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Rwanda: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

Rwanda VASP licensing under Law 023/2026; NBR/CMA oversight

Lead regulator:
National Bank of Rwanda
Key law:
Law No. 023/2026 Regulating Virtual Asset Business
Last updated:
2026-07-12

Rwanda has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual asset businesses through Law No. 023/2026, enacted in May 2026. This legislation mandates licensing for service providers and defines core activities including tokenization and stablecoin issuance. The regime aims to prevent money laundering and ensure financial stability within the digital asset sector.

The National Bank of Rwanda serves as the primary regulatory authority, empowered to oversee compliance and enforce the new legal standards. Additionally, the Capital Markets Authority Rwanda is involved in the regulatory landscape, particularly concerning tokenization activities. Service providers must obtain specific licenses to operate legally within the jurisdiction.

The legal framework is supported by Law 001/2025 on the Prevention and Punishment of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing, which provides the broader anti-financial crime context. This creates a dual-layered approach combining specific virtual asset rules with general AML/CFT obligations. The recent enactment signals a move towards formalizing and integrating digital assets into the national financial system.

Who regulates

  • National Bank of Rwanda

    Primary supervisor and regulatory authority under Law 023/2026

    [1]

  • Capital Markets Authority Rwanda

    Regulator involved in virtual asset business framework

    [2]

Core laws & rules

  • Law No. 023/2026 Regulating Virtual Asset Business (2026)

    Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual asset businesses, mandating licensing and defining activities like tokenization and stablecoin issuance.

    [2][1]

  • Law 001/2025 on the Prevention and Punishment of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing (2025)

    Provides the legal framework for preventing and punishing money laundering and terrorist financing, applicable to virtual asset businesses.

    [3]

Licensing & registration

  • Virtual Asset Business License

    Mandatory licensing for service providers offering virtual asset services, including tokenization and stablecoin issuance. Timeline: Enacted May 2026

    [2][1]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Activities such as tokenization and stablecoin issuance are defined and regulated under the new law, requiring compliance with AML/CFT standards.

    [2][1][3]

Direction of travel

  • The enactment of Law 023/2026 indicates a clear direction towards formalizing and integrating digital assets into the regulated financial system, with a focus on stability and anti-money laundering compliance.

    [2][1]

Sources

  1. Law No. 023/2026 Regulating Virtual Asset Business · 2026-05-25
  2. Law Regulating Virtual Asset Business · 2026-05-28
  3. Law 001/2025 on the Prevention and Punishment of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing · 2025-01-22

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This guide is compiled automatically from 3 primary-source documents published by Rwanda'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.