Anti-money laundering regimes: a comparison between Germany, Switzerland and the UK with a focus on the crypto business

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the framework for the regulation of crypto assets in Germany, the UK and Switzerland focusing on anti-money laundering (AML) laws. It comprehensively addresses the risks of crypto assets and the benefits along with the changes made to the existing laws to regulate cryptocurrency. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data was analyzed to collect information for the case study and to challenge/examine the existing data and statistics. Findings The findings suggested that the AML laws are additionally modified to include the cryptocurrencies violations of the legislation, as it is the decentralized financial systems generating opportunities for crimes and terror financing. The moderate or mild laws were found in Switzerland following Germany and the UK has the most traditional and stringent laws of money laundering. Originality/value The paper has focused on the comparison of the three states in their AML laws comprehensively along with their attitude toward the crypto businesses.