The French Ministry of Finance unveiled sweeping know-your-customer (KYC) requirements on all cryptocurrency companies operating in and servicing the country on Wednesday, a move that could ultimately strip the French crypto space of any semblance of anonymity.
All virtual asset service providers must immediately begin checking their customersâ identities, verifying âbeneficial ownersâ and prohibit anonymous crypto accounts, according to the press release from Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.
He called the action a necessary step in Franceâs fight against terrorism. The press release invoked a terrorist cell that apparently financed itself with crypto until its dismantling in September 2019. âWe must drain the euro from all terrorist financing channels,â Le Maire declared in a tweet.
Massive new KYC requirements appear to be Franceâs first volley in a wider broadside against anonymity in crypto. The finance ministry said it is also preparing ânew regulatory provisionsâ to fast-track âdigital identification solutionsâ for crypto transactions.
âThis demand, which emanates from players in the ecosystem, will make it possible to fight against the anonymity of transactions in digital assets while facilitating the identification of users,â the ministry said.
The Block first reported Franceâs KYC plans Tuesday.