Definition ∞ The potential for illicit activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and sanctions evasion. These risks pose threats to financial system integrity and public trust. Effective mitigation requires robust compliance programs, due diligence measures, and cooperation with law enforcement. Understanding these risks is crucial for regulatory bodies and financial institutions.
Context ∞ Financial crime risks are consistently highlighted in crypto news, often associated with the pseudonymous nature of some digital asset transactions. Regulatory bodies frequently cite these risks as a primary reason for increased oversight and the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. Addressing these risks is a key challenge for the mainstream adoption of digital assets.