Crypto News – U.S. Agencies to Redefine “Money” to Tighten Crypto Reporting Regulations

Crypto News – DOJ Pushes for Tougher AI Crime Penalties Amid Regulatory Changes

Crypto News – Top federal agencies in the United States are preparing to revise the definition of “money” to enhance reporting requirements for financial institutions involved in domestic and international cryptocurrency transactions. This move aims to create a more balanced regulatory environment for both cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies.

New Regulations on Crypto Reporting

On August 16, the U.S. Department of the Treasury unveiled its semiannual regulatory agenda, which includes plans to adjust the definition of “money” within the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). The Federal Reserve System (FRS) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) are leading this initiative. According to the agenda:

“The agencies (FRS and FinCEN) intend that the revised proposal will ensure that the rules apply to domestic and cross-border transactions involving convertible virtual currency, which is a medium of exchange (such as cryptocurrency) that either has an equivalent value as currency or acts as a substitute for currency, but lacks legal tender status.”

The updated proposal will also encompass digital assets with legal tender status, such as central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), thereby broadening the scope of reporting obligations.

Timeline for Rulemaking

The final notice of proposed rulemaking is anticipated to be released in September 2025, pending regulatory approval. This update is expected to impact how financial institutions report transactions involving various forms of digital currency.

DOJ Shifts Focus to AI Regulation

In a related development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is also revising its regulations to address crimes involving artificial intelligence (AI). On August 7, the DOJ requested the U.S. Sentencing Commission to enhance its guidelines to impose additional penalties for crimes committed with the assistance of AI.

Expanding AI Crime Penalties

The proposed changes aim to extend beyond current guidelines, applying to crimes facilitated by AI and even simpler algorithms. The DOJ’s move underscores a growing concern about the role of advanced technologies in criminal activities and reflects a broader effort to update legal frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements.

Recent Government Actions

On August 14, the U.S. government made headlines by shifting approximately 10,000 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at around $57,969 each, linked to a historical Silk Road raid. This transfer highlights ongoing efforts to manage and regulate cryptocurrency assets.