The biggest misconception about crypto crime investigations is that they rely solely on the expertise of specialists. While crypto crime investigators play an essential role, they are only one part of a much broader collaborative effort.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Robert Whitaker, a seasoned law enforcement professional who has recently joined Merkle Science as the Director of Law Enforcement Affairs. With over 23 years of experience spanning federal, state, and international law enforcement, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency landscape. His distinguished career includes key roles at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), where he led efforts in disrupting criminal networks and combating financial crimes, particularly those involving cryptocurrencies.
The 2024 presidential election pitting former President Donald Trump versus current Vice President Kamala Harris will be a historically monumental one. The American public’s choice of president will shape the United States at a crucial turning point in the nation’s economy.
The cryptocurrency landscape has seen a surge in security breaches recently. The first half of 2024 witnessed an escalation in thefts, with losses totaling $1.49 billion—a staggering 120% increase compared to the previous year. Hot wallet attacks and private key leaks were among the primary contributors to these losses.
In light of the increasing significance of stablecoins and their potential effects on financial systems and consumers, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has unveiled a detailed regulatory proposal for stablecoin issuers within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre.
We are excited to announce that Robert Whitaker, a seasoned law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience in federal, state, and international law enforcement, has joined Merkle Science as the Director of Law Enforcement Affairs. With a distinguished career at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency space, Robert will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to build a safer and more compliant cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, plays a crucial role in combating financial crimes, safeguarding the financial system, and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. In 2024, FinCEN continues to adapt and evolve in response to emerging financial threats, technological advancements, and regulatory challenges. This article provides an up-to-date overview of FinCEN’s activities, initiatives, and key areas of focus, offering insights into its current operations and future directions. Readers will gain an understanding of the latest developments at FinCEN, its strategic priorities, and the impact of these changes on the financial industry and regulatory landscape.
On Wednesday, August 7, Debra Brookes shared her insights into the current state of crypto regulations in the webinar entitled, Crash Course in US Crypto Regulations, Compliance, and Blockchain Analytics. Brookes drew on her experience leading the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) as its former deputy virtual currency chief.
The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), enacted in 1970, remains one of the most critical pieces of legislation in the fight against financial crimes in the United States. This comprehensive overview explores the origins, key provisions, recent updates, and the ongoing impact of the BSA on financial institutions and regulatory compliance. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of the BSA’s role in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial activities, as well as insights into how businesses can ensure compliance in an evolving regulatory landscape.
The regulatory landscape in Seychelles is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2024. This legislation aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), addressing the growing concerns of ML/TF risks associated with virtual assets.
