New Dutch Law: Clients Must Explain Why They Want To Buy Bitcoin

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Netherlands-based crypto exchanges are now required by law to get additional information from clients regarding their bitcoin addresses. As part of the new requirements, which went into effect on Nov. 17, clients must now furnish exchanges with reasons why they wish to buy bitcoin. They will also need to inform the exchange officials of the kind of wallet they use.

Additional Requirements

The new Dutch regulatory changes have gone into effect despite protestations by some of the country’s crypto exchanges. The Dutch Central Bank (DNB), which is enforcing the new regulations, wants crypto service providers to adhere to the provisions of the country’s Sanction Act 1977 just like other “supervised institutions.”

Meanwhile, Bitonic, the Netherland-based crypto exchange that opposes the new requirements, wants clients to support their stance. To do this, the exchange is asking clients “to formally object to these additional measures and the registration of this data.” The Bitonic team says they will soon “release a custom form intended specifically for this purpose.”

Still, in a statement made via the exchange’s blog, the Bitonic team says it will reluctantly comply with the ineffective measure. The statement adds:

We have repeatedly pleaded (with the) DNB to drop this requirement as we find this measure to be ineffective and disproportionate. Unfortunately, this has had no effect. The Netherlands is currently the only country in the European Union where this far-reaching measure is demanded.

Furthermore, the statement informs clients of an additional requirement obliging the exchange to verify if the “legitimate owner of the given bitcoin address” is actually in control of it. To perform this verification procedure, clients will be requested to “upload a screenshot from your wallet, or by signing a message.”

Dutch Law

According to the Netherlands’ Sanctions Act 1977, a crypto service provider “must check whether their clients and any ultimate beneficiary owners (UBOs) are on a Dutch or European sanctions list and report any hits to DNB.” Under Dutch and EU sanction rules, no funds may be made available to individuals or entities that are on a sanctions list.

Organizations that fail to comply with the new provisions will be punished under the Economic Offences Act.

What do you think of the new DNB requirements? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

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