The project "FORCE" - Fostering Optimal Regulatory Compliance for Cryptocurrencies: An Interdisciplinary Approach - addresses the urgent need for innovative Anti-Money Laundering (AML) systems tailored to the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem. Cryptocurrencies, including decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms, have significantly changed the global financial landscape, enhancing financial inclusivity and operational efficiency. However, these technologies' pseudonymous and decentralised nature also creates vulnerabilities that traditional AML systems cannot adequately address. This project aims to bridge this gap through an interdisciplinary research program combining blockchain analytics (business), artificial intelligence (AI), quantum-safe cryptography (cybersecurity), regulatory compliance frameworks (legal), decentralised finance (finance), digital EURO (business and management), education and training. By uniting expertise from academic institutions and dynamic SMEs across Europe, the project will facilitate the development of real-time, efficient, and secure solutions to combat money laundering and financial crime in cryptocurrency markets. Additionally, the project will promote cross-border collaboration, a key priority of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchange Program, ensuring that these AML systems are globally applicable and aligned with international regulatory frameworks. The overarching objective of FORCE is to create novel, scalable, and future-proof AML solutions for cryptocurrency ecosystems. Specifically, the research will focus on the following objectives: blockchain analytics & AI for AML, quantum-safe cryptography, global regulatory compliance, and cross-border AML enforcement.

Coordinator: Aston University, United Kingdom

Beneficiaries: Ereynitiko Panepistimiako Institouto Systimaton Epikoinonion kai Ypologiston (Greece); Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italy); Bogazici Universitesi (Turkey); Universite du Luxembourg (Luxembourg); Isaca Europe Limited (Ireland); Uniwersytet Bielsko-Bialski (Poland); Limited Liability Company Amazinum (Ukraine); Vernian RTI (Cyprus); GridData GmbH (Germany)