Ireland flags crypto as major threat in anti-money laundering push
Ireland has identified crypto assets as a “very significant” money laundering and terrorism financing risk and has committed to introducing industry standards governing crypto-related sources of funds by the second half of 2027. According to Ireland‘s Department of Finance, the policy forms part of an implementation plan released alongside the country’s latest National Risk Assessment, the first government review in seven years to examine risks linked to digital assets. The assessment said the growth of crypto-related fraud, money laundering prosecutions, and financial crime involving digital assets has increased pressure on authorities to strengthen oversight. The report stated that crypto assets present challenges beyond criminal financing. Irish officials warned that digital assets can facilitate sanctions evasion, complicate tax enforcement efforts, and create opportunities for corruption involving officials responsible for supervising the sector. At the same time, the assessment pointed to weaknesses stemming from inconsistent international regulation and activity occurring in less-regulated segments such as decentralized finance. Although Ireland is part of the European Union, the report noted that the country still lacks some of the regulatory and legislative measures adopted in other major jurisdictions to address risks tied to the crypto industry. New compliance standards are scheduled before 2027 Under the implementation plan, Irish authorities intend to establish
