Yaya Fanusie: Bitcoin and Terrorism – How Compliance Will Shape Cryptocurrencies

Many within the cryptofinance industry have been patiently waiting for regulatory oversight to deliver the clarity required for institutional adoption. Recent updates by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which issues guidelines for 200 countries and territories, attempts to apply the same rules and regulations required of traditional finance to the world of virtual currencies.

Yaya Fanusie's background as an intelligence analyst at the CIA, and research on the national security implications of cryptocurrencies, provide valuable insight into the necessity of regulation in the space to mitigate the risk of bad actors. Yaya discusses the history and evolution of “Know Your Customer” and where he believes the industry is heading as it faces policymakers who attempt to regulate such rapid technological change.

Topics covered in this episode:

Yaya’s background in the CIA and how he became interested in bitcoinBitcoin from a national security perspectiveHow terrorist organizations leverage cryptocurrencies for fundingThe evolution of AML/KYC and complicance regulation in the financial sectorThe cost of AML/KYC on business and societyTrying to regulate rapid technological changePrivacy in communication vs. Privacy in paymentsThe travel rule and how it affects cryptofinancial companiesCryptocurrencies over the next decade

Episode links:

Yaya Fanusie's websiteYaya Fanusie on TwitterFinCEN’s Regulations to Certain Business Models Involving Convertible Virtual CurrenciesFoundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) PodcastStronger AML Enforcement Might Actually Save Crypto (FDD)Crypto Rogues (FDD)Anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (European Commission)Cryptocurrency AML StrategiesKYC in Stablecoins (Bits on Blocks)Rhythm of Wisdom Podcast

Sponsors:

Pepo: Meet the people shaping the crypto movement - https://pepo.com/epicenter

This episode is hosted by Sebastien Couture & Brian Fabian Crain. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/324