CryptoSwift Glossary

Glossary Organizations & Authorities Media outlets

Glossary

Anti-Money Laundering (AML): A set of laws, regulations, and procedures aimed at preventing criminals from disguising illicit funds as legitimate. In the crypto context, AML programs require exchanges and other VASPs to verify customers and monitor transactions to detect money laundering. The Travel Rule is one AML measure that helps maintain an information trail on crypto transactions.
Bank Secrecy Act (BSA): A cornerstone U.S. anti-money laundering law (enacted 1970) that requires financial institutions to assist in detecting and preventing financial crimes. The BSA’s regulations include the original “Travel Rule” for fund transfers. Under the BSA, U.S. crypto exchanges (as Money Service Businesses) must collect and share sender/receiver information for transfers, similar to banks.
Beneficiary: In a funds transfer, the beneficiary is the recipient of the money. Under the Travel Rule, the beneficiary’s identifying details (e.g. name, account number, etc.) must be collected by the originator’s VASP and transmitted to the beneficiary’s VASP. This ensures the receiving institution knows who the funds are intended for and can meet record-keeping and screening obligations.
Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT): Regulations and efforts focused on preventing terrorist organizations from obtaining and moving funds. Often mentioned alongside AML, CFT measures require financial entities (including crypto service providers) to monitor and report transactions that could fund terrorism. The Travel Rule supports CFT by ensuring VASPs share information that can be used to flag and investigate terrorist financing.
Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP): The term used in the EU’s regulatory framework (MiCA) equivalent to VASP. A CASP is any business offering crypto-asset services to others, such as exchanges, transfer services, wallet custodians, etc. CASPs in the EU must adhere to compliance requirements like customer verification and the Travel Rule (via the Transfer of Funds Regulation) as part of their licensing and oversight.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD): The process of verifying a customer’s identity and assessing their risk profile before and during a business relationship. CDD typically involves collecting KYC information (like legal name, ID documents, source of funds) and evaluating the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing. For crypto businesses, robust CDD is the foundation of compliance programs and ensures that required customer information is available to share under the Travel Rule.
Connect Digital Exchanges (CODE): A Travel Rule protocol and network developed by a consortium of South Korea’s largest exchanges (Bithumb, Coinone, and Korbit). CODE allows these VASPs to securely share required originator and beneficiary information for crypto transfers, fulfilling local Travel Rule regulations. It’s essentially a domestic solution ensuring compliance with FATF guidance within the Korean market.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF): An intergovernmental body that sets global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. FATF issues recommendations that member countries implement as laws. In 2019 FATF updated its guidance (Recommendation 16) to extend the “Travel Rule” to virtual assets, meaning FATF now expects countries to require VASPs to exchange sender and receiver information on crypto transactions just as banks do for wire transfers.
FATF Recommendation 16: The FATF guidance commonly known as the Travel Rule. Recommendation 16 requires that ordering institutions (like originator VASPs) obtain, hold, and transmit specified originator and beneficiary information for transfers of funds or virtual assets, and that beneficiary institutions (receiving VASPs) obtain and hold that information as well. This recommendation is not law by itself, but member jurisdictions have incorporated it into their regulations for VASPs to ensure transparency in crypto transactions.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN): The U.S. Treasury bureau that enforces AML regulations, including Travel Rule compliance in the crypto sector. FinCEN requires cryptocurrency exchanges and other money transmitters to collect and share identifying information for transfers equal to or exceeding $3,000 (USD) in value. This is the U.S. implementation of the Travel Rule under the BSA. FinCEN also provides guidance on how VASPs should register, conduct KYC, file suspicious activity reports, and otherwise maintain AML compliance.
Global Travel Rule (GTR): A Travel Rule compliance system and alliance originally created by Binance (via its affiliate, Infozone). GTR provides a centralized communication channel for VASPs to exchange required customer data in line with FATF’s Travel Rule. All Binance entities globally use GTR, and other VASPs can connect to this network (after due diligence) to seamlessly send Travel Rule information when transacting with Binance or other members. GTR’s goal is to streamline compliance by creating a single hub for data exchange among participating firms.
InterVASP Messaging Standard 101 (IVMS101): A universal data format standard for sharing originator and beneficiary information between VASPs. IVMS101 was developed by a joint industry working group to ensure that different Travel Rule solutions speak a “common language.” It defines the data fields and definitions (name, account number, national ID, etc.) that must be included and the format they should be in. Most Travel Rule protocols (OpenVASP’s TRP, TRISA, Sygna, etc.) use or support IVMS101, so that a message created by one system can be understood by another, aiding interoperability.
Know Your Business (KYB): The due diligence process for verifying corporate customers. If a VASP’s client is an institution or company rather than an individual, the VASP must perform KYB checks – confirming the business’s registration, ownership (including beneficial owners), and legitimacy. KYB is analogous to KYC for companies and is important in crypto compliance to ensure that corporate clients (like another exchange or a high-value trader entity) are not fronts for illicit activity.
Know Your Customer (KYC): The process of verifying the identity of individual customers, typically as they onboard to a financial service. KYC involves collecting identification documents (passport, driver’s license, etc.), proof of address, and other personal data to confirm a customer’s identity. For crypto companies, KYC is a fundamental compliance step that not only fulfills AML law requirements but also provides the information needed for Travel Rule compliance (since the VASP must have verified names and details to share with other VASPs during transactions).
Know Your Transaction (KYT): A term for transaction monitoring in the crypto compliance realm. KYT refers to using tools (often blockchain analytics platforms) to watch and analyze transactions in real time for signs of illicit activity. This can include flagging transfers to or from high-risk addresses (such as those associated with hacks or sanctions) or unusual patterns that might indicate money laundering. While KYT is separate from the Travel Rule, it complements it: after exchanging identity data per the Travel Rule, VASPs also need to ensure the transaction itself is not suspicious or in violation of sanctions, which is where KYT comes in.
Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA): A sweeping regulatory framework in the European Union for crypto-assets and their service providers. MiCA establishes licensing, conduct, and prudential requirements for CASPs (crypto-asset service providers) across the EU. Importantly, MiCA works in tandem with an updated Transfer of Funds Regulation to enforce the Travel Rule for crypto transactions. From 2024 onwards, MiCA will require EU CASPs to comply with the Travel Rule (with effectively no minimum threshold for crypto transfers), among many other obligations like stablecoin regulation and consumer protection rules.
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC): The U.S. Treasury department agency that administers economic sanctions. OFAC maintains lists of sanctioned individuals, entities, and cryptocurrency addresses. Crypto businesses worldwide screen their customers and transaction counterparties against these lists to avoid facilitating prohibited transactions. While sanctions screening is a separate compliance requirement from the Travel Rule, the two intersect: information shared under the Travel Rule (names, locations, etc. of senders/receivers) enables VASPs to screen those parties against OFAC and other sanctions lists to ensure they are not dealing with blocked persons.
OpenVASP: An industry-led initiative and protocol that provides a decentralized solution for Travel Rule compliance. The OpenVASP Association (a non-profit in Switzerland) developed an open-source Travel Rule Protocol (TRP) to let VASPs communicate originator and beneficiary data directly with each other, rather than through a central database. OpenVASP’s approach emphasizes privacy (data is encrypted end-to-end) and permissionless participation – any VASP can implement the protocol and join the network. By adhering to common standards (like IVMS101) and governance norms, OpenVASP enables interoperability among participants while preserving the peer-to-peer ethos of crypto.
Originator: In payments, the originator is the party who sends the transaction – essentially, the sender of funds. For crypto transfers, the originator is the customer initiating the transfer at the sending VASP. Under the Travel Rule, the originator’s identifying information (name, account ID, physical address or national ID number, etc. as required by law) must “travel” with the transaction. That means the originator VASP collects the info and transmits it to the beneficiary VASP before or along with the crypto transfer, so the receiving side knows who the funds came from and can meet compliance checks.
Simple Travel Rule Information Protocol (STRIP): An open-source messaging protocol for Travel Rule compliance developed by CryptoSwift. STRIP (Simple Travel Rule Information Protocol) is designed to facilitate the secure exchange of required customer data between VASPs in a straightforward way. By using a standardized JSON schema and API, STRIP enables interoperability among VASPs and compliance platforms, allowing them to send and receive originator/beneficiary information quickly and reliably. This protocol underpins CryptoSwift’s solution, helping address challenges like data consistency and the “sunrise issue” by making it easy for any compliant party to connect and share information.
Sunrise Issue: A common challenge during the phased global rollout of the Travel Rule. The “sunrise issue” refers to the period when the Travel Rule is in effect in some jurisdictions but not yet in others – akin to the sun rising at different times around the world. In practice, this means some VASPs are required to collect and send customer data, while counterparties in countries without the rule might not be prepared to receive or share such data. This mismatch can lead compliant VASPs to restrict transactions with non-compliant VASPs or find stop-gap solutions. The industry often mitigates the sunrise issue by supporting multiple protocols or using email/alternative methods to exchange data until all relevant jurisdictions implement the Travel Rule.
Sygna Bridge: A Travel Rule compliance platform and protocol developed by CoolBitX, popular in the Asia-Pacific region. Sygna Bridge provides a closed-network, API-based solution where participating VASPs can send Travel Rule data to each other through a centralized routing system. It supports IVMS101 formatting and is known for its adoption by Japanese and Taiwanese exchanges following local regulatory mandates. By integrating Sygna, VASPs in those markets can automatically share the required originator and beneficiary info when transacting with one another, fulfilling FATF Recommendation 16 requirements in a streamlined way.
Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR): In the EU, this refers to Regulation (EU) 2015/847 (sometimes called the Wire Transfer Regulation) and its updates that extend fund transfer rules to crypto-assets. The revised TFR works alongside MiCA to enforce the Travel Rule for crypto transfers involving CASPs. Notably, the EU’s TFR for crypto imposes a €0 threshold – meaning all crypto transactions involving CASPs require Travel Rule information, regardless of amount. Under this regulation, when a crypto transfer is made by or to a European CASP, details of the payer (originator) and payee (beneficiary) must accompany the transfer, ensuring traceability in the fight against financial crime.
Travel Rule: A global regulatory requirement for financial transactions that mandates the sharing of customer identity information between institutions. Originally applied to bank wire transfers, the Travel Rule was adapted for crypto assets by FATF. In the crypto context, the Travel Rule requires VASPs to exchange identifying information about the originator (sender) and beneficiary (receiver) of a transaction when crypto is sent from one service provider to another. The purpose is to maintain an “information trail” that authorities can use to track illicit activity, while enabling VASPs to screen transactions for risks. Compliance with the Travel Rule has become a cornerstone of crypto AML programs worldwide, and various technical protocols have emerged to help VASPs implement it.
Travel Rule Information Sharing Alliance (TRISA): A non-profit industry alliance and an open-source framework for Travel Rule compliance. TRISA provides a decentralized messaging protocol where VASPs communicate directly to share required user data. It uses a certificate authority (CA) system to issue digital certificates to VASPs, which are used to authenticate each other and encrypt data exchange. Once VASPs trust each other’s certificates, they can send IVMS101-formatted messages containing originator and beneficiary info over secure channels. TRISA’s goal is to be an accessible, interoperable solution – any VASP can join the network, obtain a TRISA certificate, and start exchanging Travel Rule data with other members without relying on proprietary infrastructure.
Travel Rule Protocol (TRP): An open standard protocol for Travel Rule messaging, originally developed by a coalition including Standard Chartered Bank, ING, and BitGo, and now managed under the OpenVASP umbrella. TRP defines a simple RESTful API for VASPs to exchange Travel Rule information. A key concept in TRP is the “Travel Address” – essentially a location identifier (like a URL or encoded address) that points to the beneficiary VASP’s API endpoint for receiving compliance data. In a TRP workflow, the sending VASP queries the travel address with the originator’s info and transaction details, and the beneficiary VASP responds (e.g. to approve or reject before the on-chain transfer proceeds). TRP is designed to be lightweight and easy to implement, facilitating quick adoption and interoperability, though it requires counterparts to agree on how to identify each other outside of the protocol (since it doesn’t have an inherent global directory).
Travel Rule Universal Solution Technology (TRUST): A collaborative industry solution developed by a group of major U.S. crypto exchanges to comply with the Travel Rule. TRUST is not a protocol but a network and compliance framework: participating VASPs agree to a set of security and privacy standards and use a shared methodology to privately exchange customer information. When a TRUST member exchange needs to send Travel Rule data to another, it uses encrypted point-to-point communication, and each party verifies the other’s identity through the network’s governance processes. Importantly, TRUST does not centrally store any personal data; it acts as a coordination mechanism so that only the sending and receiving institutions exchange the required info. Initially launched in the U.S., TRUST has expanded internationally, aiming to create a broad trust-based network for Travel Rule compliance without relying on any single vendor or government system.
Unhosted Wallet (Self-Hosted Wallet): A cryptocurrency wallet that is not maintained by a third-party service provider. In other words, an individual user controls a private wallet (e.g. a hardware wallet, mobile wallet app, or paper wallet) on their own, rather than having their coins held by a VASP like an exchange. These wallets pose a wrinkle for the Travel Rule because if a customer at a VASP sends crypto to an unhosted wallet, there is no receiving VASP to share information with. Regulators handle this scenario differently: some require the originating VASP to collect the owner’s details or verify that the unhosted wallet is actually controlled by their customer (to prevent straw-man transfers), while others currently exempt unhosted wallet transfers from Travel Rule scope. Nonetheless, as Travel Rule enforcement grows, VASPs must have policies for dealing with unhosted wallet transactions (for example, implementing self-hosted wallet verification processes or limits).
Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP): A business that conducts one or more of the following on behalf of customers: exchange between virtual assets and fiat currencies, exchange between one or more forms of virtual assets, transfer of virtual assets, safekeeping or administration of virtual assets (custody), or participation in the provision of financial services related to virtual asset offerings. This FATF-defined term essentially covers crypto exchanges, brokers, wallet custodians, payment processors, OTC trading desks, and other crypto companies that handle users’ funds or facilitate transactions. VASPs are required to register or license in most jurisdictions and comply with AML/CFT laws. Crucially, this means implementing the Travel Rule – when VASPs transact with each other, they must exchange the required originator and beneficiary information to stay compliant with global standards. Each VASP must also have internal controls (KYC procedures, record-keeping, suspicious activity reporting, etc.) as part of operating in the regulated financial system.

Organizations and Authorities

EU-Level Regulators & Institutions

European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) – esma.europa.eu – The EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor responsible for implementing MiCA rulesklgates.com. ESMA drafts technical standards for crypto-asset regulation and will oversee consistent MiCA enforcement across member states.
European Banking Authority (EBA) – eba.europa.eu – EU regulator coordinating banking and AML supervision. Under MiCA, EBA will supervise significant stablecoin issuers and maintain oversight of CASPs’ prudential compliance. It works with national authorities on anti-money laundering (TFR) enforcement in the crypto sector.
European Commission (DG FISMA) – finance.ec.europa.eu – The EU executive body that proposed MiCA and the updated Transfer of Funds Regulation. Its financial services arm (DG FISMA) sets policy and can provide authoritative quotes on the objectives and expectations of the new crypto rules (e.g. consumer protection, market integrity).
European Central Bank (ECB) – ecb.europa.eu – The EU’s central bank, involved in crypto regulation especially regarding stablecoins and financial stability. The ECB has voiced support for strong oversight of crypto-assets (e.g. calling for strict rules on asset-referenced tokens under MiCA) and will be consulted on implementation impacting monetary policy.
European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) – (In formation) – The forthcoming EU AML Authority, expected to be operational by 2025–26. AMLA will directly supervise AML/CFT compliance for high-risk cross-border institutions (potentially including major crypto VASPs) and ensure uniform enforcement of the Travel Rule across the EU once established.

National Financial Regulators (Early MiCA Adopters)

Bank of Lithuania – lb.lt – Lithuania’s central bank and financial regulator, known for a proactive approach to crypto oversight. Lithuania was among the first to introduce VASP registration requirements; the Bank of Lithuania (in coordination with the FCIS) is poised to enforce MiCA rules early, making it a key reference for implementation best practices.
De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) – dnb.nl – The central bank of the Netherlands, serving as the Dutch AML supervisor for crypto providers. DNB already mandates registration of crypto service providers under Dutch law and has been strict on compliance, so it offers insights on how national authorities will transition to MiCA and enforce the Travel Rule (TFR) in practice.
Finansinspektionen (FI) – fi.se – Sweden’s Financial Supervisory Authority. FI oversees Swedish financial markets and has handled oversight of crypto-business AML registration. As Sweden is expected to enforce MiCA requirements from the outset, FI can provide guidance on licensing and compliance expectations for CASPs (Crypto Asset Service Providers) under the new regime.

(Other active national regulators include BaFin in Germany and AMF in France, which have developed crypto licensing frameworks pre-MiCA and will integrate those into the EU-wide regime.)

International Compliance & Standard-Setting Bodies

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – fatf-gafi.org – The global AML/CFT standards body that introduced the “Travel Rule” (Recommendation 16) for virtual assets. FATF monitors countries (including EU member states) on implementation of crypto AML controls. Quotes from FATF reports or officials can underscore the importance of compliance with TFR/MiCA to meet international obligations.
Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) – thegfin.com – An international network of over 100 financial regulators and institutions collaborating on fintech innovation and regulation. GFIN (which includes European regulators) facilitates cross-border sandboxes and dialogue on emerging frameworks like crypto-assets. It’s a potential partner for insights into how regulators globally (and in the EU) coordinate on Travel Rule enforcement and innovative compliance solutions.
International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) – iosco.org – A global association of securities regulators. IOSCO has been developing global policy recommendations for digital asset markets. European regulators (ESMA, etc.) are members, so IOSCO’s pronouncements on crypto market integrity or investor protection complement MiCA’s goals. Including IOSCO can add an international perspective on standards alignment.
Financial Stability Board (FSB) – fsb.org – An international body monitoring global financial system stability. The FSB has issued reports on crypto-assets and recommended regulatory approaches (e.g. for stablecoins and exchanges) that inform the EU’s work. Citing FSB viewpoints can highlight how MiCA/TFR align with global efforts to mitigate systemic and financial crime risks in crypto.

Crypto Industry Groups & Standard-Setting Initiatives

IVMS101 Joint Working Group – intervasp.org – The industry working group that created the InterVASP Messaging Standard (IVMS 101), a common data format for sharing originator and beneficiary information between VASPs. IVMS101 is widely adopted as the “universal common language” by leading Travel Rule solution providersintervasp.org, making this group a key reference for technical standards in compliance. Their ongoing updates ensure global interoperability for Travel Rule data exchange.
International Digital Asset Exchange Association (IDAXA) – idaxa.org – A global alliance of national crypto-asset associations (from Europe, Asia, etc.) focused on regulatory compliance and industry best practices. IDAXA was instrumental in convening industry input for the Travel Rule (co-leading the IVMS101 effort) and continues to engage regulators (including the EU) on balanced implementation of AML rules.
Global Digital Finance (GDF) – gdf.io – An international members association advocating for best practices in digital asset markets. GDF’s working groups (which include major exchanges, blockchain companies, and compliance experts) have produced codes of conduct and standards for AML/KYC. GDF also hosts the IVMS101 Standard Working Group and can provide industry perspective or quotes on complying with MiCA and the Travel Rule in an operational context.
International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA) – inatba.org – A European-based industry association working closely with EU institutions on blockchain and crypto policy. INATBA’s Regulatory Working Group includes compliance professionals and helps shape how regulations like MiCA are rolled out. They can be a partner for commentary, given their role in bridging industry and regulators (supported by the European Commission).
Blockchain for Europe – blockchain4europe.eu – A coalition of crypto companies active in EU policy discussions. This group advocates for innovation-friendly regulation and has provided input on MiCA. Including them could bring in the voice of industry players who are preparing for compliance and can speak to practical challenges for VASPs under the new rules.

Travel Rule Solution Providers & Initiatives

Travel Rule Information Sharing Alliance (TRISA) – trisa.io – A global industry-driven alliance that developed an open-source protocol for Travel Rule compliance. TRISA connects VASPs via a decentralized network to securely exchange required originator/beneficiary data. As a collaboration of exchanges, blockchain firms, and regulators, TRISA offers insight into practical implementation of the Travel Rule (including interoperability with other protocols) and could be mentioned as a partner ensuring compliance readiness.
Notabene – notabene.id – A leading Travel Rule solution provider offering software for VASPs to comply with global AML data-transfer requirements. Notabene’s platform helps exchanges and crypto businesses automate the exchange of user identity data in line with FATF and EU rules. The firm frequently publishes compliance insights and has experience with European VASPs, making it a source of expert quotes on navigating MiCA/TFR technical challenges.
Sygna (CoolBitX) – sygna.io – A Travel Rule compliance solution originally launched in Asia and now used by VASPs worldwide. Sygna provides a messaging network for sharing required user information between VASPs, and it’s compliant with IVMS101 standard. They have worked with regulators in jurisdictions that implemented the Travel Rule early (like Japan), so can speak to best practices that EU VASPs might adopt.
Shyft Network (Veriscope) – shyft.network – A blockchain-based Travel Rule platform (Veriscope) that enables identity attestation and data sharing between VASPs. Shyft’s network approach helps compliance teams meet Travel Rule obligations in a decentralized manner. They are active in global forums on crypto compliance and could contribute perspective on cross-border data coordination as MiCA and TFR come into force.
21 Analytics (OpenVASP & TRP) – 21analytics.ch – A Switzerland-based regtech firm that co-developed OpenVASP and the Travel Rule Protocol (TRP), both open-source solutions for Travel Rule messaging. 21 Analytics’ tools are used in the EU and Switzerland to facilitate compliant transfers without a centralized third party. Their thought leadership on privacy-preserving compliance and recent interoperability pilots (e.g. between TRISA and TRP) can be valuable to mention for technical depth.
VerifyVASP – verifyvasp.com – A compliance solution popular among exchanges in Europe and Asia to meet Travel Rule requirements. VerifyVASP offers a network and API for VASPs to exchange the required sender/receiver information securely. Given its adoption by several regulated platforms, it’s a notable example of industry response to global regulations and can be cited for how VASPs are practically implementing TFR in the EU.

Compliance Thought Leaders (Firms & Consultancies)

XReg Consulting – xreg.consulting – A specialist advisory firm focused on crypto-asset regulation in Europe. XReg’s team of former regulators has published detailed analyses on MiCA and EU AML laws. They are a go-to source for interpreting regulatory obligations and have advised governments and companies on compliance strategies, making them ideal for authoritative commentary or partnership in educational content.
Chainalysis – chainalysis.com – A leading blockchain analytics company that also provides compliance solutions to crypto businesses and regulators. Chainalysis regularly publishes reports on crypto crime and AML trends, and has covered the impact of regulations like MiCA on exchanges. Their EMEA policy experts can offer quotes on how data sharing (Travel Rule) and transparency help combat illicit finance, aligning with EU regulatory goals.
Elliptic – elliptic.co – London-based blockchain analytics and crypto compliance firm. Elliptic works with financial institutions and VASPs to manage risk, and its research arm produces insights on regulatory developments (including EU sanctions and MiCA’s implications for market playerslinkedin.com). They can provide a compliance officer’s perspective on implementing Travel Rule solutions effectively.
Solidus Labs – soliduslabs.com – A crypto market surveillance and risk monitoring company with a strong focus on regulation. Solidus Labs has a resource hub for MiCAsoliduslabs.com and runs podcasts/webinars (e.g. “MiCA Masters”) to educate the industry. Their involvement in Europe’s crypto compliance discussions means they can contribute expert opinions on market integrity requirements under MiCA (like market abuse rules and transparency).
DLA Piper (Law Firm) – dlapiper.com – An international law firm with a prominent fintech and blockchain legal practice in the EU. DLA Piper’s attorneys have published guidance on MiCA and the Transfer of Funds Regulation, translating legal text into practical advice for companies. Citing a legal firm’s analysis (e.g. how to obtain a CASP license, or how TFR affects operations) can lend credibility and depth to the article’s compliance guidance.
Big Four Advisory (e.g. Deloitte, PwC) – Various – Major consulting firms in the EU frequently release whitepapers and surveys on crypto regulation. For instance, Deloitte and PwC have produced MiCA overview reports and compliance checklists for clients. Referring to their thought leadership can underscore consensus on best practices. These firms can also be potential distribution partners given their networks of compliance professionals and regulators.

Media Outlets, Forums, and Distribution Channels for the Article

Major Crypto News Platforms

CoinDesk – coindesk.com – One of the largest crypto news outlets globally, known for in-depth coverage of industry and regulatory news. CoinDesk often covers European crypto regulation developments (MiCA, AML directives) and reaches a broad audience of crypto investors, builders, and policymakers – making it an ideal platform to publish or syndicate an EU-focused compliance article.
Cointelegraph – cointelegraph.com – A leading crypto news site with a global readership, including a strong European audience. Cointelegraph regularly features news and analysis on EU crypto laws and compliance trends. It also has a press release section, meaning the article could be distributed through a service like Coinscribble to appear on Cointelegraph. Coverage here lends significant visibility and credibility in the crypto community.
The Block – theblock.co – A crypto and digital assets news platform known for its research-driven journalism. The Block often reports on regulatory changes and compliance issues affecting crypto markets. Publishing the article or key insights via The Block would target an audience of industry insiders, analysts, and compliance professionals who follow detailed regulatory coverage.
Decrypt – decrypt.co – A popular media outlet providing accessible news and explainers on cryptocurrency topics. Decrypt has covered MiCA and the Travel Rule in reader-friendly terms, which aligns well with an educational piece for VASPs. Syndicating the article through Decrypt can help reach decision-makers who appreciate clarity on what new EU rules mean for their operations.
CryptoSlate – cryptoslate.com – A crypto news and data site that often publishes guest posts and press releases. CryptoSlate’s coverage includes compliance and regulatory updates, making it a relevant channel. An article here would be visible to its audience of crypto enthusiasts and professionals, and CryptoSlate’s openness to contributed content means the piece could be republished in full.
BeInCrypto – beincrypto.com – A global crypto news platform available in multiple languages (including English and major European languages). BeInCrypto frequently discusses international regulatory developments. They have a press release section and a large EU readership, so distributing the article via BeInCrypto can ensure it reaches European crypto compliance circles as well as the general blockchain community.

European Legal & Compliance Publications

EU Law Live – eulawlive.com – A specialist news service on European Union law and policy. EU Law Live covers legislative developments and regulatory news in the EU (including financial regulation like MiCA). While more academic/professional, a summary or op-ed derived from the article could be featured to inform lawyers and compliance officers. This would target readers deeply interested in the legal details of MiCA/TFR.
RegTech Analyst (FinTech Global) – fintech.global/regtech-analyst – An industry blog and newsletter focusing on regulatory technology and compliance. RegTech Analyst often highlights how new regulations drive demand for compliance solutions. Publishing an excerpt or analysis here would reach regtech professionals and compliance executives, emphasizing the technical and solution angle of Travel Rule compliance in the EU.
FinTech Futures – fintechfutures.com – A fintech news portal that includes coverage of banking tech, crypto, and RegTech. It runs the RegTech Insight section where developments like MiCA and AML regulations are discussed. A contributed article or interview could be placed here to engage readers in the European fintech and banking sector, highlighting the impact of crypto rules on the broader financial industry.
RegTech Times / Planet Compliance – regtechtimes.com / planetcompliance.com – Niche blogs covering compliance trends, including crypto regulation. These outlets cater to professionals who track compliance news. Republishing the article or key points in their newsletters could ensure the content is seen by subscribers specifically interested in regulatory compliance (AML, KYC, etc.) within fintech and crypto.
ACAMS Today (Europe) – acamstoday.org – The publication of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. ACAMS Today often features articles on emerging compliance issues like cryptocurrency AML. Submitting the article or a tailored version to ACAMS (which has a Europe edition/newsletter) would target certified compliance officers and AML professionals, reinforcing the article’s guidance with that community.

Industry Networks and Professional Associations

Global Digital Finance (GDF) Newsletter – gdf.io – GDF’s community updates and blog reach a network of VASPs, exchanges, and compliance officers engaged in setting industry standards. Featuring the article or quotes in GDF’s communications (or their LinkedIn group) can lend peer validation and spread the insights among companies working toward MiCA and Travel Rule compliance.
Blockchain Associations & Forums – e.g., Blockchain for Europe and INATBA – These associations often share relevant articles with members and on social channels. Publishing through their forums or having them syndicate the piece would directly reach an audience of industry decision-makers and legal experts who are actively involved in EU policy and compliance discussions.
Association of Certified AML Specialists (ACAMS) & ICA – acams.org / int-comp.org – Professional bodies like ACAMS and the International Compliance Association have online communities, forums, and mailing lists. By sharing the article in these networks (for example, an ACAMS Europe chapter forum or an ICA newsletter), one can target practitioners who need to understand MiCA/TFR in their day-to-day compliance roles.
LinkedIn Professional Groups – LinkedIn is a key channel for reaching compliance and legal professionals. There are active groups and hashtags such as #CryptoCompliance, #RegTech, and #MiCA where the article can be posted or discussed. For instance, the “Crypto Compliance & Legal” Telegram/LinkedIn community founded by industry experts regularly shares regulatory news – posting the article there would engage a focused audience of EU crypto compliance officers and regulators. Additionally, the author or company page can publish it as a LinkedIn Article to gain traction among followers and related groups.
Conferences and Webinars (Content Hubs) – Events like ACAMS Europe Conference, EGBA AML Forum, or Blockchain Week often have associated blogs or content hubs. Submitting the article as a guest post on an event website or discussing it in a webinar can amplify its reach. While not traditional media, these platforms distribute knowledge to attendees and members who are precisely the target audience (VASPs, legal advisors, regulators).

Online Communities & Social Channels

Reddit (Crypto Law & Regulation threads) – reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency and r/Bitcoin – Large cryptocurrency forums where regulatory changes are hot topics. Sharing the article (or a TL;DR with a link) on Reddit – for example in a thread about “EU’s new crypto rules” – can spark discussion and draw in readers ranging from tech-savvy users to industry watchers. Niche subreddits like r/CryptoLaw or r/cryptocurrency’s weekly regulatory news threads are also relevant spaces to post for feedback and visibility among enthusiasts who follow compliance news.
Telegram Groups – Channels focused on crypto compliance or EU crypto news can be used to circulate the article. For instance, the Crypto Compliance & Legal Telegram group (with lawyers and compliance officers across Europe) would be an excellent place to drop the article link and summary for interested readers. Other public Telegram channels run by crypto associations or news bots could also propagate the content.
Twitter/X and Hashtag Campaigns – While not an “outlet” per se, leveraging social media is key for distribution. Posting the article on Twitter (X) with hashtags like #MiCA, #TravelRule, #CryptoRegulation and tagging relevant EU regulators or industry figures can lead to retweets and wider readership. Many EU crypto policy experts and journalists monitor these hashtags, so this can indirectly get the article picked up by media or newsletters.

Crypto Press Release Networks (Coinscribble Distribution)

Coinscribble Newswire – coinscribble.com – A crypto press release distribution service that syndicates content to 100+ news sites. Coinscribble can guarantee placement of the article on high-visibility outlets. Through its network, the piece could appear on sites like Yahoo Finance (Finance news section for crypto), MarketWatch, and crypto-specific publications such as AMB Crypto, Cryptopolitan, CoinGape, CryptoNews, and even CoinMarketCap’s news section. For example, Coinscribble’s top packages ensure coverage on Cointelegraph, Bitcoin.com, AMB Crypto, CoinCodex, CryptoNews, etc.coinscribble.com coinscribble.com. Utilizing this service means the article will be published simultaneously across multiple platforms, massively widening its reach.
Cointelegraph & Bitcoin.com (via PR) – These major sites have dedicated areas for sponsored content or press releases. By using a distribution channel, one can get the full article or a press release version on Bitcoin.com News and Cointelegraph, attracting readers who specifically follow those outlets for regulatory updates. This is especially useful to target readers in the EU who trust these sources for breaking compliance news.
CryptoSlate & CoinJournal (Guest/Sponsored) – In addition to news coverage, outlets like CryptoSlate, CoinJournal, and U.Today often accept contributed thought leadership articles or sponsored posts. Publishing the piece as a guest article (with proper disclosure if needed) on such sites will tap into their regular readership. Since these platforms are frequented by crypto investors and professionals looking for guidance, the article’s advice for VASPs under MiCA/TFR will find a receptive audience.
Medium Publications – As a supplementary channel, the content could be adapted into a Medium post under a popular publication like “Crypto Voices” or “Financial Regulation”. Medium has a wide crypto readership and pieces can be indexed by Google, enhancing discoverability. While not a primary outlet, it’s an easy way to ensure the article is accessible to those who search for MiCA or Travel Rule topics online.

By leveraging a combination of the above media outlets and distribution channels – from reputable crypto news sites and EU law blogs to professional networks and PR syndication services – the article “EU’s Crypto Regulations Are Here: What VASPs Must Do Today — and What’s Coming Next” will reach its target audience. This ensures that VASPs, compliance/legal professionals, regulators, and decision-makers throughout the EU crypto ecosystem see the content, engage with its insights, and potentially share it further within their circles.