Articles

The European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published their reports on ICOs and Crypto-Assets on 9 January 2018 (EBA Report and ESMA Advice). Both EU authorities highlight issues relating to the current EU regulatory framework and call for an EU-wide approach to ICO and Crypto-Asset regulation.

Our previous articles showed the influence of national and european legislation on virtual currencies, however only being a partial area of the payment business. Here is also an example of international influence: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published a statement on 19th October. The FATF plans the progressive publication of guidelines...

A new circular by BaFin addresses BaFin’s concerns to financial institutions regarding AML-Compliance in connection with virtual currencies. The circular also indicates BaFin’s view regarding a license requirement for cryptoexchange platforms upon the „Bitcoin-ruling“.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) published a draft of the EBA Guidelines on Outsourcing and launched a public consultation. The consultation period closed on 24 September 2018. The new Guidelines are planned to enter into force on 30 June 2019 and will add further provisions and regulations with regard to outsourcing arrangements.

The European Commission envisages to fight money laundering terrorist financing more effectively by implementing an overall European strategy. EBA shall be strenghtened and able to supervise the EU member states and financial institutions in the EU.

On 13 June 2018 EBA has published an opinion on the interpretation of regulatory technical standards (RTS) on strong customer authentication (SCA) and common and secure communication. The opinion clarifies some open questions on the interpretation of the RTS.