On January 13, 2026, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) published an official warning in connection with the project. Five Pillars DeFi and the website fivepillarstoken.com. According to the available information, there is concrete evidence that services related to crypto assets are being offered to individuals in Germany without the necessary authorization.
The platform promotes, among other things, staking models using a so-called "Five Pillars Token" and crypto debit cards. According to BaFin, providing such cryptocurrency services may require a license. However, BaFin supervision is not currently apparent.
Five Pillars Token and Staking – Regulatory Risks in the Crypto Sector
Token-based return models such as staking offers are subject to regulatory scrutiny. The decisive factor is not solely the technical design, but rather the specific structure of the service. If crypto assets are handled, held in custody, or a structured return opportunity is organized for third parties, classification as a crypto asset service may be considered.
This becomes particularly relevant when additional payment functions such as crypto debit cards are advertised. Depending on their structure, such models may be subject to regulatory requirements. Without the necessary authorization, there is a significant legal risk.
DeFi project without BaFin approval – when is a permit required?
Many projects in the field of decentralized finance (DeFi) claim to be technically decentralized. However, for regulatory assessment, it is not the self-designation that is decisive, but rather the actual control and organization of the offering.
A permit may be required in particular if:
- central administrator rights are available,
- Crypto assets are held or managed for users,
- The offer is specifically geared towards the German market.
Even DeFi structures can effectively be centrally controlled. In such cases, the regulatory assessment applies regardless of the chosen designation.
Significance of a BaFin warning for investors and market participants
A BaFin warning notice does not constitute a criminal conviction. However, it signals that the supervisory authority has significant doubts about the legal admissibility of the offer.
For users, this means:
- There may be no official oversight.
- Consumer protection mechanisms of the regulated market do not apply.
- Enforcing claims can be difficult.
Transparency is crucial, especially for crypto projects with unclear operating structures. Without a comprehensible corporate and accountability structure, the risk for users increases significantly.
Typical risks of unregulated crypto platforms
In comparable situations, recurring patterns emerge regularly: unclear operator identities, missing addresses for service of process, or opaque token structures. Frequently, internal dashboard displays are not reconciled with publicly verifiable blockchain data.
It becomes particularly problematic when:
- Payments may be delayed or made subject to additional conditions,
- Additional fees may be charged.,
- New deposits should be a prerequisite for approvals.
Such situations are regularly found in the context of crypto fraud or unauthorized crypto services.
Forensic analysis in cases of suspected crypto fraud
Even complex DeFi or token structures regularly offer forensic opportunities. Structured blockchain analysis makes it possible to trace payment flows, wallet movements, and connections between addresses.
Relevant testing approaches include, in particular:
- Tracking transaction chains on the blockchain,
- Analysis of wallet clusters and counterparties,
- Documentation of inflow and outflow structures,
- Analysis of digital communication and access data.
Proper crypto-forensic analysis serves as a basis for legal action, such as civil claims or criminal investigations.
Financial Forensics – Professional Analysis of Crypto-Related Matters
Financial forensics supports lawyers, companies, and individuals in the structured investigation of financial fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, and asset concealment. The focus is on the legally admissible analysis of payment flows, the identification of digital traces, and the verifiable reconstruction of complex transactions.
The results are presented in a plausible, discreet and legally sound manner, forming a reliable basis for legal assessments and further measures.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
BaFin sees concrete indications that crypto asset services are being offered via fivepillarstoken.com without the necessary authorization.
A BaFin warning is not a criminal conviction, but an indication that a provider may be offering crypto services requiring a license without authorization.
Whether staking requires a license depends on the specific structure. If crypto assets are managed for third parties or if structured returns are organized, regulatory approval may be necessary.
Even if a project describes itself as "decentralized", a regulatory obligation may exist if de facto central control is exercised or crypto asset services are provided.
Without BaFin authorization, typical supervisory and consumer protection mechanisms often do not apply. Furthermore, operator structures and responsibilities may be unclear.
A BaFin warning does not automatically mean crypto fraud. However, it points to potential illegal activities that could pose a significant risk to users.
Yes. Blockchain transactions are permanently stored and can be technically traced to reconstruct payment flows and wallet movements.
It is recommended not to make any further payments, to back up all transaction data and to conduct a forensic examination of the payment structures.
Financial forensics analyzes payment flows, wallet structures and digital traces and prepares the results in a legally sound manner – as a basis for legal action or further assessments.
