Zimbabwe has officially brought cryptocurrency businesses under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) through new anti-money laundering regulations.
The new rules, introduced under Statutory Instrument 99 of 2026, require companies involved in digital asset services to register as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) before operating in the country.
The regulations apply to businesses that help customers buy, sell, transfer, exchange, or store cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. By creating a formal registration system, Zimbabwe is providing a clear legal framework for the crypto industry after years of uncertainty.
Back in 2018, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe instructed local banks to stop processing cryptocurrency-related transactions. The latest move marks a major shift by creating an official pathway for crypto businesses to operate legally under government oversight.
One of the main goals of the new framework is to strengthen anti-money laundering controls and improve compliance with international financial standards. Reports suggest Zimbabwe is also seeking to avoid being placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, which can affect a country’s financial reputation and international investment environment.
Under the new regulations, crypto companies will face compliance requirements similar to those imposed on traditional financial institutions.
Businesses must establish a legally registered local subsidiary, pay an annual registration fee of $500, and ensure that directors pass background checks before receiving approval to operate.
The rules also require firms to comply with the “travel rule,” a global anti-money laundering standard that requires financial institutions and crypto companies to collect and share certain information about transactions.
Importantly, the regulations do not recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender or grant them official government backing. Instead, the focus is on monitoring digital asset activities and reducing financial crime risks.
The Reserve Bank’s anti-money laundering unit will be responsible for supervising registered crypto businesses and ensuring compliance with the new rules.
The framework also takes a broad approach toward decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. Authorities say that simply calling a project decentralized does not automatically remove legal responsibility.
Companies or organizations that can control smart contracts, route user funds, or set transaction fees may still fall under the regulations and be required to comply.
As a result, some decentralized finance platforms and fintech startups could face higher compliance costs and additional regulatory obligations.
Supporters of the new rules argue that clear regulations are better than uncertainty. They believe the framework will provide legal clarity, encourage responsible innovation, and reduce the risk of sudden regulatory crackdowns in the future.
With these changes, Zimbabwe now has a formal system for licensing and overseeing cryptocurrency businesses, giving regulators direct visibility into the country’s growing digital asset sector.
 through new an...){kind=link}