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Czech Republic: fintech & payments regulation

Regulated

Czech Republic fintech regulation: CNB oversight under EU AML/PSD2 frameworks

Lead regulator:
Czech National Bank (CNB)
Key law:
Act on Payment Services (transposing PSD2) and AML Act
Last updated:
2026-07-12

The Czech Republic maintains a regulated fintech environment where the Czech National Bank (CNB) serves as the primary supervisor for payment institutions, electronic money institutions, and crypto-asset service providers. Regulatory activities are governed by EU directives transposed into national law, specifically the Payment Services Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, rather than a standalone domestic fintech statute.

Entities providing payment services, issuing electronic money, or dealing in crypto-assets must obtain authorization from the CNB. The regulatory framework emphasizes strict compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) obligations, requiring robust internal controls and reporting mechanisms.

Recent regulatory activity, such as Decree No. 197/2025 Coll., focuses on reducing administrative burdens and streamlining reporting requirements across the financial sector, indicating a direction of travel towards efficiency while maintaining high supervisory standards.

Who regulates

  • Czech National Bank (CNB)

    Primary supervisor for payment institutions, electronic money institutions, and crypto-asset service providers; oversees banking, insurance, and capital markets.

    [1][2]

Core laws & rules

  • Act on Payment Services (2018)

    Transposes the EU Payment Services Directive (PSD2) into Czech law, regulating payment institutions and e-money institutions.

  • Act on the Prevention of Money Laundering (2004)

    Establishes AML/CFT obligations for financial institutions, including fintechs and crypto-asset service providers.

Licensing & registration

  • Payment Institution / Electronic Money Institution

    Authorization required to provide payment services or issue e-money; subject to CNB supervision and AML compliance.

  • Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP)

    Authorization required under the AML Act for entities providing services related to crypto-assets, as transposed from EU MiCA regulations.

Restrictions & warnings

  • Strict AML/CFT requirements apply to all financial activities, including crypto-assets. The CNB enforces rigorous due diligence and reporting standards.

Direction of travel

  • Regulatory focus is on reducing administrative burdens (e.g., Decree No. 197/2025 Coll.) while ensuring compliance with evolving EU frameworks like MiCA and DORA.

    [1]

Sources

  1. Decree No. 197/2025 Coll. on Reducing the Regulatory Burden in the Financial Market · 2025-01-01
  2. Czech National Bank Official Information on Money Broking and Permitted Banking Activities · 2004-10-29

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This guide is compiled automatically from 2 primary-source documents published by Czech Republic'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.