Bitfinex Securities accelerates global shift towards regulated tokenised securities with new licences and milestones

Digital1191 words6 min readabout 3 hours ago

Since its inception in September 2021, Bitfinex Securities has significantly advanced the adoption of regulated tokenised financial instruments, securing licences and executing landmark issuances that push traditional markets towards blockchain innovation.

Since it first entered the scene in September 2021, Bitfinex Securities has established itself as a pioneer in the realm of tokenised securities, especially focusing on the regulated issuance and trading of both debt and equity instruments. Situated at the intersection of blockchain technology and traditional finance, it has propelled the adoption of tokenised financial tools within regulated frameworks. This development strongly indicates that digital assets and conventional capital markets are progressively converging.

The company began its operations within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan, choosing this jurisdiction because it offers a regulatory sandbox designed to foster fintech innovation. This environment allowed them to experiment with issuing and trading tokenised securities under supervision, helping to shape future licensing standards. Recently, Bitfinex Securities has been working towards acquiring a full AIFC licence, transitioning from the sandbox to a fully licensed status, which would enable more permanent and institutional-grade operations to support sustained growth.

A significant milestone was achieved in December 2023 when they facilitated a tokenised debt issuance with Mikro Kapital, a microfinance entity. This issuance was part of Mikro Kapital’s ALTERNATIVE securitisation fund, raising over $5 million USDt on the Liquid Network. The bond, ALT2612, has a 36-month tenor and a 10% coupon, and its issuance demonstrated how tokenisation could be applied to real-world lending, providing a new avenue for capital raising for businesses and alternative assets. The platform’s innovative approach allows investors to hold and trade securities peer-to-peer on the blockchain, combining regulatory compliance with blockchain-based trading.

Building on this momentum, Bitfinex Securities expanded its offerings with additional bonds from Mikro Kapital, including an 11-month and a 36-month tenor with coupon rates of 10% and 13.5%, respectively. These bonds support microfinance and shared economy projects across emerging markets such as Central Asia and Europe, further demonstrating the platform’s commitment to channeling investments into small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Beyond Kazakhstan, the company made a consequential move into El Salvador. In January 2024, Bitfinex Securities became the first fully regulated digital assets exchange licensed under El Salvador’s Digital Asset Securities Law. This licence aligns with El Salvador’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for Bitcoin innovation, especially after adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. Operating within this regulatory environment enhances the platform’s ability to develop tokenised securities in conjunction with the country’s vision for digital financial inclusion.

Over time, Bitfinex Securities has diversified its product suite beyond debt instruments, including secondary trading of the Blockstream Mining Note (BMN) and collaborations with European partners like Alternative in Luxembourg to introduce structured offerings. This growth has created a robust pipeline of tokenised securities across various sectors, positioning the platform as a significant player in the emerging asset class of tokenised securities.

Financially, the platform has demonstrated strong growth, now managing close to $250 million in assets under management. This impressive figure underscores the increasing demand for regulated tokenised securities among issuers and investors alike. The platform’s ability to offer efficiency, transparency, and global access makes it an attractive alternative to traditional financial instruments.

Looking forward, Bitfinex Securities aims to continue obtaining full licensing in key jurisdictions and to enhance its offerings in the tokenised debt market. Its strategic positioning and regulatory progress are poised to attract more institutional participants, thereby advancing the shift of tokenised securities from experimental projects to mainstream asset classes. This evolution could radically reshape the issuance and trading of debt, equity, and other financial instruments, leveraging blockchain technology to foster a more efficient, transparent, and global capital market ecosystem.

Source: Noah Wire Services

Verification / Sources

https://blog.bitfinex.com/securities/bitfinex-securities-milestones/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://blog.bitfinex.com/securities/bitfinex-securities-milestones/ - Bitfinex Securities has been instrumental in advancing tokenised financial instruments, establishing itself as a leading platform for issuing and trading tokenised securities. Since its launch in September 2021, it has achieved significant milestones, including the first tokenised debt offering with Mikro Kapital, expansion into El Salvador, and nearing $250 million in assets under management. The platform continues to bridge digital asset infrastructure with traditional markets, fostering the adoption of tokenised securities globally.
https://blog.bitfinex.com/media-releases/first-tokenised-bond-raises-more-than-5m-usdt-on-bitfinex-securities/ - In December 2023, Bitfinex Securities successfully facilitated the issuance of ALT2612, a tokenised bond by Mikro Kapital's securitisation fund, ALTERNATIVE. The bond raised over $5 million USDt, marking a significant milestone in the microcredit industry. With a 36-month tenor and a 10% coupon, the bond was issued on the Liquid Network, enabling regulatory compliance while allowing investors to self-custody and trade securities peer-to-peer.
https://blog.bitfinex.com/bitfinex-securities/bitfinex-securities-1st-anniversary-highlights-and-outlook/ - Celebrating its first anniversary, Bitfinex Securities reflects on its achievements, including the successful execution of its first primary issuance and the launch of secondary trading for the Blockstream Mining Note (BMN). The platform has expanded its team, established robust assessment and listing processes, and developed a pipeline of tokenised securities across various sectors, positioning itself as a key player in the tokenised securities market.
https://blog.bitfinex.com/media-releases/bitfinex-securities-approaches-250-million-tokenised-securities-milestone-and-sets-out-plans-to-attain-full-astana-international-finance-centre-licence/ - As of September 2025, Bitfinex Securities is on track to reach $250 million in tokenised assets and is applying to transition from the Astana International Finance Centre’s (AIFC) FintechLab to an Authorised Investment Exchange. The platform has issued $206 million worth of tokenised securities, including Mikro Kapital’s regular tokenised bond programme and the first Blockstream Mining Note, demonstrating significant growth and regulatory progress.
https://blog.bitfinex.com/bitfinex-securities/bitfinex-securities-receives-first-digital-asset-license-in-el-salvador/ - In January 2024, Bitfinex Securities became the first fully regulated digital assets exchange to receive a Digital Asset licence in El Salvador. This licence, issued under the country's new Digital Asset Securities Law, enables Bitfinex Securities to offer tokenised securities in a regulated environment, aligning with El Salvador's vision to position itself as a hub for Bitcoin innovation and financial inclusion.
https://cryptoslate.com/bitfinex-securities-issues-new-tokenized-bonds-to-support-microfinance-projects/ - Bitfinex Securities has launched two new tokenised bond issues under Mikro Kapital’s securitisation fund, ALTERNATIVE. These bonds, with 11-month and 36-month tenors and coupon rates of 10% and 13.5% respectively, aim to raise between $500,000 and $10 million USDt. The proceeds will support microfinance and sharing economy projects, assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs in emerging markets, particularly in Central Asia and Europe.

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Score: 8

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Bank of England signals new regulatory era for stablecoins amid global shifts

Digital1935 words9 min readabout 3 hours ago

The Bank of England adopts a more positive stance towards stablecoins, proposing regulatory integration and access to reserve facilities, amid shifting policies worldwide and innovations like Visa’s cross-border payment pilot.The Bank of England has recently adjusted its tune when it comes to stablecoins, indicating a more positive and regulation-oriented outlook towards these digital assets. Governor Andrew Bailey made a point to emphasize that stablecoins which are widely used in the UK should be brought under regulation similar to that of traditional bank money. This would cover depositor protections, and importantly, give stablecoins access to the Bank of England’s reserve facilities—this is quite a significant move toward formally integrating stablecoins into the existing financial framework. Bailey clarified that even though stablecoins aren’t quite functioning as money-like payment tools just yet—mostly because their main role is still to serve as entry and exit points in crypto markets—they shouldn’t be dismissed outright. Instead, the Bank plans to publish a consultation paper that would lay out a clearer regulatory framework and suggest that stablecoins could hold accounts directly at the Bank of England, boosting their credibility as legitimate forms of money. Bailey also envisioned a future where banks and stablecoins could coexist happily, with non-bank players possibly stepping up to provide more credit-related services. Interestingly enough, this marks quite a shift from earlier concerns that stablecoins posed a threat to banks by diverting deposits away from them. But—and I suppose you could say this—some voices from the traditional banking world are still wary; Rob Nichols, who heads the American Bankers Association, expressed ongoing worries, warning that stablecoins might sideline fundamental banking functions like deposit-taking and lending. The momentum behind regulation, however, isn’t coming from just the UK. It’s partly fueled by developments in the U.S., particularly the GENIUS Act signed into law back in July 2025. This piece of legislation sketches out a detailed oversight framework for stablecoins, mandating that they be backed 1:1 with U.S. dollars or other low-risk assets, along with strict standards on reserves, auditing, and transparency. It establishes supervision at both the federal and state levels and aims to protect consumers. Industry insiders see this U.S. regulatory clarity as a big boost—kind of a catalyst—that will inspire more confidence among institutions and help integrate stablecoins into mainstream financial systems. As a reflection of the broader institutional backing, Visa has recently kicked off a pilot project that uses stablecoins to facilitate cross-border payments. The idea is that businesses can pre-fund transactions with stablecoins instead of relying on traditional currencies, which could speed up payment processing and reduce the hassle of holding multiple fiat currencies. Visa’s move to incorporate stablecoin tech into their existing payment networks suggests that stablecoins are moving beyond their niche crypto origins and are increasingly becoming part of the backbone of global payments infrastructure. That said, concerns about regulation aren’t fading away entirely, especially outside the UK and US. The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), led by ECB President Christine Lagarde, has issued some pretty urgent warnings regarding the dangers of stablecoins issued by multi-jurisdictional groups that don’t fall neatly within EU regulatory oversight. The fear is that such fragmented regulation could lead to market stress—maybe even runs on reserves—and overall liquidity problems. There’s also a risk of regulatory arbitrage, where investors might prefer to redeem in stricter regimes to escape laxer ones, which raises the need for better coordinated international supervision. Meanwhile, big players like Amundi—Europe’s largest asset manager—are expressing some reservations, especially about how stablecoins might impact the global financial landscape once they’re more widely adopted. Amundi’s CIO Vincent Mortier highlighted worries that if stablecoins reach the scale JPMorgan projects—somewhere between $500 billion and $2 trillion—they could create what’s essentially “quasi-banking” entities and threaten monetary sovereignty and overall financial stability. Plus, Mortier pointed out a somewhat surprising paradox: the increased purchase of U.S. Treasuries backing stablecoin reserves might even weaken the dollar itself. It’s a complex interplay—digital assets influencing traditional currencies—something that most experts are watching closely. These cautious views from major financial institutions emphasize that, despite the regulatory progress, many are still wary of how widespread stablecoin adoption might shake things up. All in all, the Bank of England’s changing stance indicates a broader trend among global regulators to shift from outright skepticism to more structured, rules-based approaches. As the UK considers giving stablecoins direct access to the Bank of England, and with other jurisdictions still struggling to coordinate policies, this market is at a real crossroads. The promise of faster, more efficient payments is attractive—no doubt about that—but finding the right balance between encouraging innovation and mitigating systemic risks remains a key challenge for policymakers moving forward. References: - Paragraph 1 – 1, 2 - Paragraph 2 – 1 - Paragraph 3 – 1, 6, 7 - Paragraph 4 – 4 - Paragraph 5 – 3 - Paragraph 6 – 5 - Paragraph 7 – 1, 2, 3, 5 Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://www.atmmarketplace.com/news/bank-of-england-softens-tone-on-stablecoins-say-they-should-be-regulated/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/widely-used-stablecoins-need-be-regulated-like-money-boes-bailey-says-2025-10-01/ - Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has stated that widely used stablecoins in the UK should be regulated similarly to traditional banks. This includes implementing depositor protections and granting access to Bank of England reserve facilities. Bailey clarified that he is not opposed to stablecoins in principle but emphasized that their current primary function—facilitating entry and exit from cryptocurrency markets—does not qualify them as money-like payment methods. The Bank of England plans to release a consultation paper outlining its regulatory approach, including the proposal for UK stablecoins to have accounts at the Bank of England to reinforce their credibility and monetary status. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/eu-risk-watchdog-calls-urgent-safeguards-stablecoins-2025-10-02/ - The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), led by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, has issued a warning calling for urgent safeguards on stablecoins that are only partially issued within the European Union. These concerns stem from potential vulnerabilities in 'multi-issuer' stablecoin arrangements, in which issuers inside and outside the EU collaborate. Under such schemes, stablecoins are not uniformly regulated, exposing the bloc to potential financial risk during market stress, such as a run on reserves. Policymakers fear this discrepancy could lead investors to prefer redeeming stablecoins within the stricter and safer EU framework, potentially causing a liquidity shortage. The ESRB emphasized the need for consistent oversight across jurisdictions to prevent regulatory arbitrage and reduce systemic financial risks associated with cross-border stablecoin arrangements. https://www.reuters.com/technology/visa-bets-stablecoins-speed-up-cross-border-payments-2025-09-30/ - Visa has announced a pilot program to test the use of stablecoins for international payments, allowing businesses to pre-fund transactions with digital tokens instead of traditional currencies. This initiative aims to accelerate cross-border payments and reduce the need for companies to lock up cash in multiple currencies worldwide. The decision follows the passage of the GENIUS Act in the U.S., which established clear regulations for stablecoin issuers and has increased institutional confidence in digital tokens. Visa is partnering with undisclosed entities and plans to expand the program next year. While stablecoins raise concerns about competition for traditional financial institutions, Visa’s approach emphasizes integrating stablecoin technology into its existing payment systems rather than replacing them. Experts suggest this marks a shift in stablecoins from a niche crypto tool to critical financial infrastructure. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/amundi-warns-us-stablecoin-policy-could-destabilise-global-payments-system-2025-07-03/ - Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager, has expressed concern that the U.S. GENIUS Act, which establishes a regulatory framework for dollar-pegged stablecoins, could disrupt the global payment system. The legislation, recently passed by the U.S. Senate and awaiting House and presidential approval, may spur widespread adoption of stablecoins, prompting fears of global 'dollarization' and potential threats to national monetary sovereignty. Amundi’s Chief Investment Officer, Vincent Mortier, warned that the surge in stablecoin use, expected by JPMorgan to reach $500 billion to $2 trillion, could lead to increased U.S. Treasury bond purchases, which may ironically weaken the dollar. Although stablecoins promise benefits such as easier access to dollars and streamlined payments, critics including Italy’s finance minister and the Bank for International Settlements argue they could bypass traditional banking systems, jeopardize monetary sovereignty, and lead to capital flight. Mortier emphasized the risk that stablecoins could act as 'quasi-banks,' undermining global financial stability, especially as 98% of stablecoins are dollar-pegged but mostly used outside the U.S. Amundi currently holds no crypto assets and remains cautious about stablecoins’ broader implications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GENIUS_Act - The GENIUS Act, enacted in July 2025, is a U.S. federal law that aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that are backed by assets considered to be reliable, such as a national currency or a commodity. The act requires stablecoins to be backed one-for-one by U.S. dollars or other low-risk assets, establishing stringent standards for reserves, audits, and transparency. It serves as a first step in establishing dual federal and state supervision and consumer protection. The act was introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty (R–TN) and passed both the Senate and the House before being signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 18, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonyaevans/2025/03/13/genius-act-clears-senate-banking-committee-what-it-means-for-stablecoins/ - The GENIUS Act, a bipartisan effort to regulate the stablecoin industry, has cleared the Senate Banking Committee. Introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty (R–TN), the act aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins, including requirements for stablecoin issuers to maintain 1:1 reserves in U.S. dollars or highly liquid assets. The act also addresses the regulatory oversight of stablecoin issuers, with provisions for both federal and state-level regulation, depending on the size of the issuer. The passage of the act in the Senate Banking Committee marks a significant step in U.S. crypto policy, though its path to becoming law remains uncertain. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 9 Notes: The narrative presents recent developments, including Governor Andrew Bailey's comments on stablecoin regulation from October 1, 2025, and the GENIUS Act signed into U.S. law in July 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 1, 2025, indicating high freshness. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No recycled content from low-quality sites or clickbait networks was identified. 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The language and tone are appropriate for the topic and region. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH Summary: The narrative is fresh, original, and plausible, with no significant issues identified. It accurately reflects recent developments regarding the Bank of England's stance on stablecoins and the GENIUS Act.

Akemona’s Tokenization Cloud positions itself at the forefront of regulated digital assets adoption

Digital1501 words7 min readabout 3 hours ago

Akemona launches its Tokenization Cloud platform to facilitate large-scale digital asset issuance for financial institutions, aligning with SEC's evolving regulatory landscape and supporting the integration of DeFi into mainstream finance.Akemona has launched its Tokenization Cloud, a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) infrastructure aimed at helping financial institutions and businesses adopt digital assets at scale. Unveiled on October 3, 2025, this platform aligns with the SEC's Project Crypto, which seeks to modernise custody rules and incorporate decentralized finance (DeFi) within the regulated financial landscape. The Tokenization Cloud delivers a comprehensive Digital Asset Lifecycle Ecosystem, encompassing token creation, issuance, settlement, trading, redemption, and reporting, integrated within a secure environment that employs Web3 APIs, smart contracts, and compliance frameworks designed to meet enterprise security and scalability standards. The timing of this launch coincides with the SEC’s increasing endorsement of digital assets, notably its recent support for the right to self-custody of digital holdings, which SEC Chairman Atkins has emphasized as a core American value. This policy shift enhances the prospects for broker-dealers and asset managers to develop and distribute blockchain-native applications, including tokenized funds and structured products. Akemona CEO Alex de Lorraine described the Tokenization Cloud as a significant development, equipping institutions with the tools to confidently issue tokenized securities and seamlessly integrate them with traditional distribution channels. Its modular, API-driven applications—such as the Issuer Hub for creating tokenized wrappers for ETFs, ETNs, and structured products—aim to meet rising demand for fractionalisation, faster settlement, and broader investor access. From a technical standpoint, Akemona’s CTO Brady Matthews highlighted that the platform was purpose-built to adhere to the rigorous standards expected by financial institutions. It features embedded compliance functionalities—such as investor whitelists, lockups, KYC/AML enforcement, and eligibility rules—to ensure digital asset applications remain aligned with U.S. and international regulations. The platform offers flexible settlement options, supporting both traditional financial rails and stablecoin-based mechanisms, allowing institutions to expand their digital asset strategies without regulatory or operational compromise. Building on its previous achievements, Akemona recently surpassed $100 million in total value locked (TVL) across its SaaS tokenization platform and investor portal. This milestone demonstrates the platform’s expanding adoption in bridging traditional finance with DeFi, facilitating investments in fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins. The company’s growing network of agreements for global securities token offerings further indicates a widespread movement toward blockchain-enabled tokenisation, promoting financial inclusion and investment accessibility. Looking toward the future, the SEC’s Project Crypto regulatory framework is expected to accelerate digital securities adoption, especially as it advocates for direct investor custody of digital securities—an approach previously unavailable. Akemona positions its Tokenization Cloud as a foundational infrastructure poised to support emerging workflows and applications that will shape the future of regulated DeFi markets. This strategic positioning aligns with industry expectations that increased regulatory clarity, combined with technological innovation, is crucial for integrating digital assets into mainstream finance. Nevertheless, the broader financial ecosystem remains cautious about how these regulatory developments will be executed and enforced, with market participants noting that while the SEC's stance is promising, practical implementation will depend on how regulations balance investor protection, compliance demands, and technological progress. References: - Paragraph 1 — [1], [2] - Paragraph 2 — [1], [2], [6] - Paragraph 3 — [1] - Paragraph 4 — [4], [5] - Paragraph 5 — [1], [3], [6] Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akemona-launches-tokenization-cloud-to-accelerate-digital-asset-adoption-in-financial-markets-302574790.html - Original press release. View link for all data https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akemona-launches-tokenization-cloud-to-accelerate-digital-asset-adoption-in-financial-markets-302574790.html - Akemona has introduced its Tokenization Cloud, a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) designed to assist financial institutions and businesses in adopting digital assets at scale. This launch aligns with the SEC's Project Crypto, which aims to modernise custody rules and integrate decentralized finance (DeFi) into the regulated financial system. The Tokenization Cloud offers a comprehensive Digital Asset Lifecycle Ecosystem, encompassing token creation, issuance, settlement, trading, redemption, and reporting. It integrates Web3 APIs, smart contracts, databases, compliance frameworks, and orchestration services into a secure environment, enabling institutions to develop digital-native applications with enterprise-grade security and scalability. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akemona-signs-three-new-agreements-for-worldwide-securities-token-offerings-in-2024-302017261.html - Akemona has entered into agreements with three new issuers to facilitate worldwide equity token offerings on its platform in 2024. Operating within the SEC's exempt offering framework, Akemona provides comprehensive digital stocks, smart bonds issuance, and asset tokenisation services to businesses and financial institutions. The platform enables issuers to offer equity tokens to investors, broadening access to investment opportunities globally and fostering financial inclusion through blockchain technology. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akemona-technologies-saas-tokenization-platform-and-investor-portal-surpass-100-million-tvl-milestone-302323000.html - Akemona Technologies has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $100 million in total value locked (TVL) across clients using its SaaS tokenisation platform and investor portal. This accomplishment reflects the growing adoption of Akemona's platform in both traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi) sectors for private investments and tokenisation. The platform seamlessly accepts and tracks investments in fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins, bridging the gap between DeFi and broader capital markets. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akemona-accelerates-blockchain-technology-adoption-in-the-capital-market-through-its-software-as-a-service-tokenization-platform-and-investor-portal-302329663.html - Akemona Technologies has introduced an innovative SaaS tokenisation platform with a dual-mode capability, allowing traditional financial institutions and businesses to adopt tokenisation at their own pace. The platform operates in both traditional (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) modes, enabling seamless transition between the two. This flexibility provides an onramp for institutions to integrate blockchain technology into their operations, fostering the adoption of tokenised real-world assets and enhancing efficiency in capital markets. https://docs.akemona.foundation/introduction/ - The Akemona Foundation has developed a comprehensive digital asset issuance and management platform that supports both sell-side and buy-side participants in the primary market. The platform enables the issuance and investment in tokenised securities and utility tokens under SEC exemptions and the Investment Company Act of 1940. It offers core applications such as Issuer Hub, Investor Portal, Admin App, Escrow Manager, and OnchainTA, facilitating secure and compliant digital asset transactions for financial institutions and businesses. https://docs.akemona.foundation/faq/ - The Akemona Foundation aims to advance the global adoption of real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation by licensing the Akemona RWA Tokenisation Platform to eligible issuers at cost, making advanced tokenisation technology accessible and affordable for global entrepreneurs. The Foundation is also launching a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO), allowing AKENRO token holders to participate in governance and development of the RWA protocol. This initiative fosters inclusiveness, transparency, and continued innovation in RWA tokenisation, with the DAO guiding the platform’s technology direction. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 8 Notes: The narrative was published on October 3, 2025, and is currently the earliest known publication of this specific content. The launch aligns with the SEC's Project Crypto, which seeks to modernise custody rules and incorporate decentralized finance (DeFi) within the regulated financial landscape. This suggests the content is fresh and relevant. However, the narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. No earlier versions of this narrative have appeared within the past 7 days. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Quotes check Score: 9 Notes: The direct quotes from Akemona CEO Alex de Lorraine and CTO Brady Matthews appear to be original and exclusive to this narrative. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, and no variations in wording were noted. This suggests the quotes are unique to this release. Source reliability Score: 7 Notes: The narrative originates from PR Newswire, a reputable press release distribution service. However, PR Newswire is a platform for distributing press releases, and the content originates from Akemona, a company with a public presence and a history of press releases. While Akemona has been involved in previous press releases, such as the launch of OnchainTA in 2021 (prnewswire.com), the company's overall credibility is not well-established. Therefore, the source reliability score is moderate. Plausability check Score: 8 Notes: The narrative makes plausible claims about Akemona's Tokenization Cloud and its alignment with the SEC's Project Crypto. The timing of the launch coincides with the SEC’s increasing endorsement of digital assets, notably its recent support for the right to self-custody of digital holdings. This policy shift enhances the prospects for broker-dealers and asset managers to develop and distribute blockchain-native applications, including tokenized funds and structured products. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The language and tone are consistent with corporate press releases, and there is no excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and appropriate for the subject matter. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM Summary: The narrative presents fresh content with original quotes and plausible claims. However, the source's reliability is moderate due to Akemona's limited public presence, and the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets raises concerns. Therefore, the overall assessment is 'OPEN' with medium confidence.

India intensifies crackdown on offshore crypto platforms to ensure AML compliance

Regulation2139 words10 min read20 minutes ago

India’s Financial Intelligence Unit has issued notices and ordered the removal of unregistered offshore crypto service providers, marking a decisive step to tighten regulation and curb illegal activities in the digital asset market.India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) has taken decisive action against 25 offshore virtual digital asset (VDA) service providers for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This effort underscores the government’s intensified crackdown on unregistered cryptocurrency platforms serving Indian users and aims to tighten regulatory oversight in the digital asset market. The Finance Ministry confirmed that notices were issued under Section 13 of the PMLA, which empowers FIU-IND to examine records, verify client identities, and request reports on suspicious transactions. These notices target firms including CoinW, CEX.IO, Paxful, Huione, BTCC, Changelly, LBank, and others operating from jurisdictions such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, the UK, and more. Violators face penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh per breach, with non-compliant platforms risking shutdowns. Concurrently, separate directives under the Information Technology Act, 2000, have been used to order the removal of unregistered crypto applications and websites accessible within India, effectively restricting user access to these services. This initiative signifies India’s commitment to bringing all digital asset providers, regardless of physical presence, into the scope of its AML and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations. Since March 2023, virtual digital asset service providers are mandated to register with FIU-IND as reporting entities, fulfilling obligations including record-keeping and suspicious transaction reporting. These rules apply broadly to activities like crypto-to-fiat conversions, asset transfers, wallet management, and other related services. Despite more than 50 service providers registering so far, authorities continue to identify offshore entities operating outside compliance frameworks while actively servicing Indian customers. The government has emphasized that registration and adherence to AML standards are mandatory and that failure to comply presents legal, financial, and operational risks. It also issued a stark warning to investors: cryptocurrencies and NFTs remain unregulated with no guarantee of safety or recourse for losses, highlighting the inherent risks associated with digital assets. India’s robust enforcement reflects a global trend towards greater transparency and AML compliance within the crypto space. Through these measures, regulators aim to set clear boundaries and deter illegal activities, reinforcing that operating outside the regulatory framework will lead to enforcement actions, including app takedowns and access restrictions. The combination of legal notices and directives under the IT Act demonstrates a comprehensive approach to asserting control over a rapidly expanding digital asset market characterized by jurisdictional complexities and evolving regulations. Source: Noah Wire ServicesVerification / Sources https://blockonomi.com/government-targets-25-crypto-firms-for-breaking-anti-money-laundering-rules/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/fiu-notices-offshore-crypto-platforms-pmla-non-compliance-125100101180_1.html - The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) has issued notices to 25 offshore Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers (VDA SPs) for operating in India without complying with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The entities served notices include Huione (Cambodia), BC.Game (Curaçao), Paxful (USA), Changelly (Hong Kong), CEX.IO (USA/UK), LBank (British Virgin Islands), YouHodler (Switzerland/St Vincent), BingX (British Virgin Islands), PrimeXBT (Saint Lucia), BTCC (UK), CoinEx (Hong Kong), Remitano (Singapore), Poloniex (USA), BitMex (Seychelles), Bitrue (Singapore), LCX (Liechtenstein), Probit Global (Seychelles), BTSE (Lithuania/British Virgin Islands), HitBTC (Hong Kong), LocalCoinSwap (Hong Kong), AscendEx (Singapore), Phemex (Singapore), ZooMex (Cayman Islands), CoinCola (Hong Kong), and CoinW (Singapore). These platforms were found catering to Indian users without registering with FIU-IND, as required under the anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. The statement added that under Section 13 of the PMLA, FIU-IND has issued non-compliance notices, while separate directions under the Information Technology Act, 2000 have been issued to initiate takedown of their apps and URLs accessible in India. So far, 50 VDA SPs have registered with FIU-IND. Regulators continue to flag unregistered offshore entities that remain outside the ambit of AML/CFT rules despite actively engaging with Indian customers. Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers were brought under the purview of PMLA in March 2023, requiring them to register as reporting entities and fulfil obligations such as record-keeping and reporting of suspicious transactions. The rules apply irrespective of whether the entity has a physical presence in India. https://www.livemint.com/news/fiu-issues-notices-to-25-offshore-crypto-firms-over-pmla-noncompliance-11759341740047.html - The Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND) has issued notices to 25 offshore virtual digital asset (VDA) service providers for alleged non-compliance with India’s anti-money laundering law, the finance ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The notices were issued under Section 13 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which empowers authorities to initiate enquiries, seek audits of records, verify client identities, and demand reports on suspicious transactions. Entities found in violation face penalties of up to ₹1 lakh per breach. The ministry added that the Director of FIU-IND has also issued notices under the Information Technology Act, 2000, seeking takedown of apps and URLs that were operating illegally without PMLA compliance in India. FIU-India, set up in 2004, is the central agency responsible for processing, analyzing, and disseminating information related to suspicious financial transactions. So far, 50 VDA service providers have registered with FIU-IND. However, the agency continues to flag offshore entities catering to Indian users without registration, keeping them outside the anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML-CFT) framework. VDA service providers operating in India (whether offshore or onshore) and engaged in activities like exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat currencies, transfer of virtual digital assets, safekeeping or administration of virtual digital assets or instruments enabling control over virtual digital assets etc. are required to be registered with FIU IND as reporting entities and also comply with the obligations under PMLA, the ministry said. These obligations are activity-based and are not contingent on physical presence of the entity in India. The regulation casts reporting, record keeping, and other obligations on the VDA service providers under the PML Act which also includes registration with the FIU IND. https://cfo.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance-risk-compliance/government-issues-notices-to-25-offshore-crypto-exchanges-for-violating-anti-money-laundering-rules/124272697 - The Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND) has sent notices to 25 offshore virtual digital asset (VDA) service providers for allegedly failing to follow India's anti-money laundering laws, according to a Finance Ministry statement. The notices were issued under Section 13 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This section allows authorities to launch investigations, check company records, verify customer details, and demand reports on suspicious transactions. Companies that violate the rules could face fines of up to Rs 1 lakh for each breach. Among the 25 offshore firms served notices are CoinW of Singapore, BTCC of the UK, Changelly of Hong Kong, and Paxful of the US. Other names include Huione of Cambodia, CEX.IO of the US and the UK, LBank of the British Virgin Islands, PrimeXBT of Saint Lucia, Coinex of Hong Kong, Remitano of Singapore, Poloniex of Boston, BitMex of Seychelles, and LCX of Liechtenstein. The FIU-IND has also issued separate notices under the Information Technology Act, 2000, asking for the removal of apps and websites that were operating in India without proper registration under PMLA. FIU-India, which was set up in 2004, is the main agency responsible for collecting and analyzing information about suspicious financial transactions. So far, 50 VDA service providers have registered with FIU-IND. However, several offshore firms continue to operate in India without registering, which keeps them outside the anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML-CFT) framework. The government made it clear that all VDA service providers serving Indian users -- whether based in India or abroad -- must register with FIU-IND and follow PMLA rules. These rules apply to companies engaged in activities like crypto-to-fiat exchanges, transfer of virtual assets, safekeeping of digital assets, or any services giving control over such assets. Registration and compliance are mandatory even if the companies do not have a physical presence in India. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/fiu-ind-issues-notices-to-25-offshore-crypto-exchanges/articleshow/124265777.cms?UTM_Campaign=RSS_Feed&UTM_Medium=Referral&UTM_Source=Google_Newsstand&from=mdr - India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) has issued notices to 25 offshore cryptocurrency exchanges, including Huione and Paxful, for violating anti-money laundering laws. These platforms were serving Indian users without mandatory registration, prompting FIU-IND to order the takedown of their apps and URLs. The notices were issued under Section 13 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The exchanges, including well-known platforms such as Huione, Paxful, Changelly and BitMex, were found to be catering to Indian users without registering with FIU, a violation of the country's anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism framework. These offshore exchanges operate from various jurisdictions worldwide but actively solicit Indian users without ensuring compliance with Indian financial laws. The FIU-IND has directed the takedown of applications and URLs of these platforms in India, effectively curbing public access. The virtual digital assets (VDA) service providers operating in India (whether offshore or onshore) and engaged in activities like exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat currencies, transfer of virtual digital assets, safekeeping or administration of virtual digital assets or instruments enabling control over virtual digital assets etc. are required to be registered with FIU-IND as reporting entity. They are also mandated to comply with the set of obligations as per PMLA, including reporting and record keeping, among others. "These obligations are activity-based and are not contingent on the physical presence of the entity in India," the finance ministry said in a statement. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2025/10/01/dcm143-biz-finmin-crypto.html - Financial Intelligence Unit-India, under the finance ministry, has issued notices to 25 offshore virtual digital asset providers, including British Virgin Islands-based LBank and BingX that feature among top 20 crypto exchanges in the world, for non-compliance with norms under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The government has also instructed these entities to take down their applications/websites from public access in India, the finance ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The government had in 2023 brought virtual digital asset providers under the ambit of its law on money laundering. "It must be mentioned that the Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions," it warned. To date, 50 virtual digital assets service providers (VDA SPs) have registered with FIU IND, it said. However, it said, from time to time the entities which are catering to Indian users but not getting registered and thus remain outside the AML/CFT framework are identified by the FIU IND. The VDA SPs operating in India (whether offshore or onshore) and engaged in activities like exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat currencies, transfer of virtual digital assets, safekeeping or administration of virtual digital assets or instruments enabling control over virtual digital assets etc are required to be registered with FIU IND as Reporting Entity and comply with the set of obligations as mandated under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002. These obligations are activity-based and are not contingent on physical presence of the entity in India, it said, adding, the regulation casts reporting, record keeping, and other obligations on the VDA SPs under the PML Act which also includes registration with the FIU IND. Noah Fact Check Pro The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation. Freshness check Score: 10 Notes: The narrative is current, with the earliest known publication date being October 2, 2025. No evidence of prior publication or recycled content was found. The report is based on a recent press release from the Indian Finance Ministry, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score. Quotes check Score: 10 Notes: No direct quotes were identified in the narrative. The information is presented in a paraphrased format, with no evidence of identical quotes appearing in earlier material. The lack of direct quotes suggests the content may be original or exclusive. Source reliability Score: 10 Notes: The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, the Indian Finance Ministry, which issued the press release. This enhances the credibility of the information presented. Plausability check Score: 10 Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known regulatory actions in India. The report is consistent with previous actions taken by the Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND) against non-compliant crypto exchanges. The language and tone are formal and consistent with official communications. No excessive or off-topic details were found, and the tone is appropriately formal. Overall assessment Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH Summary: The narrative is current, original, and based on a recent press release from a reputable organisation, the Indian Finance Ministry. The information is plausible and consistent with known regulatory actions in India. No discrepancies or signs of disinformation were identified.