Published Standards for Crypto Advice
TrustCrypto Institute provides an evidence-based framework for disclosures, conflicts, methodology, and verification — designed to improve clarity for investors, accountability for professionals, and to define examinable professional standards.
The TrustCrypto Institute Standards & Frameworks are the authoritative source for all TrustCrypto Institute examinations and professional certifications.
They define the minimum acceptable standards of conduct, decision-making, and documentation expected of certified professionals.
External guidance and third-party materials are supplementary and do not override Institute standards.
Defines portfolio design principles, risk controls, and documentation standards.
Defines compliant promotion, advice boundaries, and disclosure obligations.
Defines reporting standards and evidence expectations for suspicious activity reporting.
Defines required data, thresholds, and operational controls for Travel Rule compliance.
Defines tracing methodology, red flags, and evidential handling standards.
Defines duties, ethics, independence, confidentiality, and enforcement expectations.
Defines decision thresholds and mandatory duties when risk or suspicion triggers apply.
What must be stated clearly (fees, custody, conflicts) before an investor can evaluate advice.
A consistent way to assess advisory services using evidence rather than marketing language.
Signals that can be checked: documentation, review history, and operational clarity.
Standards are reviewed at least annually, with interim updates when regulation, market structure, or evidence materially changes.
TrustCrypto Institute standards apply to certified individuals and accredited businesses, and inform the evidence criteria used for directory eligibility.
Breaches may trigger re-review and status changes (Active, Lapsed, or Revoked). Actions are based on documented evidence and are designed to be proportionate.
Professional judgement applies until defined Institute thresholds are met, at which point mandatory duties under the Code of Professional Conduct are triggered, as set out in the Judgement → Duty Guide.
Browse the directory to compare disclosures and verification signals.
If you advise on crypto-assets, view the certification programs aligned to this framework.