Crypto’s growth is now meeting stricter rules, shifting the focus from expansion to survival.

According to a TRM Labs report, illicit flows reached about $154–158 billion in 2025, and regulators increased pressure across the industry.

This led to over $900 million in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) fines, including major actions against large exchanges.

As oversight expanded across more than 80 jurisdictions, firms faced tighter licensing and monitoring demands. This shift happened because authorities now view crypto as a systemic financial risk.

As a result, compliance costs are rising, especially for smaller players. Larger firms are adapting with stronger controls. If this trend continues, the market may…