Primary Money Laundering

Definition ∞ Primary money laundering refers to the initial process of disguising the origins of illegally obtained funds to make them appear legitimate. This involves placement, layering, and integration phases, where illicit proceeds are first introduced into the financial system, then obscured through complex transactions, and finally returned as seemingly clean assets. It represents the fundamental activity that anti-money laundering regulations seek to prevent. This activity undermines financial integrity and supports criminal enterprises.
Context ∞ The challenge of combating primary money laundering is particularly acute in the digital asset space due to the speed and pseudonymous nature of some cryptocurrency transactions. Discussions frequently address how illicit funds are moved across various blockchains and through decentralized finance protocols. Regulators are focused on enhancing tracing capabilities and requiring virtual asset service providers to implement robust know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. The ongoing struggle against primary money laundering remains a significant concern for global financial stability.