Crypto.com Delays South Korea Launch Amid Money Laundering Probe

Crypto.com has postponed its South Korea launch amid reports of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The company, committed to compliance, has delayed the launch to address regulatory concerns. Crypto.com maintains rigorous anti-money laundering standards and has collaborated with global jurisdictions for review. Despite earlier obstacles, Crypto.com remains committed to responsible market development in South Korea.

Crypto.com Postpones South Korean Launch Amid Money Laundering Concerns

In a move reflecting its commitment to compliance and adherence to regulatory standards, Crypto.com has announced the postponement of its planned launch in South Korea. This decision follows reports of an investigation into potential money laundering activities involving the cryptocurrency exchange.

Investigation Triggers Precautionary Measures

South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) has reportedly initiated an on-site inspection of Crypto.com's operations, citing concerns about anti-money laundering (AML) data inconsistencies. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a division of the FSC, is leading the investigation.

Crypto.com Maintains AML Standards

Crypto.com has emphasized its adherence to the highest AML standards in the industry. In response to the investigation, the company has decided to delay its South Korean launch to ensure that regulatory authorities have a thorough understanding of its comprehensive compliance policies, procedures, and controls.

Cross-Jurisdictional AML Compliance

Crypto.com has stated that its AML practices have been reviewed and approved by key regulatory bodies in multiple jurisdictions globally. The company obtained regulatory approval in South Korea in 2022 and planned to launch an app for retail users on April 29th.

Denial of Launch Obstacles

Despite the investigation, Crypto.com had previously denied encountering any obstacles in its South Korean launch plans. A company spokesperson maintained that while South Korea poses challenges for international exchanges, Crypto.com remains committed to responsible market development in collaboration with regulatory authorities.

Limited Customer Acquisition and AML Violations

Crypto.com has not acquired new customers in South Korea since acquiring OkBit, which at the time of acquisition had approximately 900 customers. OkBit has never been cited for AML violations, and existing OkBit customers' access has been restricted to withdrawals only since the acquisition.

On-Chain SUI Staking

In addition to its regulatory compliance measures, Crypto.com has also introduced on-chain staking for the SUI token. The staking feature allows users to earn rewards by depositing their SUI assets and contributing to the security and stability of the SUI blockchain.

SUI Collaboration with BytePlus

SUI, the cryptocurrency token launched by Mysten Labs, has recently collaborated with BytePlus, the technological subsidiary of TikTok US. This collaboration aims to enhance SUI's data analysis and content generation capabilities through access to BytePlus' resources.

Crypto.com's Support for SUI

Crypto.com's integration with SUI provides the token with access to a large and established user base. The exchange's strong presence in the cryptocurrency market and its commitment to providing staking opportunities could contribute to the growth and adoption of SUI.

Growth Potential for SUI and Staking

The collaboration with BytePlus and the availability of on-chain staking on Crypto.com create growth potential for SUI and other tokens involved in the staking process.

Conclusion

Crypto.com's postponement of its South Korean launch demonstrates the company's commitment to regulatory compliance and AML standards. The investigation into potential money laundering activities highlights the importance of adherence to regulatory frameworks in the cryptocurrency industry. Meanwhile, the introduction of on-chain staking for SUI and the collaboration with BytePlus provide opportunities for growth and adoption of the SUI ecosystem.