2022 Cryptocurrency Restrictions

When dealing with cryptocurrency restrictions, governmental rules that limit, ban, or control the use, trading, or development of digital assets. Also known as crypto bans, they affect everything from exchange listings to cross‑border payments. dYdX, a decentralized derivatives platform that still enforces geographic bans is a prime example: despite its “decentralized” label, it blocks users from dozens of countries. OFAC, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control that issues sanctions affecting crypto users also plays a huge role, shaping which wallets can interact with sanctioned assets. And then there’s China, the country with extensive underground crypto trading despite official bans, where traders use P2P networks to sidestep strict prohibitions. Together these entities illustrate that cryptocurrency restrictions encompass geographic bans, compliance mandates, and enforcement actions; they require robust AML/KYC tools, and they influence where and how traders can operate.

Why the Rules Matter for Every Crypto Enthusiast

Understanding the landscape helps you avoid costly mistakes. If you’re eyeing a margin trade on a platform that’s blocked in your jurisdiction, you’ll need a VPN or a compliant exchange—both of which carry legal risk. OFAC sanctions, for instance, can freeze assets on wallets linked to prohibited parties, meaning a single bad address can jeopardize an entire portfolio. Meanwhile, the underground scene in China shows how bans drive innovation in peer‑to‑peer escrow services, but also expose users to fraud and sudden crackdown. The key takeaway is that every restriction creates a ripple: a ban in one country can push traffic to another, a sanction list can reshape token liquidity, and platform policies like dYdX’s country blocks can force traders to seek alternative venues.

Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that break down the biggest 2022 crypto restrictions, explain how they affect exchanges, and offer practical steps to stay compliant. From deep dives on dYdX’s compliance model to guides on navigating OFAC sanctions and insights into China’s underground market, the posts give you the tools you need to trade safely in a regulated world.