The UK’s legislation for crypto assets is partially aligned with the EU, as the country adopted the AML/CFT requirements laid out in the EU’s Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) and the Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD) prior to leaving the organisation.

UK-based crypto asset companies must comply with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (the MLRs) which sets out obligations of private sector companies exposed to the risks of money laundering. It includes requirements for the application of customer due diligence measures which the FCA is authorised to enforce and monitor with the aim to combat money-laundering and financing of illegal activities via cryptocurrency businesses.