Zimbabwe has introduced new anti-money laundering regulations that bring cryptocurrency businesses under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Statutory Instrument 99 of 2026 mandates that any entity involved in buying, selling, transferring, or storing digital assets must register as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the central bank’s financial crime unit. This move marks a significant shift from the previous legal uncertainty in the crypto sector, which began in 2018 when the central bank instructed banks to halt crypto-related transactions.
The new framework aims to align Zimbabwe with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), with the goal of avoiding the FATF grey list. Experts note that the regulations demonstrate Zimbabwe’s commitment to financial crime compliance. Crypto companies must now establish a legally recognized domestic subsidiary and pay an annual registration fee of $500. Directors are required to undergo background checks, and firms must implement the FATF travel rule, which involves collecting and sharing transaction data during qualifying asset transfers.
Importantly, the regulations adopt a technology-neutral stance, meaning that decentralization does not exempt operators from legal responsibilities. Organizations that can alter smart contracts, route funds, or set transaction fees are considered to have control and must comply. This approach brings some decentralized finance (DeFi) structures under regulatory oversight. While local fintech startups may face increased operating costs, supporters argue that clear guidelines reduce the risk of abrupt regulatory actions. The new rules provide a formal registration pathway for crypto businesses and grant the RBZ direct oversight of digital asset service providers, connecting crypto activities with existing national financial surveillance systems.