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    1. Management
    2. Associations

    Bitcoin ATM operators, blockchain leaders form compliance organization

    Aug. 31, 2021
    Spearheaded by Bitcoin ATM operators DigitalMint and Coinsource, the Cryptocurrency Compliance Cooperative looks to enhance cryptocurrency regulations while establishing consumer-centric frameworks for strengthened public protections and safety.
    Crypto Compliance Cooperative Logo

    The cash-to-crypto industry leaders, including bitcoin ATM (BTM) operators DigitalMint and Coinsource, and blockchain analysis platform Chainalysis, among others, announce the formation of the Cryptocurrency Compliance Cooperative.

    CCC's mission is to create a safer environment for all consumers and legitimize the cash-to-cryptocurrency industry by bolstering compliance standards that are deemed by many to be currently insufficient, the group said.

    "The nefarious use cases plaguing this industry are well documented by several law enforcement agencies, and include fraud, elder abuse, and drug and human trafficking," said Seth Sattler, director of compliance for DigitalMint and leading contributor of the Cryptocurrency Compliance Cooperative. 

    "While a small number of bitcoin ATM operators go above and beyond with know your customer (KYC) and antimoney laundering (AML) protocols," he added, "others in the cash-to-crypto industry simply turn a blind eye and are complacent to these bad actors by simply applying the bare minimum customer protections, which in many cases allow for completely anonymous transactions."

    Organizations encouraged to apply to the CCC include cash-based cryptocurrency MSBs, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, suppliers, nongovernmental and law enforcement agencies. Meeting on a minimum quarterly basis, the CCC will allow members to stay abreast of regulatory updates, new industry standards and research.

    Moreover, members will share best practices and learn how to collaborate with industry leaders, regulators, and law enforcement on how to enforce deeper and more robust compliance protocols. In addition, the CCC will also look to stay ahead of developments and trends among threat actors, learning how to best mitigate fraud through the application of ever improving technology and forensic tools.

    "Unfortunately, many BTM operators feel that merely asking for a cell phone number is enough due diligence to absolve them of their mandated KYC requirements," said Bo Oney, executive vice president of operations and head of compliance at Coinsource.

    "Such lax provisions provide a safe haven for bad actors to abuse the machines for nefarious purposes," Oney continued. "The CCC is seeking to bolster regulatory requirements for the benefit of all BTM users and operators.  This will require input from the most knowledgeable in the industry, all with the goal of making the cash-to-crypto space as safe as possible for consumers."

    Since their first deployments in the U.S. in 2014, BTMs and other cash-to-crypto points-of-sale locations have helped individuals effortlessly access the world of cryptocurrencies. These machines, which resemble a traditional ATM, allow users to purchase cryptocurrencies with cash and, according to How Many Bitcoin ATMs, have surpassed 42,000 installations in the U.S.

    "Lax compliance policies and high rates of illicit activity have long plagued the reputation of bitcoin ATMs," said Caitlin Barnett, director of regulation compliance at Chainalysis. "We are thrilled to support this initiative led by two leaders in the space to build trust in Bitcoin ATMs and promote more financial freedom with less risk."

    According to an independent report conducted by the State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation, nearly 75% of BTM operators with kiosks in the state allowed certain transactions to take place without requiring the customer to provide any information outside of a cellphone number. Over half of these operators allowed for cryptocurrency transactions up to $900 with just a cellphone number, or in some cases, no information at all. Due to the prevalence and accessibility of prepaid cellphones, commonly known as "burners", simply relying on the collection of a phone number to satisfy FinCEN KYC requirements is not a reliable way for operators to confirm identity and eliminates any reasonable transaction monitoring method to detect agents that assist with laundering illicit proceeds on behalf of nefarious actors.

    "We must do better," DigitalMint's Sattler aded. "This isn't just an industry group – this is a movement.  It's our hope that others heed our call and join this cooperative as we push for enhanced and modernized regulations in the best interest of public safety."

    The initial members of the CCC include: