Regulatory AlertsZambia: crypto & digital assets regulation
RegulatedZambia mandates VASP registration with BoZ by March 2026; no specific capital set
- Lead regulator
- Bank of Zambia
- Also involved
- Securities and Exchange Commission (potential securities overlap) · Financial Intelligence Centre (AML/CFT)
- Core law
- Mandatory Registration of Virtual Assets and Stablecoin Service Providers (2026)
- Entry capital
- —
- Approval timeline
- —
- Customer assets
- —
- Data protection
- Data Protection Act 2021 · Data Protection Commission
- Sandbox
- No
The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has established a mandatory registration regime for all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and stablecoin issuers operating in Zambia. The directive requires existing providers to register by March 27, 2026, and new entrants to register before commencing operations. The BoZ emphasizes due diligence requirements for traditional financial institutions interacting with these entities.
Which licence do you need?
| Your activity | Requirement | Capital | Timeline | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange / trading platform | RegistrationVASP Registration[1] Mandatory registration for all exchange operators | — | — | Bank of Zambia |
| Custody of client assets | RegistrationVASP Registration[1] Included in broad VASP definition | — | — | Bank of Zambia |
| Token issuance / public offering | Uncertainverify with regulator Not explicitly distinguished from VASP services | — | — | — |
| Broker-dealer / OTC desk | Uncertainverify with regulator Likely falls under VASP registration | — | — | — |
| Stablecoin issuance | RegistrationStablecoin Provider Registration[1] Explicitly named in the directive | — | — | Bank of Zambia |
| Crypto payments acceptance | RegistrationVASP Registration[1] Crypto payment services require registration | — | — | Bank of Zambia |
| Mining / staking services | Uncertainverify with regulator Not explicitly mentioned in directive | — | — | — |
| Advisory / portfolio management | Uncertainverify with regulator Not explicitly mentioned in directive | — | — | — |
New — what changed recently
- 2026-01-01Mandatory Registration of Virtual Assets and Stablecoin Service Providers — BoZ mandates registration for all VASPs and stablecoin providers by March 27, 2026.[1]
Market-entry checklist
- 1Register with Bank of ZambiaSubmit registration application for VASP or stablecoin provider status before commencing operations.
- 2Meet March 2026 DeadlineExisting providers must complete registration by March 27, 2026, to remain compliant.
- 3Implement AML/CFT FrameworkEstablish robust due diligence and reporting mechanisms as required by BoZ directives.
- 4Engage Banking PartnersPrepare for enhanced due diligence from commercial banks and payment service providers.