Privacy coins could disappear in the EU

Starting in 2027, a set of new anti-money laundering rules will take effect across the European Union, effectively banning privacy coins like Monero and Zcash.

Starting in 2027, a set of new anti-money laundering rules will take effect across the European Union, effectively banning privacy coins like Monero and Zcash. That comes from the “AML Handbook” from the European Crypto Initiative, which lays out the upcoming rules in detail.

Concretely, the EU will soon ban all forms of anonymous bank accounts, financial institutions, and crypto service providers. In Article 79 of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), it states in black and white: “Credit institutions, financial institutions, and providers of crypto assets may not manage anonymous accounts.”

The ban goes beyond bank accounts. Savings books, safes, and so-called “crypto-asset accounts” that enable anonymity are also covered. In other words: any form of financial service where the sender or recipient stays invisible will be cracked down on hard in the EU.

According to the document, the rules are “definitive.” This makes it clear the EU won’t leave room for interpretation or exemptions.

Although privacy coins aren’t technically banned under the current MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets) on paper, trading coins like Monero is already nearly impossible. European exchanges are required to collect and report user and transaction data—a requirement that’s not technically feasible for privacy coins. As a result, most trading platforms have already delisted Monero and similar coins.

What’s already a gray area becomes a closed door in 2027. Brussels’ message is clear: anyone using crypto must be visible.