05.03.202608:21 Forex Analysis & Reviews: FATF steps up pressure on stablecoins and non-custodial wallets, calls for global tightening of controls

While Bitcoin is striving to return to the $75,000 area — where it may again encounter active sellers — the FATF is sounding the alarm. A recent report from the international body that sets global anti?money?laundering and counter-terrorist-finance standards highlights growing concern about the use of stablecoins and non-custodial wallets for illicit purposes.

According to the report, in 2025, some 84% of all illicit crypto transactions were conducted using stablecoins, indicating their rapid integration into the shadow economy. FATF is particularly worried about P2P transfers carried out through non?custodial wallets. These direct transfers between users, without regulated financial intermediaries, create virtually opaque channels for moving funds. The organisation points out that these mechanisms are actively exploited by cybercriminals — including well-known groups such as North Korean hackers — as well as by organisations involved in terrorist financing and illegal arms trafficking.

In light of these threats, FATF strongly recommends that member countries adopt a range of measures to strengthen oversight of crypto assets. Key recommendations include:

* Tightening AML controls: Implement stricter anti-money-laundering procedures within stablecoin ecosystems, including higher standards for user verification and enhanced transaction monitoring.

* Introducing whitelists and blacklists of addresses: Develop and enforce blacklists of addresses linked to illicit activity, and consider using whitelists for trusted market participants.

* Expanding blockchain analytics and P2P monitoring: Invest in more advanced blockchain analysis tools and actively monitor P2P transfers to detect suspicious transactions and trace illicit fund flows.

These FATF calls reflect a growing recognition that, despite its innovative potential, the crypto market needs equally sophisticated regulatory mechanisms to prevent misuse for criminal purposes.

Trading recommendations

Bitcoin

Buyers are currently targeting a return to $73,000, which would open a direct path to $74,600 and then to $77,300. The most distant upside target is the high near $80,100; a break above that would signal attempts to resume the bull market. On declines, buyers are expected at $71,300. A move back below that area could quickly push BTC toward $69,300, with a further downside target near $67,100.

Ethereum

A clear close above $2,169 would open the way to $2,279. The most distant upside target is the high near $2,466; a break above that would indicate strengthening bullish sentiment and renewed buyer interest. On declines, buyers are expected at $2,078. A move below that area could quickly send ETH toward $2,007, with a further downside target near $1,915.

What's on the chart

• The red lines represent support and resistance levels, where price is expected to either pause or react sharply.
• The green line shows the 50-day moving average.
• The blue line is the 100-day moving average.
• The lime line is the 200-day moving average.

Price testing or crossing any of these moving averages often either halts movement or injects fresh momentum into the market.