as well as luxury veh...

    AML Screening – Combating Money Laundering in Luxury Vehicle Dealings Explore More

    Blog, Financial Crime / AML, Fraud Prevention, Identity & KYC

    The FinTech Industry: A Snapshot

    What is FinTech? Financial technology, known more commonly as FinTech, is a term that refers to t...

    The FinTech Industry: A Snapshot Explore More

    Blog, Financial Crime / AML, Identity & KYC

    All You Need To Know About KYC Compliance

    Financial crimes are increasing at an immense pace. As per the United Nations Office of Drugs and...

    All You Need To Know About KYC Compliance Explore More

    Blog

    The Future Of the Financial Sector in the Gulf Region

    Digital transformation, that has undoubtedly disrupted numerous industries worldwide, has reached...

    The Future Of the Financial Sector in the Gulf Region Explore More

    Blog

    CDD in Real Estate Sector – How to Comply With Updated Regulations

    When it comes to investing funds, real estate is considered the safest sector to invest in becaus...

    CDD in Real Estate Sector – How to Comply With Updated Regulations Explore More

    Blog

    Crypto as a Virtual Safe Haven for Russians Amid Sanctions

    The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had some serious effects on the global financial landscape. While...

    Crypto as a Virtual Safe Haven for Russians Amid Sanctions Explore More

    Blog

    Shufti’s AML Screening Solution – How to Comply with Germany’s AML Regulations

    The stability of the global economy is at risk pertaining to the rapidly growing issues of money ...

    Shufti’s AML Screening Solution – How to Comply with Germany’s AML Regulations Explore More

    Blog

    Top 5 Trends for the Government Sector in 2022

    With the emergence of the new variant of COVID-19 “Omicron” in South Africa, it is possible that ...

    Top 5 Trends for the Government Sector in 2022 Explore More

    Blog

    Online Video KYC: Eliminate the Risks of Identity Theft

    The growing danger of cybercrime and data breaches has heightened the demand for effective verifi...

    Online Video KYC: Eliminate the Risks of Identity Theft Explore More

    Biometric Technology, Blog, Online Marketplace

    Why a Business would need Biometric Consent Verification?

    Biometric consent verification is a unique solution from Shufti that enables businesses and c...

    Why a Business would need Biometric Consent Verification? Explore More

    Blog

    How E-KYC is Overcoming the Hurdles of Financial Inclusion

    The challenges associated with the global pandemic have risen at a bewildering speed and yet ther...

    How E-KYC is Overcoming the Hurdles of  Financial Inclusion Explore More

    Blog, Online Marketplace

    Document Verification Services for a Secure Freelance Platform

    Picture this you have recently started a freelance website you have marketed it properly and foll...

    Document Verification Services for a Secure Freelance Platform Explore More

    Blog

    Top 5 Use Cases of Face Verification in the Digital Age

    As novel applications and products are released every day, the use cases of face verification tec...

    Top 5 Use Cases of Face Verification in the Digital Age Explore More

    Blog

    Cryptocurrency Exchanges and negative KYC Compliance

    KYC & AML Compliances are not being upheld by almost 68% of the cryptocurrency exchanges arou...

    Cryptocurrency Exchanges and negative KYC Compliance Explore More

    Blog

    Holiday Season – The Time of the Year When Frauds Soar Sky High

    Despite being the “most wonderful time of the year”, the holiday season is known to have the high...

    Holiday Season – The Time of the Year When Frauds Soar Sky High Explore More

    Blog

    High-Risk Countries and The Significance of AML/CFT Regulations – How Shufti Can Help

    Money laundering and terrorist financing are becoming a global concern. To overcome the risk of c...

    High-Risk Countries and The Significance of AML/CFT Regulations – How Shufti Can Help Explore More

    Blog

    Warning Signs of ICO Scams and the Role of Identity Verification Service

    If you have heard of Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies then you must have heard of ICOs or Initial Co...

    Warning Signs of ICO Scams and the Role of Identity Verification Service Explore More

    Blog

    The Priorities – FinCEN Issues First Governmentwide AML/CFT Guidelines

    What is the Goal of FinCEN’s AML/CFT Priorities?CorruptionCybercrimeFraudProliferation FinancingT...

    The Priorities – FinCEN Issues First Governmentwide AML/CFT Guidelines Explore More

    Blog

    Designing for the World: UX, Automation & Inclusivity with Lisa Kleinman

    About Lisa Kleinman Dr. Lisa Kleinman, Ph.D. is a UX leader, researcher and design strategist who...

    Designing for the World: UX, Automation & Inclusivity with Lisa Kleinman Explore More

    Blog

    Online Payment Fraud and the Role of AML Transaction Monitoring

    Imposing travel restrictions worldwide after the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented surge ...

    Online Payment Fraud and the Role of AML Transaction Monitoring Explore More

    Blog

    KYC Analysts: The First Line of Defense Against Identity Theft and Fraud

    An upsurge in financial transactions has led to heightened money laundering risks and terrorist f...

    KYC Analysts: The First Line of Defense Against Identity Theft and Fraud Explore More

    Blog

    Money Laundering in the Real Estate Sector – How Shufti’s AML Services Help

    Purchasing luxurious mansions is always an attractive way for money launderers to legitimize thei...

    Money Laundering in the Real Estate Sector – How Shufti’s AML Services Help Explore More

    Blog

    A 2024 Overview of Identity Document Forgery

    As technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning have advanced, they have signif...

    A 2024 Overview of Identity Document Forgery Explore More

    Blog

    Top 5 Ways to Improve Transaction Monitoring in Fintech

    Fintech is a fast-growing sector that combines finance and technology to assist businesses and cu...

    Top 5 Ways to Improve Transaction Monitoring in Fintech Explore More

    Blog

    Politically Exposed Person – An unsaid threat to Businesses

    A politically exposed person or PEP is the one who has been assigned to perform prominent public ...

    Politically Exposed Person – An unsaid threat to Businesses Explore More

    Blog

    Biometric Authentication is Smart but AI Makes it Smarter – Here is How

     In the ongoing digital age security is a top priority concern of any organization. Data is a maj...

    Biometric Authentication is Smart but AI Makes it Smarter – Here is How Explore More

    Blog

    Video KYC – Understanding the ‘what’ and ‘how’ [A short guide]

    Archaic and lengthy KYC procedures were soon to be rendered obsolete by the rapid rate of digitis...

    Video KYC – Understanding the ‘what’ and ‘how’ [A short guide] Explore More

    Blog

    AML Compliance – Addressing the Threat of Money Laundering in NFT Marketplaces

    The NFT marketplace is flourishing even though the top platforms do not always comply with Anti-M...

    AML Compliance – Addressing the Threat of Money Laundering in NFT Marketplaces Explore More

    Blog

    Louisiana Age Verification Compliance Updates 2024

     Age verification is crucial for online tasks like purchases and communication. The inte...

    Louisiana Age Verification Compliance Updates 2024 Explore More

    Blog

    Know Your Patient (KYP) – Effective Way to Prevent Identity Fraud and Safeguard Health Care Services

    Like other industries, the medicare industry is also experiencing digitization. However, the heal...

    Know Your Patient (KYP) – Effective Way to Prevent Identity Fraud and Safeguard Health Care Services Explore More

    Blog

    SEPA Instant Credit Transfer Schemes – Disrupting the Financial Sector in 2023

    There is no denying the fact that the financial industry has vital importance in the contemporary...

    SEPA Instant Credit Transfer Schemes – Disrupting the Financial Sector in 2023 Explore More

    Blog

    What Makes the Automotive Industry a Vehicle for Money Launderers

    The automobile industry is the world’s biggest revenue-generating sector. In the global aut...

    What Makes the Automotive Industry a Vehicle for Money Launderers Explore More

    Blog

    Paradigm Shift amid Corona – Online sales to take outstanding growth

    Coronavirus outbreak is proving to be catastrophic for the world with global cases reaching 2,495...

    Paradigm Shift amid Corona – Online sales to take outstanding growth Explore More

    Blog

    10 Fraud Signals Every Industry Must Monitor

    Gone are the days when businesses paid attention to customer verification only. Today, organizati...

    10 Fraud Signals Every Industry Must Monitor Explore More

    Blog

    Biometrics Bucking the Trend of KYP in Healthcare

    Over the last few years, biometric technology is deeply entrenched in various commercial marketpl...

    Biometrics Bucking the Trend of KYP in Healthcare Explore More

    Blog, Identity & KYC

    Why does ID verification fail?

    Know Your Customer (KYC) encompasses an array of practices implemented within organisations to de...

    Why does ID verification fail? Explore More

    Blog

    Shufti’s AML Screening Solution – How to Comply with Germany’s AML Regulations

    The stability of the global economy is at risk pertaining to the rapidly growing issues of money ...

    Shufti’s AML Screening Solution – How to Comply with Germany’s AML Regulations Explore More

    Blog

    Addressing Regulatory Compliance in Online Gambling with Effective AML Screening

    The internet is a key risk element for gambling because it gives the user a sense of obscurity, t...

    Addressing Regulatory Compliance in Online Gambling with Effective AML Screening Explore More

    Blog

    A Brief Overview of the Cryptocurrency Landscape in the US and Canada [2022]

    The adoption of cryptocurrency throughout the world has ignited the launch of new markets and reg...

    A Brief Overview of the Cryptocurrency Landscape in the US and Canada [2022] Explore More

    Blog

    What is an OCR Screening and How Does it Work?

    In our digital environment, where automated technology has already taken over corporate processes...

    What is an OCR Screening and How Does it Work? Explore More

    Blog

    5 types of identity theft fraud and How businesses can prevent it?

    Online identity theft has the fastest growing crime rate in the world. According to a report, onl...

    5 types of identity theft fraud and How businesses can prevent it? Explore More

    Blog

    EU’s Smart ID Wallet – Paving the Way for a Seamless Digital World

    A few days back, the European Union Commission published a draft for digital ID wallets for all t...

    EU’s Smart ID Wallet – Paving the Way for a Seamless Digital World Explore More

    Blog

    Top 6 trends in Anti-Money Laundering for 2020

    To enhance the scope of AML compliance, new regulations were brought into force throughout last y...

    Top 6 trends in Anti-Money Laundering for 2020 Explore More

    Blog

    Fighting Fraud in Gaming & Gambling Industry with AML Screening Services

    The online gaming sector is on the roll and is projected to surpass $172.23 billion by 2030. Irre...

    Fighting Fraud in Gaming & Gambling Industry with AML Screening Services Explore More

    Blog, Financial Crime / AML

    Secure Crypto Wallets with e-KYC & AML Screening

    Payment and funds’ transfer has taken a more digital turn in recent years, with the onset of Cryp...

    Secure Crypto Wallets with e-KYC & AML Screening Explore More

    Blog

    Facial Recognition | The Principles of Responsible Use and the Legal Landscape

    One of the most popular uses of AI nowadays is facial recognition. In all likelihood, it’s ...

    Facial Recognition | The Principles of Responsible Use and the Legal Landscape Explore More

    Blog

    Top 5 Trends to Revamp the Online Gambling Industry in 2022

    In recent times, the online gambling sector has demonstrated continuous growth along with technol...

    Top 5 Trends to Revamp the Online Gambling Industry in 2022 Explore More

    Blog

    AML/CFT Regulations of Hong Kong: Paper Over Cracks?

    On September 15, 2021, Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission issued consultation conclusi...

    AML/CFT Regulations of Hong Kong: Paper Over Cracks? Explore More

    Blog

    Top 5 Countries Impacted by Money Laundering – How Shufti Helps Mitigate the Risks

    Today, money laundering has permeated almost every regulated market and has become the most occur...

    Top 5 Countries Impacted by Money Laundering – How Shufti Helps Mitigate the Risks Explore More

    Blog

    The Importance of KYC Remediation to Prevent Financial Crimes

    If we talk about financial institutions including banks and their processes, one can freely argue...

    The Importance of KYC Remediation to Prevent Financial Crimes Explore More

    Blog

    UN Sanctions List: What Every Business Owner Must Know

    Businesses must navigate a web of rules and regulations whilst onboarding customers, as one misst...

    UN Sanctions List: What Every Business Owner Must Know Explore More

    Blog

    3 ways to protect your organizations from coronavirus cyber security threat

      Due to the spread of the coronavirus, the world adapts to new ways of working. Cyber criminals ...

    3 ways to protect your organizations from coronavirus cyber security threat Explore More

    Blog

    Top 10 Biometric Technology Trends to Watch For in 2022

    Biometric innovations in present times have manifested various technological advancements and the...

    Top 10 Biometric Technology Trends to Watch For in 2022 Explore More

    Blog

    Identity Verification | A Complete Guide to Compliance and Risks

    The United Nations says $2 trillion is laundered globally every year. Of that, less than 10% is d...

    Identity Verification | A Complete Guide to Compliance and Risks Explore More

    Blog

    Prevailing Crimes in Metaverse – How Shufti’s IDV Solution Can Help

    Metaverse is a virtual space where people belonging to the same or different physical regions can...

    Prevailing Crimes in Metaverse – How Shufti’s IDV Solution Can Help Explore More

    Blog

    Know Your Patient – Curbing Healthcare Fraud through Identity Verification

    With global digitization and emerging technologies, the healthcare sector has adopted a variety o...

    Know Your Patient – Curbing Healthcare Fraud through Identity Verification Explore More

    Blog, Fraud Prevention

    4 Fraud Prevention Tips For Your E-commerce Business this Holiday Season

    With the holiday shopping season in full swing, e-commerce fraud risk is a glaring reality that n...

    4 Fraud Prevention Tips For Your E-commerce Business this Holiday Season Explore More

    Take the next steps to better security.

    Contact us

    Get in touch with our experts. We'll help you find the perfect solution for your compliance and security needs.

    Contact us

    Request demo

    Get free access to our platform and try our products today.

    Get started