International · Explainer
AML/KYC and the Travel Rule for Virtual Asset Service Providers
The international FATF standards that shape customer due diligence and transfer-information obligations for crypto businesses.
Last reviewed 23 Oct 2026 by the Fintech Headlines desk against the official sources listed below.
FATF standards
In 2019 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) amended its Recommendation 15 and Interpretive Note to apply AML/CFT requirements to virtual assets and virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
Recommendation 16 — the "travel rule" — requires originator and beneficiary information to accompany qualifying transfers, including virtual-asset transfers.
Implementation
Countries implement these standards through national law, so obligations, thresholds and timelines vary by jurisdiction. FATF publishes regular targeted updates on implementation.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the competent authority or qualified counsel.