On February 25, against the backdrop of increasingly stringent global cryptocurrency regulatory frameworks, compliance has become an essential requirement for the industry's survival. FXGT noted that the recent announcement by Bitcoin Depot, the largest Bitcoin ATM operator in the United States, mandating identity verification for every transaction marks a new phase of strict oversight in the offline circulation of crypto assets. As regulators intensify their crackdown on illegal financing activities related to Bitcoin, self-service terminals, once promoted for their convenience, are now reshaping the market's security and credibility foundation by implementing full-process real-name verification.
This shift from verification "only for new users" to "covering all transactions" reflects an upgraded industry awareness of preventing financial crimes. FXGT indicated that relevant data shows the United States currently hosts over 31,000 cryptocurrency ATMs, accounting for approximately 78% of the global share. As the market leader with 9,019 machines, this operator's move aims to intercept potential identity theft risks before approving transactions by monitoring geographic location and transaction amounts in real-time. Although this verification model adds operational steps, it holds significant strategic importance in reducing Bitcoin fraud cases.
In reality, operators are facing severe legal challenges from multiple states. Due to the irreversible nature of crypto asset transactions, attorneys general in states such as Massachusetts and Iowa have successively filed lawsuits against related companies, alleging that their preventive measures are insufficient to protect investors. Notably, in January of this year, a settlement in Maine reached a compensation of $1.9 million, serving as a wake-up call for all Bitcoin service providers. FXGT stated that 17 states have now passed legislation mandating daily transaction limits and prominent fraud warning labels to curb the misuse of such facilities by criminals.
This transmission of regulatory pressure is reshaping the liquidity boundaries of Bitcoin. By establishing a service system based on identity transparency, crypto assets are gradually shedding the negative label of being an "anonymous tool," thereby attracting more mainstream capital. The compliance adjustments during this challenging transition period are essentially clearing obstacles for Bitcoin to gain legal status within the broader financial system.