Malaysian Securities Commission Warns About Cryptocurrency ATMs

As cryptocurrency enters the mainstream, some issues will inevitably catch the attention of regulatory bodies. Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) is one such example. Various bodies have warned against sketchy ventures in the emerging space. The latest of these, however, comes from the Malaysian Securities Commission (SC). In a statement issued on July 8, 2020, the commission cautioned the public against making use of crypto ATMs. According to the SC, it has not granted any entity the right to operate these machines, and the practice is therefore illegal.

SC Speaks Out Against Cryptocurrency ATMs

A cryptocurrency ATM functions like a traditional ATM but allows users to buy or sell cryptocurrencies with ease. This is done through debit and credit cards or via e-wallet links. The number of these machines is steadily rising in the region. Cryptocurrency ATMs are a form of Digital Asset Exchange (DAX). Thus to operate one legally requires registration with the SC. To date, the SC claims that they’ve issued no such licenses. The statement warned members of the public not to conduct business with unlicensed entities and individuals. The SC warned that those who do, would not fall under the protection of Malaysian securities laws. As such, they are at risk of fraud and money laundering. Furthermore, the SC urged all those who are currently operating unregistered cryptocurrency ATMs to cease immediately. Not doing so constitutes a violation of Malaysian securities law which could attract a fine of up to RM10 million, ten years in prison, or both. The statement ended with a call to action asking members of the public to alert the SC of any illegal digital asset operations. It provided a resource for those wishing to verify the validity of digital asset operators in the country. The SC also warned citizens about fraudulent digital asset schemes, which promise unusually high returns.

Cryptocurrency ATMs on the Rise Worldwide

The SC statement was prompted by an increase in cryptocurrency ATMs in Malaysia. The country is not the only one seeing growth, however. Worldwide, numbers are growing at a record pace.

It was reported in June 2020 that the number of cryptocurrency ATMs worldwide topped more than 8,000. That’s pretty incredible considering that just three months prior, in March 2020, the figure was 7,000. The ATMs transact in several tokens such as Bitcoin, Ether, and Zcash.

So far, 72 countries are home to crypto ATMs and more than 6,000 of these machines are in the United States alone. Interestingly enough, while the number of machines has increased in the United States, it has actually decreased in others. Some notable mentions here include the U.K. and Switzerland.

Malaysian Sharia Authority Council Allows Digital Assets

The digital asset industry in Malaysia is rapidly progressing. In a landmark decision, the SC’s Shariah Advisory Council recently permitted the trading of digital assets. The announcement was made in July 2002 by the commission’s chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar. The council is responsible for the enforcement of Islamic laws within the Malaysian financial institution. In principle, it decided that the trading of digital currencies is acceptable for Muslims. The endorsement is significant because over 60% of Malaysians are Muslim. The decision will likely boost the industry. Despite some nagging financial issues that still need to be addressed, the digital asset space within Malaysia is growing. Only time will tell what lies ahead for crypto in Southeast Asia.