Botswana: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

VASP AML/CFT regime under NBFIRA oversight, guided by Virtual Assets Act

Lead regulator:: Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA)
Key law:: Virtual Assets Act
Last updated:: 2026-07-12

Botswana has established a regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), primarily overseen by the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA).

This framework mandates that VASPs implement comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) programmes.

The regulatory requirements are underpinned by the Financial Intelligence Act and the Virtual Assets Act.

The recent guidance note from NBFIRA (March 2025) highlights the ongoing focus on ensuring compliance within the virtual asset sector.

Who regulates

Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA)
Requires Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to implement comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) programmes.

Core laws & rules

Virtual Assets Act
Establishes the framework under which Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) are required to implement AML/CFT programmes.
Financial Intelligence Act
Provides additional legal basis for AML/CFT requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

Licensing & registration

Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)
VASPs are regulated entities in Botswana, required to implement comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) programmes under the oversight of NBFIRA.

Restrictions & warnings

Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) are required to implement comprehensive anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) programmes.

Direction of travel

The jurisdiction is actively developing and enforcing a regulatory framework for virtual assets, with a current focus on AML/CFT compliance for VASPs, as evidenced by recent guidance from NBFIRA.

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This guide is compiled automatically from 0 primary-source documents published by Botswana's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.