Daily Compliance Brief — US Enforcement Signals Heightened Scrutiny of Crypto AML Controls

February 11, 2026

Signal

A recent US enforcement action targeting a digital asset platform highlighted deficiencies in AML program design, customer due diligence, and sanctions screening controls. Public statements emphasised failures to adequately assess customer risk, monitor high-risk transactions, and implement effective sanctions compliance measures.

Authorities reinforced that crypto platforms are expected to maintain risk-based AML frameworks comparable to those of traditional financial institutions, particularly where cross-border exposure and higher-risk customer segments are involved.

Why it matters

For compliance teams in the digital asset sector, this reinforces regulatory expectations around the effectiveness — not just the existence — of AML and sanctions controls. Weak onboarding diligence, insufficient transaction monitoring calibration, or gaps in sanctions screening can result in significant supervisory and enforcement exposure.

Institutions should reassess governance over customer risk scoring, monitoring thresholds, and sanctions list integration to ensure controls are proportionate to risk and capable of evidencing timely escalation and reporting where required.