While some countries are still banning cryptocurrencies, other regions building a legal ground for it. Currently, the 5th AML Directive by the European Parliament is going into force soon. It will prompt the European-based companies that deal with cryptocurrencies (e.g., brokerages, exchanges, etc.) to do more extensive due diligence on their customers, as well as avail of blockchain forensic tools to monitor transactions for possible illicit activities.

Even though regulations of certain level exist now, the new directive will tighten the current legal environment at the expense of crypto-related companies, providing more trust and stability to crypto economies and promoting transparency in crypto space. Most likely, bans will eventually be lifted and some degree of regulations will be applied instead. (more here: https://blog.coingate.com/2019/02/aml-compliance-bitcoin-adoption/) Hopefully, it will be done without interfering with technological progress and helping to accelerate adoption of digital assets both in terms of investment, business and regular use, just like it is done now.