Zimbabwe sets first crypto rules with annual registration and $500 fee

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s framework requires virtual-asset trading, transfer and custody firms to register each year with the central bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit or face illegality.

Summary

Zimbabwe has introduced its first cryptocurrency-specific regulatory framework, requiring businesses involved in virtual-asset trading, transfers or custody to register annually with the central bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit and pay a $500 fee. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube issued the rules, which make it illegal to operate without registration. The move brings crypto activity under anti-money-laundering oversight, a step regulators typically use to monitor customer flows, improve compliance and formalize a previously less clearly supervised market.

Terms & Concepts
  • virtual-asset custody: Safekeeping digital assets for clients.
  • Financial Intelligence Unit: Anti-money-laundering body that monitors suspicious financial activity.
  • anti-money-laundering: Rules aimed at preventing illicit funds from entering finance.