When you trade crypto, you’re not just moving digital assets—you’re navigating a global web of cryptocurrency sanctions compliance, the rules that determine which crypto users, exchanges, or transactions are blocked by governments to enforce economic penalties. Also known as crypto AML, it’s the quiet force behind why some exchanges vanish from your region, why your wallet gets frozen, and why Bitcoin became Iran’s only lifeline in 2024.
This isn’t about theory. It’s about real consequences. Countries like Vietnam now demand $379 million in capital just to operate, while Iran’s government controls mining farms to convert electricity into foreign currency. Canada tracks every crypto trade for tax purposes, and India’s FIU-IND has flagged exchanges like WazirX for failing to report suspicious activity. These aren’t random policies—they’re enforcement mechanisms tied to crypto regulation, the legal frameworks governments build to control how digital assets move across borders and who can access them. If you’re using a non-KYC exchange like GroveX or BloFin, you’re not just avoiding identity checks—you’re stepping into a gray zone where sanctions can turn your account into a liability overnight.
Compliance isn’t just for big firms. It affects every holder. When Kazakhstan rationed electricity for miners, it wasn’t just about power bills—it was about forcing crypto earnings back into the state-controlled economy. When Iran sent $4.18 billion in crypto abroad, it wasn’t to evade sanctions—it was to protect wealth from a collapsing currency, a move that still puts users under scrutiny. And when exchanges like Bittworld claim to be the "world’s biggest" without any audits or licenses, they’re not just risky—they’re potential traps for anyone caught in a sanctions sweep.
What ties all these stories together? sanctioned crypto exchanges, platforms that have been flagged, restricted, or outright banned by governments for failing to meet legal requirements around user identification, transaction monitoring, or asset freezing. You’ll find reviews here of exchanges that walk this line—some by design, others by accident. You’ll see how stablecoin bans in Vietnam, mining restrictions in Iran, and tax rules in Canada all feed into the same system: control through compliance.
There’s no single rulebook. But if you’re holding crypto outside the U.S., Canada, or the EU, you’re already playing by different rules. This collection doesn’t just list platforms—it shows you where the lines are drawn, who’s crossing them, and what happens when you don’t see them coming.
OFAC cryptocurrency sanctions apply to all crypto businesses touching U.S. persons or systems. Learn what compliance requires today, from SDN list screening to DeFi risks and real enforcement cases.