When dealing with crypto restrictions, the set of laws, licensing rules, and bans that govern how digital assets can be created, traded, or used. Also known as cryptocurrency regulations, they affect every exchange, token issuer, and investor. Crypto restrictions shape the entire ecosystem, from how projects launch to how traders move funds.
One core pillar of these rules is KYC compliance, the process that requires users to verify their identity before accessing crypto services. Without it, exchanges risk hefty fines and users face blocked accounts. FATF greylist, a list of jurisdictions under increased anti‑money‑laundering scrutiny. being on that list forces local firms to adopt stricter monitoring, which in turn tightens global transaction flows. These three elements—licensing, identity checks, and international watchlists—form a semantic triple: crypto restrictions encompass licensing requirements, they require KYC checks, and FATF status influences enforcement.
Take Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) as an example. The agency enforces the Payment Services Act and recently shifted token classification under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. This dual‑regime approach means Japanese platforms must juggle both consumer‑protections and securities‑law compliance, a pattern echoed in many other jurisdictions.
Understanding these layers helps you anticipate which markets are open, which are tightening, and how to stay compliant. Below, you’ll find in‑depth reviews, guides, and analysis that break down specific exchanges, airdrop eligibility, and regulatory news—all tied back to the crypto restrictions landscape.
Discover which eight countries enforce the toughest cryptocurrency bans in 2025, why they did it, how the rules affect users, and practical tips for navigating or avoiding these restrictive regimes.