Rwanda Moves to Regulate Cryptocurrency to Curb Fraud and Protect Investors

Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a new law to regulate digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, addressing a previously unregulated sector that exposed many citizens to fraud and financial losses.

The law is designed to reduce risks like money laundering, terrorism financing, and deceptive investment schemes, while improving consumer protection and market transparency. Authorities were prompted to act after multiple fraud cases, including 35 complaints reported to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau and a high-profile 2025 conviction involving significant financial losses.

Under the new framework, the Capital Market Authority will oversee the sector, issue licenses to operators, and set minimum capital requirements. The law also introduces safeguards to ensure cybersecurity, operational resilience, and responsible innovation in the digital asset space.

As cryptocurrency usage continues to grow both globally and within Rwanda, the legislation aims to bring order to the market, protect investors, and ensure the stability of the broader financial system.