In a recent communication directed to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, US Senator Elizabeth Warren has strongly advocated for the incorporation of robust Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) measures specifically tailored for stablecoins. Senator Warren’s correspondence underscores the critical importance of adopting the full array of AML tools outlined by the Treasury Department in a prior November 2023 communication to Congress.
Senator Warren has underscored the burgeoning threat posed by cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, to national security. She has specifically drawn attention to instances where entities like Iran and Hamas have turned to cryptocurrencies as a means to raise funds and support terrorist activities. To effectively address this evolving threat landscape, Senator Warren asserts that any forthcoming crypto legislation must encompass comprehensive AML/CFT authorities as requested by the Treasury Department.
Moreover, Senator Warren has made reference to the testimony provided by Deputy Secretary Adewale O. ‘Wally’ Adeyemo before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. In this testimony, Adeyemo emphasized the critical need for additional AML authorities to combat the growing menace posed by cryptocurrencies. Senator Warren has pointed out that the exclusion of crucial actors within the digital asset ecosystem, such as miners and validators, from AML/CFT requirements could potentially enable nefarious actors to exploit the increased crypto trading facilitated by stablecoin legislation.
Senator Warren’s steadfast stance on the regulation and oversight of cryptocurrencies is aligned with her prior efforts aimed at curbing illicit activities and safeguarding consumers, the financial system, and national security interests. She has persistently advocated for the closure of loopholes in AML regulations that allow sanctioned entities like Iran to derive revenue through crypto transactions. Furthermore, Senator Warren has consistently voiced concerns regarding the exploitation of cryptocurrencies in terrorist financing schemes and has called for the implementation of stronger regulatory frameworks to protect both consumers and national security interests within the realm of stablecoin-related legislation.
Source: blockchain.news
