Crypto compliance isn’t a hurdle – it’s a superpower

Michelle O’Connor’s voice is authoritative in a crypto world still shaken by volatility and scandals. She is a Top 5 Women in Blockchain and Board Chairwoman of The Association of Women in Cryptocurrency. As the US Ambassador of the Global Blockchain Business Council she has a deep understanding of how crypto moves from niche to mainstream.

“We have to change the narrative. Transparency and compliance will separate the survivors from those who are casualties for crypto-native trading platforms, payment innovators, or Fortune 500s that are exploring digital assets,” O’Connor said.  For Michelle, who is also TaxBit’s VP of Global Market Expansion and Innovation, that is not a burden – it’s an invitation. The numbers are there to prove it.

Global crypto market continues to grow

Over 14 million cryptocurrency coins are now in circulation. The market value of the global cryptocurrency market has reached $3 trillion. according to CoinMarketCap.

Adoption continues to grow, with over 28 per cent According to NFT Evening, 76 percent of Americans own cryptocurrencies. However, 76 percent say that it has had a positive effect on their lives. NFT Evening researchThe number of US crypto holders could reach 70 percent this year. 

The US lacks a uniform regulatory framework despite all the optimistic statistics and numbers. But bills like FIT21 have been introduced. passed in Congress By May 2024 you will want to give the CFTC the authority of digital commodities, and the SEC the authority of securities.

The EU has taken a stand against the US across the Atlantic decisive action With its MiCA framework (Markets in Crypto-Assets), a comprehensive regulatory that is effective across all member states since December 2024. Japan and Switzerland offer clear rules as well. Compare that to China’s ban on the practice or India’s policy of push-pull. The global regulatory map looks patchy.

Simple solutions to a complex problem

Michelle told EWN she is optimistic and supports the EU’s DAC8 as well as the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework CARF, which covers 65 jurisdictions. She continued: “In January 2026 DAC8 and the CARF will come into effect. All platforms that deal in crypto are suddenly subject to global reporting obligations. “There are platforms which turn this challenge into operational ease.”

O’Connor’s comments are based on what analysts including PwC FSB and FATF have been saying over the past few months: crypto is in need of a solid foundation for regulation to mature. The market’s sentiment is in line with her views. Axios reports that since 2014 over 90 countries have adopted crypto rules, with 28 adopting them. in 2022 alone. In parallel, a 2023 Deloitte analysis The trust in crypto is down to just 32 percent, due to compliance and ethical issues. 

We asked leaders in the crypto-native space for their thoughts. Alex Thorn CEO of VitalX said, “Regulation gives room to play.” “We get audited, we get certified—and that builds trust with mainstream investors.” Susi Rossi of Italy, who is the head of blockchain payments startup, also added, “We can’t just wait for approval.” But we should demand certification.”

Michelle believes that the future will be bright once regulatory barriers are removed. “We’ve proven you can build credibility into crypto. Fast, transparent transactions, full tax reporting, KYC built in – it’s about turning reputation into adoption. PayPal and Uphold is a good example of the positive impact on adoption.

She cited Metaverse.gov as an example of how other institutions are seeking digital asset frameworks that have strong compliance. This is in line with the sustained growth of the industry: While US proposals such as FIT21 are cautiously advanced, the EU has taken the lead under MiCA and regions like Dubai established unique virtual asset regulators.

Superpower of Regulatory Compliance

Her last message is: “Regulation stabilises this field.” It provides a home for fintechs. It sets boundaries that allow innovation to thrive, not be choked by uncertainty.

They are not the only ones. Revolut, a leading fintech company which began as a global bank and currency converter in a highly-regulated financial industry is an excellent example of KYC/AML services driving crypto adoption. Its Crypto Services division has reported This year has seen record profits. aiming to expand Its digital assets offer will take crypto derivatives “from zero to scale”.

Michelle’s stance is clear as the industry faces a crossroads. Cryptocurrency will mature only when tax fairness, transparency and user protection become central issues, not optional. In short, compliance is not a lid on innovation – it’s the framework that enables the entire ecosystem to flourish.

She reiterated, “Compliance doesn’t mean a box to check. It’s an advantage in the marketplace.” “It is time to change the narrative. Regulatory compliance shouldn’t be seen as a hurdle –  it’s actually a superpower.”