Egypt: crypto & digital assets regulation

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Egypt: De facto ban on crypto trading; no specific VASP licensing regime

Lead regulator:: Central Bank of Egypt (CBE)
Key law:: CBE General Organization and Supervision Law (No. 88 of 2003)
Last updated:: 2026-07-12

Egypt does not have a specific licensing regime for virtual assets or VASPs. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) have issued repeated warnings and prohibitions against dealing in cryptocurrencies, classifying them as high-risk and lacking legal tender status.

While the provided source document (2022) focuses on sustainable finance principles for traditional banking, it does not establish a regulatory framework for crypto. General knowledge confirms that Egyptian banks are prohibited from facilitating crypto transactions, effectively restricting retail and institutional access.

The regulatory stance remains one of prohibition for banking sector involvement, with no official pathway for licensing crypto exchanges or wallet providers. Recent directions emphasize investor protection and financial stability through strict enforcement of existing banking laws.

Who regulates

Central Bank of Egypt (CBE)
Primary supervisor of banking sector; enforces prohibition on crypto-related transactions
Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA)
Securities and financial markets regulator; has issued warnings on crypto risks

Core laws & rules

CBE General Organization and Supervision Law (2003)
Provides the legal basis for the CBE to regulate banking activities and prohibit unauthorized financial services, including crypto-related banking services.

Restrictions & warnings

Banks and financial institutions are prohibited from dealing in cryptocurrencies or providing services related to them. Individuals are not explicitly criminalized for holding crypto, but banking channels are blocked.

Direction of travel

No immediate plans for a licensing regime have been announced. The focus remains on traditional finance and sustainable finance principles as outlined in recent CBE guidelines.
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Sources

CBE Regulation Book 14.2 - Guiding Principles For Sustainable Finance · 2022-04-13

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This guide is compiled automatically from 1 primary-source documents published by Egypt'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.