Since April 20, 2025, J.P. Morgan’s correspondent bank has introduced new rules for processing international transfers. Now, transactions over $20,000 are automatically sent for additional verification. Previously, the limit was $40,000, and such transfers were processed without unnecessary delays.
The innovations especially affected transfers that may be related to cryptocurrency transactions. In such cases, the bank requires the client to have an official license or permit for activities related to digital assets.
What does this mean in practice?
If the transfer amount exceeds $20,000, and there is a suspicion that the funds were obtained from cryptocurrency (for example, through exchanges, exchangers or P2P platforms), the bank may:
request documents confirming the origin of the funds;
require a license to work with crypto;
temporarily block the transfer;
or reject the transaction altogether.
Even if the funds were received legally, without the necessary documentation the transfer may be “stuck” for an indefinite period.
Why did J.P. Morgan do this?
The decision is related to the growing pressure from regulators, both American and international. Correspondent banks processing transactions between countries are increasingly becoming the target of inspections in the areas of:
anti-money laundering (AML);
compliance with sanctions legislation;
counteracting the financing of illegal schemes through crypto.
Thus, banks, including J.P. Morgan, are introducing proactive measures to avoid risks for transactions with opaque origins of funds.
And what about the license?
Obtaining a license for crypto activities is a complex and costly process, especially for individuals and small companies. It includes:
implementation of KYC and AML procedures;
interaction with financial regulators;
regular reporting and compliance with security requirements.
For most private investors and freelancers, this path is simply unavailable. This means that even completely legal transfers may be at risk of being blocked – simply because the client cannot verify their status.
What does this mean for users?
The new rules may affect a wide range of clients:
investors and traders cashing out cryptocurrency;
freelancers receiving payments abroad;
entrepreneurs working with Web3 or IT projects.
All of them risk facing delays, additional bureaucracy, or even rejected transactions. This is especially critical in those countries where there is no full regulation of cryptocurrencies yet.
What to do now?
Financial consultants advise:
prepare documents confirming the legality of income in advance;
work with licensed crypto platforms;
split large transfers into parts so as not to exceed the limit;
or, if possible, use traditional sources of funds for international payments.
Conclusion
J.P. Morgan has sent a clear signal: the rules of the game are changing. The financial system is increasingly tolerant of “gray areas” – especially when it comes to cryptocurrencies. And although the new measures are aimed at increasing transparency, they are becoming an additional barrier for clients.
Transfers that were recently quick and hassle-free now require special attention. And the ability to use cryptocurrency in the real economy has to be paid for – if not with money, then with time and documents.
