{"id":12422,"date":"2023-10-19T08:46:25","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T08:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iqeq.com\/?p=12422"},"modified":"2023-10-19T08:57:26","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T08:57:26","slug":"crypto-firm-5mld-registration-5-questions-applicants-should-ask-themselves-before-starting-the-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iqeq.com\/insights\/crypto-firm-5mld-registration-5-questions-applicants-should-ask-themselves-before-starting-the-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Crypto firm 5MLD registration: 5 questions applicants should ask themselves before starting the process"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Since the FCA assumed responsibility in early 2020 for the supervision of AML\/CTF risks for any UK firms engaged in crypto-asset activity, the hurdle to obtain 5MLD registration has been set very high and very few firms have been successful so far. In view of this, we\u2019ve set out five questions crypto firms should ask themselves prior to entering the registration application process, based on our observations from supporting applicants over the last three and a half years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The FCA has steadfastly stressed its perception of the significant visible and invisible money laundering risks arising from any activity in the crypto asset class. As such, the regulatory body requires any UK firm wishing to engage (or continue to engage) in crypto-asset activity to undertake a rigorous registration application process.<\/p>\n

Since the FCA started processing 5th<\/sup> Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5MLD) registration applications in January 2020, they have only accepted 43 applicants as registered firms for 5MLD supervision out of 326 received. In the past 12 months (to 1 October 2023), the FCA has only received 34 5MLD registration applications.<\/p>\n

The four pathways adopted by the FCA for registration applications are registration, rejection, withdrawal and refusal. In the 12 months to 1 October 2023, the FCA required 66 applicant firms to withdraw their applications, i.e. 484% of those determined. The withdrawal option is generally accepted by applicant firms, as the alternative is refusal, which would create a negative precedent for any subsequent FCA applications.<\/p>\n

In view of the difficulty applicant firms face in to obtaining FCA registration for 5MLD supervision, we recommend that prior to entering the application process, principals should ask themselves the following five questions.<\/p>\n

1. Are your proposed crypto activities in scope for registration?<\/h2>\n

The following crypto activities being undertaken by a firm in the UK would require the FCA\u2019s approval of a 5MLD registration application prior to commencing the activities:<\/p>\n