
Bitcoin exchange BitMEX has been slapped with a staggering $100 million fine for violating anti-money laundering laws.
According to reports, the penalty was handed down by Judge John Koeltl in a New York court. The hefty sum serves as both an admonishment and a deterrent against similar breaches of regulations.
The 2022 guilty plea entered by BitMEX earlier this year underscores the severity of the situation. It has been established that founders Benjamin Delo, Samuel Reed, and Arthur Hayes had deliberately operated the exchange without requiring Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks as early as 2020.
It appears that the actions taken by these individuals have led to an extensive period of non-compliance with existing statutes.
This new development serves as a warning to other exchanges in the crypto industry, stressing the importance of adhering to regulations. It is essential for any exchange seeking to build credibility and trust with its users to adhere to regulatory frameworks.
It can be inferred that these penalties may lead to more stringent regulations within the sector. This represents a pivotal moment in the broader discourse surrounding the future of cryptocurrency regulations.
In related news, it has been reported that BitMEX has also been placed on a two-year probation period, with the requirement to develop its compliance practices and demonstrate commitment to following the law during this time.
The recent events emphasize the significance of maintaining transparency and adherence to regulatory guidelines for exchanges within the crypto space.
Source: bitcoinist.com