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Armenia: fintech & payments regulation

Regulated

Armenia VASP licensing regime under 2025 CBK Regulations 7/01 & 7/05; CBK sole supervisor

Lead regulator:
Central Bank of Armenia
Key law:
Law of the Republic of Armenia On Crypto Assets (2025)
Last updated:
2026-07-12

Armenia has established a formal licensing regime for crypto assets service providers (CASPs), supervised exclusively by the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA). The framework was activated in January 2026 with the approval of Regulation 7/01, which defines licensing procedures, and Regulation 7/05, which governs the registration of managerial personnel and foreign branches.

The regulatory scope covers domestic CASPs and foreign providers operating branches, requiring specific operational permits and prior consent for key managers and qualifying holders. The CBA exercises strict oversight through a standardized coding system and active enforcement, including the revocation of licenses for non-compliance or voluntary withdrawal.

Beyond crypto, the CBA maintains a comprehensive licensing environment for traditional fintech, including payment and settlement organizations, foreign exchange offices, and credit unions. Recent regulatory activity emphasizes the formalization of fund management permissions and the modernization of reporting requirements for money transfers.

Who regulates

  • Central Bank of Armenia

    Primary supervisor for crypto assets, payment systems, banks, and financial institutions

    [1][2]

Core laws & rules

  • Law of the Republic of Armenia On Crypto Assets (2025)

    The core legislative act establishing the legal basis for crypto assets and service providers, referenced in CBA Board Resolution No. 114-N addenda.

    [3]

  • Regulation 7/01 on Crypto Assets Service Provider Licensing (2026)

    Establishes the regulatory framework, licensing procedures, and operational permits for domestic crypto assets service providers.

    [2]

  • Regulation 7/05 on Registration of Managers (2026)

    Defines procedures for the registration, rejection, and deregistration of managers of crypto assets service providers and branches of foreign providers.

    [1]

Licensing & registration

  • Crypto Assets Service Provider (CASPs)

    Domestic providers must obtain an operation permit under Regulation 7/01. Foreign providers must register their branches and ensure managers are registered under Regulation 7/05. Timeline: Regulations approved January 21, 2026

    [2][1]

  • Payment and Settlement Organizations

    Entities such as PRESS Pay and FINBOX require specific licenses for payment and settlement activities, subject to registration and coding procedures. Timeline: Active 2025

    [4][5]

  • Foreign Exchange Offices

    Licensing for currency purchase and sale activities is granted via Board Resolutions, with strict monitoring of branch operations and license validity. Timeline: Active 2025-2026

    [6][7]

Restrictions & warnings

  • The CBA mandates mandatory 'Note on Money Transfers' reporting for transactions exceeding defined thresholds, amending previous resolutions to enhance transparency.

    [8]

  • Licensing is subject to rigorous review, with the CBA empowered to revoke licenses for non-compliance or voluntary termination, as seen in multiple recent resolutions.

    [9][10]

Direction of travel

  • The regulatory environment is actively maturing, with the CBA focusing on the operationalization of the 2025 Crypto Assets Law and the integration of digital asset service providers into the formal financial sector.

    [2]

  • Ongoing amendments to investment fund rules and payment system permissions indicate a continued trend of regulatory refinement and expansion of supervised financial activities.

    [11]

Sources

  1. Procedure for Registration of Managers of Crypto Assets Service Providers and Branches of Foreign Providers · 2026-01-21
  2. Central Bank of Armenia Approves Regulation 7/01 on Crypto Assets Service Provider Licensing · 2026-01-21
  3. Addenda to Central Bank of Armenia Board Resolution No. 114-N · 2026-01-21
  4. Coding Procedure for Licensed and Registered Organizations in the Republic of Armenia · 2025-11-28
  5. Board of the Central Bank of Armenia Resolution No. 184 A on Recognizing License No. 28 of PRESS Pay CJSC as Void · 2025-10-23
  6. Granting an Activity License to “Rezon” Limited Liability Company (License No. 890) for the Branch of the Exchange Office · 2025-12-30
  7. Resolution on Granting Licenses for Exchange Office Branches to Inessa LLC · 2025-11-18
  8. Amendment to CB of Armenia Resolutions 50-N and 377-N Regarding Money Transfer Reporting · 2025-09-09
  9. Revocation of Pawnshop Activities License No. PA-Y 307 Issued to Lombard Plus LLC · 2025-12-30
  10. Revoking the Foreign Exchange Trading Activity License No. 841/1 Issued to Guava Limited Liability Company · 2025-12-18
  11. Resolution on Granting Permission to Establish and Operate IdramNet Payment System to Idram LLC · 2025-09-29

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This guide is compiled automatically from 11 primary-source documents published by Armenia'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.