Albuquerque crypto ATM ban begins, with $500 daily fines for violators

Albuquerque's ban on crypto ATMs and cashier-facilitated cryptocurrency transactions is now in force, with noncompliant businesses facing $500 daily fines and possible closure. Officials say the measure targets cash-to-crypto conversion services used in scams that leave victims unable to recover funds. The move adds local regulatory friction for crypto ATM operators and could encourage similar municipal crackdowns, a modest headwind for retail access infrastructure.