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This edition of Bite-size Briefings, a series of briefings that take a “bite-size” look at international trends in different jurisdictions, explores the regulation of crypto (or digital assets) and, in this context, the development of anti-money laundering (AML) supervision in the UK, the US, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore and Thailand.

While each jurisdiction follows its own approach taking into account its existing regulatory frameworks and risk appetites for customer protection and financial crime etc., these are consistent with the principles set out by international standard-setting bodies. The G20-established Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published a number of reports, including its May 2019 work on the regulatory approaches toward cryptoassets and the potential gaps, for example, with respect to investor protection, market integrity and AML, and, more recently (referenced below), enhancing cross-border payments with stablecoin. For its part, in June 2019, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published guidance on a risk-based approach to virtual assets and asset service providers, having clarified in 2018 that its Recommendations apply to financial activities involving these types of assets. The guidance seeks to help regulators develop effective regulatory and supervisory responses, and help businesses understand their AML-related obligations, including how they can best comply.

Author

Kimberly Everitt is Baker McKenzie's knowledge lawyer for Financial Services Regulation & Enforcement, covering the EMEA region, and brings over a decade of experience to the team in both knowledge and fee-earning roles. Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Kim held roles specializing in contentious financial services regulation knowledge, and her fee-earning roles covered non-contentious regulation in the private equity and general financial services sectors.

Author

Samuel G. Kramer’s practice focuses on multi-jurisdictional outsourcing, complex technology licensing, commercial contracting, and supply chain agreements and integration. He is frequently involved in outsourcing transactions and large scale IT services projects. Mr. Kramer also focuses on emerging technology services, including mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) transactions. He is the North American coordinator of the Firm’s MVNO practice.

Author

Karen Man is a partner in Baker McKenzie’s Financial Services group, leading the non-contentious Financial Services Regulatory practice. Her clients include global, Chinese and local banks, fund managers, brokers/dealers, money service operators and fintech firms. Karen is admitted to practice in Hong Kong, the UK, and Australia.

Author

Stephanie Magnus heads the Firm's Financial Services Regulatory and FinTech Practice in Singapore. She has significant experience in compliance, fintech in the financial services, insurance and commodities sectors. Her practice also includes mergers and acquisitions in the financial services sector. Stephanie is named in Chambers Asia Pacific for her "timely, practical and business oriented" advice, with a "deep understanding of the regulatory regime."

Author

Kullarat is a partner in the Financial Services Practice Group at Baker & McKenzie Ltd. She is recognized in banking and finance, securities, derivatives and structured finance, FinTech, e-payment, venture capital, exchange control, anti-money laundering / counter terrorism financing, and financial and tech-related laws and regulations. She leads the FinTech team at the Bangkok office. Kullarat has assisted the largest and fastest growing companies in and outside Thailand on matters related to the use of technology and digitalization in financial markets, including both money and capital markets.