The New Zealand government has announced a ban on crypto ATMs to bolster its anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee revealed the decision, which is part of a broader overhaul aimed at making it harder for criminals to convert illicit cash into high-risk assets and move funds offshore.

McKee emphasized that the government’s focus is “targeting criminals, not tying up legitimate businesses in unnecessary red tape.” This new approach seeks to strike a balance, delivering more clarity and consistency for businesses while maintaining a strong emphasis on preventing criminal misuse of the financial system. The ban on crypto ATMs is considered a key component of this strategy.

Authorities globally have increasingly identified these machines, which allow users to convert cash into cryptocurrencies and vice versa, as potential avenues for money laundering due to the anonymity they can offer. By removing them, New Zealand aims to close what authorities see as a loophole enabling criminals to obscure the origins of their illicit gains.

New Zealand’s drastic move surpasses steps taken by Australia, which has similarly voiced concerns over the proliferation of crypto ATMs. As reported by Bitcoin.com News, the number of crypto ATMs in Australia grew from 23 in 2019 to more than 1,600 in 2025. This surge has prompted Australian regulators, including AUSTRAC, to crack down on ATM providers without the proper AML/CFT checks in place.

However, unlike New Zealand, Australian regulators have expressed a willingness to work with crypto ATM providers.

Meanwhile, in addition to banning crypto ATMs, McKee’s government has also imposed an upper limit of $3,000 per transfer for international cash transfers. It has also agreed to bolster the power of regulators and the police.

“Cabinet has agreed to introduce a bill to strengthen enforcement powers for Police and regulators to crack down on those involved in money laundering,” McKee stated. “It will also establish a new financial sanctions supervisory regime and initiate engagement on a sustainable levy to fund AML/CFT system improvements.”

The Justice Minister added that targeted consultation with industry and stakeholders will begin shortly to inform the new national strategy and levy framework.

免责声明：本文章仅代表作者个人观点，不代表本平台的立场和观点。本文章仅供信息分享，不构成对任何人的任何投资建议。用户与作者之间的任何争议，与本平台无关。如网页中刊载的文章或图片涉及侵权，请提供相关的权利证明和身份证明发送邮件到support@aicoin.com，本平台相关工作人员将会进行核查。