JPMorgan Freezes Accounts of Stablecoin Startups Over Risks

3 mins mins

Key Points:

JPMorgan freezes accounts of Blindpay and Kontigo, connected to Venezuela.
Action underscores banking risk due to cryptocurrency transactions.
Increased scrutiny on financial ties with high-risk regions.

In recent months, JPMorgan Chase has reportedly frozen accounts of stablecoin startups like Blindpay and Kontigo operating in Venezuela, highlighting compliance challenges in high-risk regions.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between traditional banking systems and emerging cryptocurrency enterprises, affecting JPMorgan Chase’s compliance posture and stock performance.

JPMorgan Targets Stablecoin Accounts Linked to Venezuela

JPMorgan Chase recently froze accounts of Blindpay and Kontigo due to their ties with Venezuela, a high-risk country. The two stablecoin companies were using these accounts to engage in transactions potentially compromising compliance.

As a result, JPMorgan’s decision reflects heightened scrutiny over cryptocurrency dealings within high-risk jurisdictions, highlighting the bank’s efforts to ensure due diligence in its operations. This move signals a cautious approach towards transactions involving less stable governments and markets.

This action indicates a growing trend among financial institutions to meticulously scrutinize transactions with high-risk regions, experts suggest, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to compliance.

The freeze impacted JPMorgan’s stock, which traded down 0.80%, reaching its monthly low. There has been no official response from Blindpay or Kontigo, leaving the industry to speculate on the broader implications for startups operating in volatile markets. Market analysts note the importance of risk management in dealings in these regions.

Financial Institutions Scrutinize Crypto Transactions in Risky Regions

Did you know? JPMorgan’s decision to freeze accounts is part of a trend among major financial institutions to meticulously scrutinize transactions with high-risk countries, a move that could reshape regulatory approaches to global cryptocurrency dealings.

Ethereum (ETH) is currently priced at $2,926.71, with a market cap of $353.24 billion, maintaining 11.97% market dominance, according to CoinMarketCap. Its recent performance has seen changes, with a 9.44% increase in 24-hour trading volume to $15.71 billion. Price dropped by 1.62% over the last day, further declining 1.94% in seven days, 4.33% within the month, 28.81% over two months, and 26.88% in three months.

ethereum-daily-chart-2345 — Ethereum(ETH), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 02:47 UTC on December 27, 2025. *Source: CoinMarketCap*

Coincu’s research team notes potential for increased regulation as financial entities become more cautious with high-risk markets. They suggest ongoing adjustments in compliance protocols and technological innovation to enhance secure and transparent cross-border transactions will be influential.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.