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Jordan: fintech & payments regulation

Regulated

Jordan fintech & payments: regulated under CBJ/CSC dual oversight; no specific VASP regime

Lead regulator:
Central Bank of Jordan
Key law:
Securities Law No. 18 of 2017
Last updated:
2026-07-12

Jordan maintains a regulated environment for financial services, with the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) serving as the primary regulators. The CBJ holds exclusive authority over banking and payment activities, while the JSC regulates capital markets and specific financial services companies under the Securities Law No. 18 of 2017.

There is no specific fintech or virtual asset service provider (VASP) licensing regime established in the provided documents. General financial services require licensing under the 2005 Instructions, which mandate minimum paid-in capital and bank guarantees. Non-banks are explicitly prohibited from dealing in foreign stock exchanges.

The regulatory direction emphasizes strict licensing, segregation of client funds, and full disclosure. Recent legal frameworks continue to restrict unlicensed entities from engaging in securities dealing, with violations carrying criminal penalties.

Who regulates

  • Central Bank of Jordan

    Primary supervisor for banking and payments; co-issuer of Law No. 1 of 2017 restricting foreign stock exchange dealing

    [1]

  • Jordan Securities Commission

    Autonomous regulator for capital markets; issues licensing instructions for financial services companies

    [2][3][4]

Core laws & rules

  • Securities Law No. 18 of 2017 (2017)

    Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the capital market, defining securities and mandating licensing and full disclosure for issuers and financial services companies.

    [2]

  • Law No. 1 of 2017 Regulating Dealing at Foreign Stock Exchanges (2017)

    Restricts foreign stock exchange dealing and mediation exclusively to licensed banks and financial services companies, prohibiting non-banks from engaging in or advertising these activities.

    [1]

Licensing & registration

  • Financial Services Companies

    Licensing and registration requirements established under the 2005 Instructions, specifying minimum paid-in capital and bank guarantee thresholds across brokerage, investment management, and trusteeship. Capital: Minimum paid-in capital and bank guarantee thresholds specified in 2005 Instructions Timeline: 2005 Instructions (updated by 2017 Law)

    [4]

  • Foreign Stock Exchange Dealing

    Exclusive license required for licensed banks and financial services companies; non-banks are prohibited. Timeline: 2017

    [1]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Non-banks are prohibited from engaging in or advertising dealing at foreign stock exchanges.

    [1]

  • Licensed entities must maintain segregated client funds and obtain unconditional bank guarantees.

    [3]

Direction of travel

  • No specific fintech or VASP regulatory framework is established in the provided documents; general financial services licensing applies.

    Low confidence — verify with the regulator before relying on this.

Sources

  1. Law No. 1 of 2017 Regulating Dealing at Foreign Stock Exchanges · 2017-01-01
  2. Securities Law No. 18 of 2017 · 2017-01-01
  3. Instructions Regulating the Dealing of Financial Services Companies at Foreign Stock Exchanges · 2018-03-19
  4. Instructions of Financial Services Licensing and Registration for 2005 · 2006-05-22

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This guide is compiled automatically from 4 primary-source documents published by Jordan'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.