Cryptocurrency

Digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security and operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology, enabling secure and transparent peer-to-peer transactions.

AML

Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Regulatory measures and practices to detect and prevent illicit financial activities, ensuring the integrity of financial systems.

CFT

Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT): Measures aimed at identifying and preventing the funding of terrorist activities, disrupting financial networks supporting terrorism.

AMLD5

Fifth AML Laundering Directive (AMLD5): An EU directive aimed at enhancing measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It introduces stricter regulations, including the extension of AML obligations to virtual currency exchanges and wallet providers.

Travel Rule

A regulatory requirement under Anti-Money Laundering (AML) frameworks that mandates financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges to share certain customer information, such as originator and beneficiary details, during cryptocurrency transactions.
The rule aims to enhance transparency and traceability in digital asset transfers to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

Crypto Exchanges

Platforms that facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of cryptocurrencies. Users can exchange one cryptocurrency for another or for traditional fiat currencies. Exchanges may be centralized, where transactions are managed by a central authority, or decentralized, utilizing blockchain technology for peer-to-peer transactions.

Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is a comprehensive regulatory framework introduced by the European Union to govern the crypto-assets market.

Effective from December 2024, MiCA aims to enhance transparency, consumer protection, and market integrity within the cryptocurrency space. It establishes rules for issuers of crypto-assets, service providers, and stablecoins, requiring them to meet disclosure obligations, implement consumer safeguards, and adhere to anti-market abuse measures.

MiCA also seeks to harmonize crypto regulations across EU member states, fostering innovation while mitigating risks associated with the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem.

DeFi

DeFi stands for Decentralized Finance. It refers to a set of financial services and applications built on blockchain technology, aiming to recreate and innovate traditional financial systems in a decentralized manner. DeFi platforms often provide services like lending, borrowing, trading, and yield farming without relying on traditional intermediaries such as banks.

Bitcoin Ordinal

A Bitcoin Ordinal refers to a specific unit or satoshi (the smallest subdivision of a Bitcoin) that is given a unique identifier.
This concept allows for the creation and tracking of individual satoshis, effectively enabling them to be distinguished from one another. Bitcoin Ordinals are part of a system proposed by Casey Rodarmor in January 2023, which allows for the inscription of data (such as text, images, or videos) onto individual satoshis.

This system is sometimes referred to as Bitcoin Ordinal Theory or Bitcoin Ordinals Protocol.

Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

Thorough risk assessment of high-risk clients or transactions, ensuring compliance by analyzing sources of funds and identifying potential red flags.

Investigative Due Diligence (IDD)

Deep investigative research to uncover hidden risks, reputational issues, or legal liabilities before entering significant business relationships or transactions.

Crypto Forensic Investigations (CFI)

In-depth analysis of blockchain transactions to trace, identify, and recover illicitly moved crypto assets, supporting law enforcement and legal actions.

Know Your Customer (KYC)

Know Your Customer (KYC) is a regulatory process used by financial institutions and businesses to verify the identity of their clients.
The primary goal of KYC is to prevent illicit activities such as money laundering, fraud, and terrorism financing.

It typically involves collecting and validating personal information, such as government-issued identification, proof of address, and financial activity records.
In the cryptocurrency space, KYC requirements are often imposed on exchanges, token issuers, and other service providers to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. KYC plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of financial systems and fostering trust among participants.

Rug Pull

A rug pull is a type of scam in the cryptocurrency space where project developers suddenly withdraw liquidity or funds from a project, leaving investors with worthless tokens.
This scheme often involves enticing investors through promises of high returns, innovative technology, or community-driven initiatives, only for the developers to exploit their control over the project’s assets or smart contracts.