Rapidly changing regulatory landscape

The regulatory landscape for the digital asset industry is evolving rapidly, reflecting a shift from regulatory uncertainty and strict enforcement to a  structured approach to foster compliance. 

Several announcements during the Trump Administration’s first year in office provide a preview of likely changes to the regulatory environment for the digital asset industry.

  • President Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law on July 18, 2025.  The GENIUS Act establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins in the United States, and specifically includes new AML requirements on stablecoin issuers where they will now be treated as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act.  These new requirements will include KYC standards, customer due diligence, and sanctions compliance.
  • President Trump signed an Executive Order,1 Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology, to ”support the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain technology, and related technologies across all sectors of the economy.”
  • The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) established a dedicated Crypto Task Force2 to “provide clarity on the application of the federal securities laws to the crypto asset market and to recommend practical policy measures that aim to foster innovation and protect investors.”

The acceleration of favorable regulatory environment discussions and policymaking suggests that the crypto industry is attempting to move toward greater legitimacy to attract institutional players and foster broader adoption.

KPMG LLP (KPMG) is equipped to assist our clients navigating these changes.

KPMG support for digital asset providers

1

KYC and AML solutions

  • KYC program development: Establish tailored know your customer (KYC) programs covering customer identification, sanctions screening, ongoing due diligence, and risk rating, taking into account specific risks related to digital assets and crypto currencies.
  • AML program design: Design anti-money- laundering (AML) programs specific to regulatory requirements for broad compliance as well as anticipated legislation and leading practices in the crypto industry.
  • Compliance assessments: Perform AML program readiness and gap assessments to help clients meet compliance obligations and industry standards, inclduing crypto compliance best practices.
  • Blockchain integration support: Provide support for integrating blockchain analytical tools, including onboarding, customization, and optimization for smooth transition and enhanced benefits.

2

Ongoing monitoring and investigations

  • Detect suspicious activity: Utilize blockchain monitoring systems to help identify and flag suspicious activities.
  • Conduct internal reviews: Examine transaction details through thorough internal reviews to help ensure compliance and detect irregularities.
  • Wallet investigation and tracing: Perform detailed tracing of digital wallets to help track the movement and flow of digital assets. Analyze the on-ramping and off-ramping processes to help identify the sources and destinations of funds.
  • Improve compliance and rule sets: Provide oversight and refinement  of compliance systems and rule sets, implementing and validating robust models for risk assessment, AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring, and adapting to regulatory changes and evolving risk landscapes

3

Regulatory compliance and oversight solutions

  • Develop STR/SAR filing process: Establish a robust process for filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) to help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Perform independent AML reviews: Conduct independent review and testing of all aspects of an AML program, providing observations and tailored recommendations aligned with regulatory standards.
  • Conduct retrospective examinations: Perform retrospective examinations of digital asset transactions and develop targeted remediation strategies to help address any identified issues.
  • Regulatory response implementation: Develop and execute action plans for responding to regulatory inquiries and audits, helping ensure timely and effective communication and compliance with all regulatory directives.

4

Training and leading practices

  • Digital asset investigation training: Deliver training programs on digital asset investigations, covering essential concepts, regulatory compliance, and investigative techniques.
  • Live on-chain demonstrations: Conduct live demonstrations of on-chain transactions and complex obfuscation schemes to help enhance practical understanding.
  • Leading practices recommendations: Provide leading practices recommendations based on industry trends and extensive experience to help optimize investigation processes.
  • Insights analysis: Offer insights analysis derived from current industry trends and expert experience to inform strategic decision-making in digital asset investigations.

Footnotes

  1. Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology – The White House
  2. SEC.gov | Crypto Task Force

Dive into our thinking:

Rapidly changing regulatory landscape

Download PDF

Explore more insights

Thank you!

Thank you for contacting KPMG. We will respond to you as soon as possible.

Contact KPMG

Use this form to submit general inquiries to KPMG. We will respond to you as soon as possible.

By submitting, you agree that KPMG LLP may process any personal information you provide pursuant to KPMG LLP's . Privacy Statement

An error occurred. Please contact customer support.

Job seekers

Visit our careers section or search our jobs database.

Submit RFP

Use the RFP submission form to detail the services KPMG can help assist you with.

Office locations

International hotline

You can confidentially report concerns to the KPMG International hotline

Press contacts

Do you need to speak with our Press Office? Here's how to get in touch.

Headline