Log in

News

Financial Action Task Force releases final crypto guidelines

Updated: Jul 25, 2024
Published: Oct 28, 2021
0
Share:

The Financial Action Task Force has released revised and finalized crypto guidance on cryptocurrencies, clarifying who falls under its recommended requirements.

Post Feature Image

NFTs & Stablecoins

The FATF, which advises and monitors governments on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing for the G7, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and other multinational organizations, has issued a series of guidelines in 2019, including the much-maligned reporting protocol for crypto exchanges. In a document released today, the FATF said it has updated and improved its guidelines to "incorporate and supersede the 2019 guidance."

The task force first clarified that non-fungible tokens (NFTs) do not appear to be VAs, but if they are used in a way that falls within the FATF standards, they should be regulated as such, even if their general use does not meet the VA definition. The FATF recommends a "functional approach" to regulating these new types of assets that appear to cross the boundaries of the definition and regulate them on a case-by-case basis.

Stablecoins come under particular scrutiny in the document. The Panel concludes that fiat-pegged tokens are either crypto assets or "financial assets" under its definition. The Panel concluded that if tokens are classified as crypto assets, they must be monitored accordingly. If they are classified as financial products, they should be monitored in the same manner as any other similarly categorized assets according to this provision.

What is the issue with DeFi?

The FATF's VASP definition includes any natural or legal person that, as an entity, engages in the exchange of VAs for fiat or other VAs on behalf of another legal person, the transfer of VAs, the custody and management of VAs or of instruments that enable control over VAs and the "participation in and provision of financial services in connection with the offer and/or sale of VAs by an issuer". For centralized companies, this is pretty clear. If a firm provides a transfer, exchange, or custody service, it is likely subject to the VASP standard. However, it is unclear how it applies to blockchain-based services such as decentralized applications (DApps).

The clarifications state that DApps are not VASPs because the standards do not apply to the underlying software. However, creators, owners, operators, or anyone who exercises "control or sufficient influence over the DeFi arrangements" are likely VASPs, even if parts of the protocol are decentralized or automated. That said, the FATF leaves plenty of room for countries to decide how to deal with DeFi. However, it warns that many projects use the word "decentralized" even though a natural or legal person could still be held accountable.

Take your next step towards crypto success

Login or upgrade to Cryptonary Pro

Pro

Get everything you need to actively manage your portfolio and stay ahead. Ideal for investors seeking regular guidance and access to tools that help make informed decisions.

$1,548 $799

No risk. Only upside. If we don’t outperform the market during your subscription, we will give you 100% of your money back. No questions asked

VisaCardImageMsCardImageCoinbaseCardImageSolanaCardImage

What’s included?

  • 24/7 Access to Cryptonary's Research team who have over 50 years of combined experience

  • All of our top token picks for 2025

  • Our latest memecoins pick with 50X potential

  • On hand technical analysis on any token of your choice

  • Weekly livestreams & ask us anything with the team

  • Daily Market Updates that cover the real data that shape the market (Macro, Mechanics, On-chain)

  • Curated list of the most lucrative upcoming Airdrops (Free Money)

  • Success Guarantee, if we don’t outperform the market, you get 100% back, no questions asked

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut
through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You will have 24/7 to the team that bought you BTC at $1,000, ETH at $70, and SOL at $10. Through our community chats, live Q&As, and member only channels, you can ask questions and interact directly with the team. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience which you can tap into every single day.

Yes. We've consistently identified winners across multiple cycles. Bitcoin under $1,000, Ethereum under $70, Solana under $10, WIF from $0.003 to $5, PopCat from $0.004 to $2, SPX blasting past $1.70, and our latest pick has already 200X'd since June 2025. Everything is timestamped and public record.

No. When we founded Cryptonary in 2017 the market was new to everyone. We intentionally created content that was easy to understand and actionable. That foundational principle is the crux of Cryptonary. Taking complex ideas and opportunities and presenting them in a way a 10 year old could understand.

Signal vs noise. We filter out 99.9% of garbage projects, provide data backed analysis, and have a proven track record of finding winners. Not to mention since Cryptonary's inception in 2017 we have never taken investment, sponsorship or partnership. Compare this to pretty much everyone else, no track record, and a long list of partnerships that cloud judgements.

We share highly sensitive, time-critical research. Once it's out, it can't be "returned." That's why membership is annual only. Crypto success takes time and commitment. If someone is not willing to invest 12 months into their future, there is no place for them at Cryptonary.

Daily. We provide real-time updates, weekly reports, emergency alerts, and live Q&As when the markets move fast. In crypto, the market moves fast, in Cryptonary, we move faster.

If our approach to the market doesn’t beat the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership fee. No questions asked.

Recommended from Cryptonary
Market Update: Spotlight Shifts to Fed Cuts and Trade Tensions
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: Spotlight Shifts to ...Volatility is back with force. A historic $19.5B in liquidations, renewed trade tensions, and shifti...
10 min read
Oct 14, 2025
BTC, ETH, and More: Key Buying Zones After the Liquidation Cascade
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH, and More: Key Buying Zone...The recent liquidation cascade created major altcoin discounts, highlighting potential reversal poin...
4 min read
Oct 13, 2025
Market Update: Majors Show Signs of Recovery
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: Majors Show Signs of...Markets are trying to find their footing after one of the most brutal shakeouts in crypto’s history....
6 min read
Oct 13, 2025