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Zambia: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

Zambia mandates VASP registration with BoZ by March 2026; strict compliance required

Lead regulator:
Bank of Zambia
Key law:
Mandatory Registration of Virtual Assets and Stablecoin Service Providers Operating in Zambia (2026)
Last updated:
2026-07-12

The Bank of Zambia has established a mandatory registration regime for all virtual asset and stablecoin service providers operating within Zambia. Providers must complete registration by March 27, 2026, to operate legally.

Commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, and payment service providers are required to conduct due diligence on these registered entities. This framework integrates crypto service providers into the existing financial oversight structure.

The directive emphasizes verification and compliance, signaling a move from uncertainty to formalized regulation. Failure to register by the deadline likely results in operational restrictions or penalties under the central bank's supervisory powers.

Who regulates

  • Bank of Zambia

    Primary supervisor mandating registration and overseeing compliance of VASPs and stablecoin providers.

    [1]

Core laws & rules

  • Mandatory Registration of Virtual Assets and Stablecoin Service Providers Operating in Zambia (2026)

    Regulatory directive requiring all VASPs and stablecoin providers to register with the Bank of Zambia by March 27, 2026.

    [1]

Licensing & registration

  • Mandatory Registration

    All virtual asset and stablecoin service providers operating in Zambia must register with the Bank of Zambia. Timeline: Registration deadline: March 27, 2026

    [1]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, and payment service providers must conduct due diligence and verify the status of VASPs before engaging with them.

    [1]

Direction of travel

  • Zambia is moving towards a formalized regulatory environment for digital assets, with the central bank taking direct supervisory responsibility for VASPs and stablecoin providers.

    [1]

Sources

  1. Mandatory Registration of Virtual Assets and Stablecoin Service Providers Operating in Zambia · 2026-01-01

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