CertiK Releases 2026 Global Digital Asset Regulation Report: AML Enforcement Intensifies, Smart Contract Audits Become Entry Criteria

Odaily News, Web3 security company CertiK has released its "2026 State of Digital Asset Regulation" report, systematically reviewing global regulatory trends. The report indicates that as of April 2026, regulatory frameworks in major jurisdictions including the United States, the European Union, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore have largely been established, and the industry is entering a phase of comprehensive compliance.

The report shows that anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement has replaced securities classification as the primary regulatory risk. In the first half of 2025, global AML-related fines exceeded $900 million, making transaction monitoring capabilities a core compliance requirement. Meanwhile, smart contract security audits are evolving from an industry best practice to a mandatory entry criterion, becoming a fundamental prerequisite for license approval and token listings. Furthermore, global stablecoin regulatory frameworks are converging, with principles such as full reserve backing and licensed issuance becoming widely adopted. However, cross-jurisdictional regulatory differences continue to pose compliance challenges.

The report points out that with regulatory convergence and strengthened enforcement, the industry has entered an "era of strong compliance." CertiK states that the core question for enterprises is shifting from "whether to be compliant" to "whether they can quickly build and implement compliance capabilities." Multi-jurisdictional licensing, investment in AML measures, and continuous security audits are becoming the baseline requirements for institutional development.