Regulatory AlertsEgypt: fintech & payments regulation
RegulatedCBE licenses payment services; FRA regulates non-bank fintech; strict FX controls
- Lead regulator
- Central Bank of Egypt (CBE)
- Also involved
- FRA (non-bank fintech) · NFIU (AML/CFT)
- Core law
- Central Bank and Banking System Law No. 194 of 2020
- Entry capital
- EGP 20m (Digital Bank); EGP 75m (Microfinance/MSME)
- Approval timeline
- 3-6 months
- Customer assets
- Segregated in licensed custodian accounts
- Data protection
- PDPL 2020 · PDRA
- Sandbox
- Yes - CBE Regulatory Sandbox
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is the primary regulator for payment systems and service providers under Law No. 194 of 2020, issuing specific licenses for payment processing and e-money. The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) oversees non-banking financial activities, including fintech outsourcing and microfinance. The regulatory environment is strict regarding foreign exchange, mandating Egyptian Pound settlement for domestic transactions.
Which licence do you need?
| Your activity | Requirement | Capital | Timeline | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payment processing / gateway | LicencePayment Service Provider License[1][2] Governed by CBE Regulation Book 12 rules | — | — | Central Bank of Egypt |
| E-money & wallet issuance | LicenceE-money Issuer License[3] Includes prepaid cards and mobile payments | — | — | Central Bank of Egypt |
| Domestic money transfer | LicencePayment Service Provider License[4][5] Domestic transfers via RTGS or instant network | — | — | Central Bank of Egypt |
| Cross-border remittance | LicenceExchange Company License[6] Strict FX controls apply | — | — | Central Bank of Egypt |
| Agent network | LicenceService Provider License[7][8] Interoperable cash deposit/withdrawal | — | — | Central Bank of Egypt |
| Open banking / account information | Uncertainverify with regulator No specific open banking framework found | — | — | — |
| Foreign-exchange services | LicenceExchange Company License[9] Domestic transactions must be in EGP | — | — | Central Bank of Egypt |
New — what changed recently
- 2026-04-02CBE Circular on Financial Companies — Expanded definition of financial companies to include fintech startups, allowing banks unlimited shareholding.
- 2025-09-01CBE Governance Instructions — Issued new governance and internal control instructions for payment system operators and service providers.
- 2024-05-07CBE Digital Bank Rules — Established licensing rules for digital banks with EGP 2 billion minimum capital requirement.
- 2023-11-16CBE Regulation Book 12.7 — Updated rules for prepaid card payment services and governance responsibilities.
Market-entry checklist
- 1Secure CBE Payment LicenseApply for Payment Service Provider license under CBE Regulation Book 12.
- 2Meet Capital RequirementsEnsure minimum capital of EGP 20m for digital banking or EGP 75m for microfinance.
- 3Register with FRARegister as a fintech outsourcing provider if offering non-bank financial services.
- 4Implement AML/CFT ControlsAdhere to CBE Regulation Book 5.14 and NFIU reporting standards.
- 5Comply with FX RulesEnsure all domestic transactions are settled in Egyptian Pounds.
Sources
- Governance and internal control instructions for payment systems and payment service providers · 2025-09-01
- Licensing and registration rules for payment systems and payment service providers · 2025-06-18
- CBE Regulation Book 12.2 - The Rules Regulating The Provision Of Payment Services Using A Mobile Phone · 2023-11-16
- CBE Regulation Book 12.4 - The Rules Regulating The Services Of The Real Time Payment Network · 2023-03-12
- Circular dated March 9, 2023 amending the limits for transactions conducted through real-time payments network applications · 2023-03-09
- Circular dated May 14, 2023 regarding the rules of licensing, control and supervision of exchange companies · 2023-06-14
- CBE Regulation Book 12.3 - Rules Regulating The Interoperability Of Cash Deposit And Withdrawal Services Through Service Providers · 2022-04-27
- A periodic book on September 1, 2025 on the controls of the banking services units · 2025-09-01
- Periodic book on August 12, 2025 on the settlement of points of sale · 2025-08-12
This guide is compiled automatically from 9 primary-source documents published by Egypt'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.