Zimbabwe Central Bank Takes Control of Crypto Firms Under New AML Rules

Zimbabwe has brought cryptocurrency firms under the oversight of its central bank through new anti-money laundering rules.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) now requires crypto companies to register as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) before offering digital asset services locally.

Crypto firms with smart contract control, fund routing, or fee-setting powers must comply with the regulations, which include an annual registration fee of $500 and background checks for directors.

The new framework gives Zimbabwe a formal rulebook for virtual asset service providers and aims to reduce the risk of sudden regulatory action.