BCSC targets EU virtual asset platform i-Coin
The British Columbia Securities Commission issues regulatory warning against i-Coin, a European cryptocurrency trading platform
What Happened?
April 29, 2020: Estonia-based cryptocurrency trading platform i-Coin was found to have accepted funds from a British Columbia resident without being recognized as an exchange or registered as a dealer in B.C. According to Canadian legislation, i-Coin’s activities were regulated and the firm has been added to the IOSCO warnings list.
Source: https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/Enforcement/Investment_Caution_List/i-Coin/
Who Is Impacted?
Cryptocurrency trading platforms and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) serving Canadian residents.
Why This Matters?
Many VASPs continue to operate on a global basis, without securing the required licenses or implementing the required KYC and AML compliance systems of the jurisdictions in which they accept users. This enforcement measure signals the importance for businesses to properly secure licensing in every jurisdiction they will accepting users.
What’s Next?
By adding i-Coin to the Investment Caution List, the BCSC has sent a clear message that these practices–although common in the cryptocurrency and fintech industries–are unlawful practices and can result in public enforcement.
VASPs who serve any Canadian user should seek legal and compliance advice from local experts to ensure they have the appropriate license for every jurisdiction in Canada.
learn more
Is your AML compliance too expensive, time-consuming, or ineffective?
iComply enables financial services providers to reduce costs, risk, and complexity and improve staff capacity, effectiveness, and customer experience.
Request a demo today.
Reviewing the Travel Rule for Virtual Assets: What You Need to Know
With virtual assets and decentralized financial exchanges continuing to make headlines in 2022, many countries are aiming to implement more compliance advancements in the coming years. Reviewing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule and related virtual...
Protect and Streamline Your Business with iComply’s EDD and KYC Software
Does your organization have adequate safeguards in place to circumvent fraud and uphold evolving money laundering legislation? Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) protocols are essential to avoid unnecessary risks and stay compliant with...
Corporate Due Diligence: Putting the KYB in KYC
Do you know who you’re doing business with? Corporate due diligence, Know Your Business (KYB), and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols are essential safeguards against money laundering, fraud, and misappropriation of funds for criminal purposes. From onboarding new...