Coinbase Faces €21.5M Fine from Irish Regulator Over AML Compliance Failures

The Central Bank of Ireland has levied a hefty €21.5 million ($24.75 million) fine against Coinbase Europe, marking its first enforcement action against a cryptocurrency firm. The penalty addresses systemic lapses in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) monitoring between 2021 and 2025. Coinbase admitted to technical deficiencies in its transaction monitoring systems, which failed to properly scrutinize over 30 million transactions. This regulatory action underscores growing scrutiny of crypto exchanges' compliance frameworks as global standards tighten. While the fine represents a setback for Coinbase, industry observers note the company's proactive cooperation with regulators could mitigate long-term reputational damage. The case highlights the increasing convergence between traditional financial oversight and the evolving digital asset sector, with compliance now a critical priority for major crypto platforms operating in regulated markets.

Irish Regulator Fines Coinbase $24.7M Over AML Monitoring Lapses

The Central Bank of Ireland has imposed a €21.5 million ($24.75 million) penalty on Coinbase Europe for systemic failures in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) monitoring between 2021 and 2025. This marks the regulator's first enforcement action against a cryptocurrency entity.

Coinbase admitted to technical flaws in its transaction monitoring systems that allowed over 30 million transactions—worth €176 billion—to escape proper scrutiny. The settlement reflects a 30% reduction from the original €30.6 million fine.

The sanction underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of crypto exchanges' compliance frameworks, particularly in the European Union where MiCA regulations are set to impose stricter oversight. Coinbase's European operations face heightened challenges as regulators demand robust AML controls comparable to traditional financial institutions.

Bitwise Signals Potential November 2025 Launch for Spot Dogecoin ETF

Bitwise Asset Management has moved closer to launching the first spot Dogecoin ETF by removing a delaying amendment from its SEC filing. The adjustment triggers an automatic 20-day effectiveness countdown under Section 8(a) of the Securities Act, with a potential launch window opening November 26, 2025 absent regulatory intervention.

The proposed fund WOULD hold physical DOGE rather than derivatives, with custody solutions including Coinbase Custody. Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas noted the strategic filing change mirrors tactics used in traditional ETF approvals, suggesting growing institutional confidence in meme coin markets.