In a significant policy shift, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reconsidered its stance on the prohibition of cryptocurrency transactions in the country. This development, revealed on Friday, comes through a circular dated December 22, 2023, bearing reference number FPR/DIR/PUB/CIR/002/003 and endorsed by Haruna Mustafa, the Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department.
Termed the ‘Circular to all Banks and other Financial Institutions Guidelines on Operations of Bank Accounts for Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPS),’ the directive emphasizes the necessity of global crypto regulation based on current trends. The CBN acknowledges the evolving landscape, citing the need to regulate Virtual Assets Service Providers (V/ASPs), aligning with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and local regulations like the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The Securities and Exchange Commission also plays a role in this shift, having issued rules in May 2022 to establish a regulatory framework for the operations of Digital Assets and VASPs in Nigeria.
This newly issued guideline supersedes previous ones, specifically referencing FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/06/010 of January 12, 2017, and BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/014/001 of February 5, 2021.
While the CBN maintains the prohibition for banks and financial institutions from holding, trading, or transacting in virtual currencies, it underscores the requirement for immediate compliance with the new guideline. The earlier issued circular (BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/014/001, February 5, 2021) prohibited banks from facilitating payments for cryptocurrency exchanges and mandated the identification and closure of accounts involved in crypto transactions.
This move by the CBN signals a marked shift in its approach towards cryptocurrency, recognizing the need for a balanced regulatory framework for the evolving financial landscape. Financial institutions are urged to adhere promptly to the new guidelines.
