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Djibouti: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

Djibouti CASP licensing regime under 2025/2026 Central Bank regulations

Lead regulator:
Banque Centrale de Djibouti
Key law:
Law No. 178/AN/25/9ème L (2025)
Last updated:
2026-07-12

The Central Bank of Djibouti (BCD) is the primary regulator for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), operating under a framework established by Circular No. 2025-01 and updated by Circular No. 2026-01. These regulations mandate strict licensing, governance standards, and a minimum capital requirement of 100 million DJF for operators.

The legal basis for this oversight is reinforced by Law No. 178/AN/25/9ème L, which amends the national anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework to explicitly include virtual asset service providers as obliged entities. This aligns Djibouti's regulatory stance with international standards for combating financial crime.

Recent regulatory developments indicate a tightening of the regime, with the 2026 circular completing and amending the initial 2025 rules to ensure robust operational obligations. The jurisdiction has moved from establishing a baseline framework to refining specific capital and governance requirements for active market participants.

Who regulates

  • Banque Centrale de Djibouti

    Primary supervisor of CASPs and issuer of licensing circulars

    [1][2]

Core laws & rules

  • Law No. 178/AN/25/9ème L (2025)

    Amends the national legal framework on money laundering and terrorist financing to explicitly include virtual asset service providers within the scope of obliged entities.

    [3][4]

Licensing & registration

  • Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP)

    Mandatory licensing for entities providing crypto-asset services, requiring comprehensive white papers, robust governance, and adherence to strict operational obligations. Capital: 100 million DJF Timeline: Circular No. 2025-01 established the initial framework; Circular No. 2026-01 amended and completed these requirements.

    [1][2]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Operators must meet a minimum capital floor of 100 million DJF and comply with enhanced anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations as defined by the amended Law No. 178/AN/25/9ème L.

    [1][3]

Direction of travel

  • The regulatory environment is actively evolving, with the BCD issuing amendments in 2026 to refine the 2025 framework, suggesting a continued focus on compliance rigor and capital adequacy.

    [1]

Sources

  1. Central Bank of Djibouti Circular No. 2026-01 Amending and Completing Circular No. 2025-01 on the Regime for Crypto-Asset Service Providers · 2026-01-01
  2. Circular No. 2025-01 on the Regime for Virtual Asset Service Providers in Djibouti · 2025-01-01
  3. Law No. 178/AN/25/9ème L Amending Law No. 106/AN/24/9ème L on the Fight against Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction · 2026-03-29
  4. Law No. 178/AN/25/9th L Amending Law No. 106/AN/24/9th L on the Fight against Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction · 2025-06-04

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This guide is compiled automatically from 4 primary-source documents published by Djibouti'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.