The post New Zealand Bans Crypto ATMs Nationwide to Strengthen AML Enforcement appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Key Takeaways: Crypto ATMs to be completely banned in New Zealand as part of sweeping reforms targeting money laundering risks tied to digital assets. International cash transfers now capped at NZD $5,000 per transaction to prevent illicit offshore fund movement. New enforcement powers granted to police and regulators, enabling broader surveillance and data requests from crypto-related businesses. New Zealand has made a bold move in its regulatory landscape, sending a clear message to the global crypto community: the country is closing gaps that enable financial crime, starting with a nationwide ban on cryptocurrency ATMs. The decision is part of a broader reform of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, which aims to make it harder for criminals to exploit digital assets while easing unnecessary burdens on legitimate businesses. Crypto ATMs Face Total Shutdown in New Zealand Crypto ATMs — contraptions enabling the purchase or sale of digital assets for hard cash — have been blacklisted internationally as high-risk under pinners of money laundering. They have come under growing scrutiny by regulators because they can be used to facilitate anonymous, untraceable transactions. Now, New Zealand is adopting what may be the region’s most aggressive stance to date by banning them outright. The measure, which was announced Wednesday by Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee, would make the nation a leader among its neighbors like Australia, where crypto ATM numbers have steadily grown in recent years. According to data from Bitcoin. com, there were more than 1,600 crypto ATMs in Australia as of early 2025, compared to just 23 in 2019. Australian regulators have introduced new rules that make it harder for companies to comply, but they have not outright banned firms, instead increasing scrutiny. By contrast, McKee was keen to stress that New Zealand’s ban is specifically targeted…

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Filed under: News - @ July 10, 2025 9:31 am