The OSCE’s recent workshop brought together regulators from Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia to address the urgent need for crypto regulations in the face of rising financial risks.

Eastern Europe is doubling down on regulatory measures for crypto exchanges as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe hosts a workshop aimed at enhancing compliance and mitigating financial risks in the digital asset space.

In an Oct. 11 press release, the OSCE revealed that from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11, it convened a workshop in Vienna aimed at bolstering the regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers across Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia.

The event, organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, focused on enhancing participants’ ability to “mitigate money laundering and terrorism financing risks within the evolving digital asset ecosystem,” according to the press release. Led by OSCE financial regulation experts, the workshop featured a mix of discussions and interactive sessions designed to engage participants in practical compliance challenges.

“This workshop is a vital step in building the capacity of financial regulators to address the growing risks posed by virtual assets.”

Vera Strobachova-Budway, acting head of the economic governance unit at OCEEA

Key modules addressed pressing issues in VASP compliance, including anti-money laundering measures and counter-terrorism financing strategies. Participants also received “hands-on tools for supervising VASPs and analyzing suspicious activity,” equipping them with advanced skills in identifying and mitigating risks, per the press release.

OSCE elevates standards for crypto regulation

The workshop marks another step in the OSCE’s effort to formalize best practices in crypto regulation, fostering collaboration among regional regulators and financial experts. The initiative is part of a broader project aimed at regulating crypto businesses, supported by Germany, Italy, and the United States, among others.

Earlier in August, the OSCE also conducted a three-day training in Warsaw to enhance crypto investigation skills for Armenian and Georgian law enforcement. This specialized session on “countering blockchain obfuscation techniques” was part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities facilitated by cryptocurrencies.