Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Announces Sweeping Powers to Curb Crypto ATMs

In brief

  • Burke revealed Australia’s crypto ATM count has exploded from 23 machines six years ago to over 2,000 today, with 85% of top user transactions linked to scams or money mules.
  • The proposed legislation would grant AUSTRAC the authority to restrict or prohibit “high-risk products,” with crypto ATMs specifically targeted.
  • The move follows months of regulatory pressure, including AUSTRAC revoking one operator’s license in June and imposing $5,000 transaction caps across the sector.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced new rules on Wednesday to crack down on crypto ATMs, calling the machines a “high-risk product” linked to money laundering, scams, and child exploitation.

The announcement was part of broader

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