02/11/2020
A new crypto license in Portugal?
The recent Portuguese transposition of the Fifth Directive on AML* has a direct impact on cryptocurrency businesses.
In addition to extensive AML and KYC procedures being enforced on some crypto businesses, regulatory registration is now required.
This Directive is the latest European Union legal framework governing the measures against the use of the financial system for money laundering or terrorist financing purposes.
The new law’s scope expands the scope of compliance requirements and creates new obligations to be adopted by entities operating with virtual assets. The new legal framework provides for the mandatory registration of such entities with the Bank of Portugal, regardless of other licensing requirements.
Virtual assets, such as cryptocurrencies, include any form of digital representation of value, not connected to a legal currency, lacking the legal status of fiat currency/legal tender. The new regulations apply to custodians of assets, exchanges, and some wallet services. Entities operating without such registration are in breach of law.
*Directive (EU) 2018/843 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018
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