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Crypto Compliance: Transforming Challenges into Superpowers

Crypto compliance isn’t a hurdle – it’s a superpower

By Olivier Acuña Barba •
Published: 08 Jun 2025 • 19:00
• 3 minutes read

Michelle O’Connor, recognized as one of the Top 5 Women in Blockchain, passionately expresses that if given the chance, she would engage in discussions about the benefits of regulation every single day!
| Credits: Shutterstock

In a landscape still reeling from scandals and fluctuations, Michelle O’Connor stands out as a leading authority. As a Top 5 Woman in Blockchain, Board Chairwoman of The Association of Women in Cryptocurrency, and US Ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council, she provides profound insights into a critical query: how can cryptocurrency transition from a niche market to mainstream acceptance?

“Compliance isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a competitive advantage,” O’Connor remarked in an exclusive interview with Euro Weekly News.

“We need to change the narrative. For crypto-native exchanges, payment innovators, or Fortune 500 companies venturing into digital assets, showcasing transparency and compliance is what distinguishes the winners from the losers,” she emphasized. For Michelle, who also serves as TaxBit’s VP of Global Market Expansion and Innovation, this isn’t a burden – it’s an opportunity. And the data supports her viewpoint.

Most Read on Euro Weekly News

The global crypto market continues to thrive

The global cryptocurrency market is approaching $3 trillion in total value, with over 14 million coins currently in circulation, as reported by CoinMarketCap.

The trend of adoption persists, with more than 28 percent of U.S. adults owning cryptocurrencies, with 76 percent stating it has a positive impact on their lives. Research from NFT Evening indicates that U.S. crypto ownership could rise to 70 percent this year.

Even with these optimistic statistics, the U.S. still lacks a unified regulatory framework. Nonetheless, initiatives like FIT21, passed by Congress in May 2024, aim to assign authority over digital commodities to the CFTC and securities to the SEC.

Across the Atlantic, the EU has taken significant steps with its MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework, which has been in effect since December 2024 in all member states. Countries like Japan and Switzerland have also established robust regulatory frameworks. In contrast, China’s restrictions and India’s inconsistent policies create a fragmented global regulatory landscape.

Simplifying challenges

Michelle expressed her strong support and optimism for the EU’s DAC8 and the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), covering more than 65 jurisdictions. She explained: “When January 2026 arrives, DAC8 and CARF will roll out. Suddenly, every crypto platform will face global reporting responsibilities. Some platforms are already turning this challenge into operational simplicity.”

O’Connor’s perspective reinforces what analysts, such as those from PwC, FSB, and FATF, have been emphasizing: a solid regulatory foundation is essential for the maturation of crypto. Market sentiment echoes her view, with data from Axios demonstrating that over 90 countries have implemented cryptocurrency regulations since 2014, and 28 countries enacted them in 2022 alone. Meanwhile, a 2023 analysis by Deloitte showed that trust in crypto has dropped to 32 percent, pinpointing compliance gaps and ethical concerns.

We inquired about the thoughts of crypto-native leaders. “Regulation gives us the opportunity to engage,” shared Alex Thorn, CEO of VitalX. “Being audited and certified builds trust with mainstream investors.” Italy’s Susi Rossi, leading a blockchain payments startup, remarked: “We can’t wait for permission. But we should seek certification.”

Michelle envisions a promising future when regulatory hurdles are resolved. “We’ve demonstrated that integrity can be integrated into crypto. Quick, transparent transactions, comprehensive tax reporting, and built-in KYC are key to transforming reputation into adoption. PayPal and Uphold exemplify how beneficial this can be for user acceptance.”

To illustrate her point, she noted how institutions like Metaverse.gov are developing digital asset frameworks focused on strong compliance. This aligns with ongoing growth: while U.S. proposals like FIT21 proceed cautiously, the EU leads under MiCA, and regions such as Dubai have introduced dedicated virtual asset regulators.

Regulatory compliance as a superpower

Her concluding message encapsulates the essence: “Regulation stabilizes the landscape. It provides a home for fintechs, platforms, and exchanges. It creates parameters that allow innovation to thrive rather than be stifled by uncertainty.”

They are not alone. Revolut exemplifies a fintech company that emerged in the highly regulated financial industry, delivering global banking services and currency conversions, thus serving as a model for KYC-AML-based services paving the way for crypto adoption. Its crypto services division has reported record profits this year and is aiming to broaden its digital assets offerings, striving to scale crypto derivatives from “zero to scale.”

As the industry finds itself at a pivotal moment, Michelle’s stance is unmistakable. The maturation of crypto hinges on prioritizing transparency, tax fairness, and user protection, rather than treating them as optional. In essence, compliance is not a barrier to innovation – it is the framework that enables the whole ecosystem to thrive.

“Compliance isn’t merely a checkbox, it’s a competitive edge,” she reiterated. “We need to change the conversation. Regulatory compliance ought not to be viewed as an obstacle – it is, in fact, a superpower.”

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