Canada expanded its enforcement against crypto-linked businesses in 2026, after regulators revoked registrations tied to dozens of firms. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) removed 23 crypto-related registrations on March 18. This action pushed the total number of revoked money services businesses this year to around 50, with 47 linked to crypto activity.
At the same time, the federal government signaled that enforcement will continue. Finance officials said crypto platforms and related services remain exposed to risks tied to money laundering and fraud. As a result, authorities are increasing oversight across exchanges, payment services, and crypto ATMs operating in or serving Canada.
Canada expands crypto enforcement in 2026
FINTRAC requires all domestic and foreign money services businesses that serve Canadian users to register before operating. However, the agency can revoke registrations when firms fail to meet compliance standards. These include incomplete information, failure to respond to requests, or lack of cooperation with regulatory checks.
In this latest wave, FINTRAC accelerated enforcement by removing 23 registrations in a single action. Consequently, the total number of removals rose quickly within the first months of 2026. Reports show that most of the affected entities operated in the crypto sector, which regulators continue to monitor closely.
Moreover, the government linked these actions to broader anti-money laundering efforts. Officials stated that virtual asset platforms can create gaps in oversight if controls remain weak. Therefore, regulators are tightening supervision across the sector to reduce exposure to illicit financial activity.
AML pressure increases across crypto sector
Canada’s finance ministry confirmed that enforcement will not slow down. Instead, authorities plan to introduce further measures targeting higher-risk crypto businesses. This includes closer monitoring of crypto ATMs and cross-border service providers that interact with Canadian users.
Earlier enforcement actions also show a pattern of stricter penalties. In 2025, FINTRAC issued major fines against crypto firms for compliance failures, including large penalties tied to anti-money laundering violations. These cases signaled a shift toward stronger regulatory action before the latest wave of revocations.
At the same time, Canada’s national risk assessments continue to identify crypto-related channels as areas of concern. Regulators are focusing on detection, prevention, and disruption of financial crime. As a result, the current crackdown reflects a wider effort to align crypto oversight with existing financial compliance standards.
Source: https://coinpaper.com/15560/canada-intensifies-crypto-crackdown-after-47-firm-revocations-in-2026
