What is KYT?
Know Your Transaction (KYT) extends traditional Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence to ongoing analysis of individual transactions for AML/CFT risk. In the crypto context, KYT typically refers to blockchain analytics-driven scoring of incoming and outgoing transactions against high-risk addresses (sanctioned wallets, darknet markets, ransomware payments, mixer outputs). Leading vendors include Chainalysis, TRM Labs, Elliptic, Crystal and Coinfirm.
Why KYT is required
- FATF Recommendation 16 (Travel Rule): VASPs must share originator and beneficiary information for transfers above thresholds, but KYT additionally flags counterparty risk.
- OFAC sanctions screening: US OFAC has designated specific crypto addresses (Tornado Cash, Hydra, North Korea-linked wallets) — KYT prevents inadvertent dealings.
- AML/CFT supervision: regulators expect transaction-level monitoring complementary to customer-level KYC.
Common KYT signals
- Direct exposure: counterparty is a sanctioned address or known illicit service.
- Indirect exposure: funds traced through mixers or chain hops from illicit sources.
- Behavioural anomalies: structuring, velocity spikes, unusual jurisdiction patterns.
- Risk scoring: aggregated risk score determines whether to allow, hold, or report the transaction.
Türk CASP’leri için KYT
MASAK Mevzuatı (5549 sayılı Kanun) AML yükümlülüklerini ve VASP yükümlülüklerini (2021 Tebliği), 7518 sayılı 2024 CASP kanunu çerçevesinde günceller. Türk CASP’ler MASAK’a şüpheli işlem bildirimleri (STR) yapar; pratikte KYT araç adapasyonu sektörde yerleşmiştir. KYT, Travel Rule (FATF R.16) yükümlülükleriyle birleştiğinde Türk borsaları için zorunlu operasyonel temeldir.
Do: integrate at least one blockchain analytics tool; define risk thresholds aligned with regulator guidance; document false-positive remediation.
Don’t: rely solely on customer-level KYC — direct transaction exposure can occur even with verified customers.