Is Crypto Legal in Jordan?
Overview
Jordan operates under an effective prohibition framework anchored in repeated Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) directives forbidding financial institutions from dealing in cryptocurrencies, reinforced by Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Law No. 20 of 2021, which broadens AML/CFT obligations but contains no VASP licensing pathway. The CBJ is the primary regulator, and no authorization or registration route exists for crypto businesses; Law No. 20 of 2021 nonetheless mandates customer identification and verification, beneficial ownership determination, source-of-funds collection, and Travel Rule-aligned information transmission for any virtual asset transfers. The single most decision-relevant fact is that the prohibition is actively enforced through law enforcement actions targeting fraud, scams, and money laundering involving crypto, making compliant market entry effectively impossible under the current regime. (cbj.gov.jo, istd.gov.jo, fiu.gov.jo)
Regulatory Bodies
Central Bank of Jordan Official Statement (e.g., December 2021): While specific press release links can change, the CBJ's official website often hosts such statements.
However, the global trend is towards greater regulation of digital assets.
Operating Models
9/9 verdictsCan specific business models operate in Jordan? Each card answers the operational question for one kind of operator. Curated cells reflect counsel-grade review; AI-generated cells should be confirmed before relying on them.
Conditional · high burden.
AI · UnreviewedNot permitted.
AI · UnreviewedConditional · no licensing.
AI · UnreviewedNot permitted.
AI · UnreviewedNot permitted.
AI · UnreviewedNot permitted.
AI · UnreviewedNot permitted.
AI · UnreviewedNot permitted.
AI · UnreviewedNot permitted.
AI · UnreviewedPrimary Legislation
| Law / Regulation | Year | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Law No. 20 of 2021 | 2021 | Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Law (Law No. 20 of 2021): |
Licensing Requirements
No verified facts yet. 25 unverified fact(s) in explorer
AML/KYC Requirements
No verified facts yet. 45 unverified fact(s) in explorer
Travel Rule
Exchanging between virtual assets and fiat currencies.
Exchanging between one or more forms of virtual assets.
Safekeeping and/or administration of virtual assets or instruments enabling control over virtual assets.
Participation in and provision of financial services related to an issuer's offer and/or sale of a virtual asset.
Collect required information: Obtain and hold accurate and meaningful originator information and required beneficiary information for virtual asset transfers.
Transmit required information: Submit the required originator and beneficiary information to the beneficiary VASP (or to the originator VASP in the case of a receipt).
Verify information: Conduct verification of customer identity as part of their Customer Due Diligence (CDD) process.
Record-keeping: Maintain records of all transaction information and CDD data for a specified period (typically 5-10 years).
Monitor and report: Implement systems for ongoing monitoring of transactions and reporting of suspicious transactions (STRs) to Jordan's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Unit (AMLCFTU).
Interoperability: While the Circular doesn't specify particular technical solutions (like TRISA, Sygna, Travel Rule Protocol), VASPs are expected to adopt solutions that enable secure, reliable, and compliant transmission and receipt of required Travel Rule data.
Administrative Sanctions: Monetary fines, warnings, suspension or revocation of licenses/permits, restrictions on operations.
Criminal Charges: For serious breaches or involvement in money laundering or terrorist financing activities, individuals and entities can face imprisonment and substantial financial penalties as prescribed by the AML/CFT Law. The CBJ has the authority to refer such cases to the relevant judicial authorities.
Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Circular No. 10/2022:
Central Bank of Jordan Official Website (Navigation might be required to find specific circulars, which are often published in Arabic).
Al Tamimi & Company Legal Update: Jordan Regulates Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (Provides a summary and interpretation of Circular 10/2022)
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Law No. 20 of 2021:
The overarching AML/CFT legislation in Jordan is the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Law No. 20 of 2021, which repealed and replaced earlier laws.
Reference point: The law establishes the legal framework for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, granting powers to the AMLCFTU and relevant supervisory authorities like the CBJ.
FATF Guidance for a Risk-Based Approach to Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (June 2021 Update)
Tax Reporting
No verified facts yet. 33 unverified fact(s) in explorer
Custody Requirements
Custody regulation data collection in progress.
Stablecoin Regulation
No verified facts yet. 28 unverified fact(s) in explorer
Securities Classification
The Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) is a governmental regulatory institution with financial, administrative, and technical independence, responsible for regulating and developing the securities sector in Jordan Jordan Securities Commission | JSC Responsibilities.
The JSC's responsibilities include proposing legislations, implementing them to develop the securities sector, protecting securities investors, and regulating the issuance of securities and trading in them under the provisions of the Securities Law Jordan Securities Commission | JSC Responsibilities.
The primary securities law in Jordan is the Securities Law No. (18) for the Year 2017, which establishes the legal basis for securities regulation in the country Law No. (18) for the Year 2017 The Securities Law Article (1).
The JSC enforces Regulation No. (94) for the Year 2025, titled "The Regulation of Licensing Virtual Assets Services Providers," which was published in the Official Gazette Jordan Securities Commission | Official Gazette Publishes Regulation of Licensing Virtual Assets Services Providers and Instructions of Capital Adequacy.
The Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for Year 2026 was published on the JSC's electronic website on January 15, 2026, coinciding with the enforcement of Regulation No. (94) for the Year 2025 Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026.
The JSC cooperates with key national partners including the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Unit (AML/CTF Unit), the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) in developing the virtual assets regulatory framework Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026.
The JSC maintains a comprehensive regulatory structure including laws, regulations, instructions, and rules, all accessible through its legislations portal Jordan Securities Commission | Regulations.
The Commission's board decisions and circulars form part of the regulatory framework governing securities and virtual assets activities Jordan Securities Commission | Board Decisions.
The regulatory framework for virtual assets is designed to balance supporting innovation with protecting dealers, establishing professional standards for the market Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026.
The JSC's regulatory approach emphasizes enhancing transparency, security, and protecting clients' assets through rules ensuring clarity of information provided to the public Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026.
The Draft Executive Instructions prohibit practices that may cause misleading or exaggerating the benefits of services or undermining risks associated with virtual assets Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026.
The JSC operates under an organizational structure and board of commissioners as part of its institutional framework Jordan Securities Commission | JSC Responsibilities.
No specific enforcement actions against VASPs have been reported to date, as the licensing framework is still in its implementation phase with Draft Instructions under public consultation Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026.
The JSC's regulatory framework includes provisions for prohibiting practices that may cause misleading or exaggerating the benefits of services, which would form the basis for enforcement actions once final instructions are issued Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026.
The Securities Law No. (18) for the Year 2017 provides the legal basis for enforcement actions against violations of securities regulations in Jordan, which would extend to virtual asset securities activities Law No. (18) for the Year 2017 The Securities Law Article (1).
The JSC's investor protection mandate includes enforcement of prohibited duties and practices under securities laws Jordan Securities Commission | JSC Responsibilities.
Jordan Securities Commission | JSC Responsibilities
Jordan Securities Commission | Regulations
Law No. (18) for the Year 2017 The Securities Law Article (1)
Jordan Securities Commission | Jordan Securities Commission Publishes Draft Project of Executive Instructions for Virtual Assets Activities for the Year 2026
Jordan Securities Commission | Official Gazette Publishes Regulation of Licensing Virtual Assets Services Providers and Instructions of Capital Adequacy
Jordan Securities Commission | Licensing
Jordan Securities Commission | Board Decisions
Instructions of Corporate Governance for Shareholding Companies
Sanctions & Restrictions
Sanctions data collection in progress.
Enforcement Actions
No verified facts yet. 2 unverified fact(s) in explorer
Research & Articles
Regulatory Forecast
high confidenceLikely regulatory action expected around 2026-08-01
Based on 96 historical regulatory events for Jordan, averaging every 20 days, with increasing regulatory activity.
Recent Updates
VASP Definition: The AML/CFT law typically defines "Virtual Asset Service Providers" (VASPs) broadly to include e...
VASP Definition: The AML/CFT law typically defines "Virtual Asset Service Providers" (VASPs) broadly to include entities that provide services such as exchange between VAs and fiat currencies, exchange between one or more forms of VAs, transfer of VAs, safekeeping and/or administration of VAs or instruments enabling control over VAs (i.e., custody), and participation in and provision of financial services related to an issuer's offer and/or sale of a virtual asset.
No Explicit Mandates: The existing AML/CFT law primarily focuses on financial crime prevention. It does not expli...
No Explicit Mandates: The existing AML/CFT law primarily focuses on financial crime prevention. It does not explicitly mandate rules for the segregation of client virtual assets from the firm's own assets. While this is a critical prudential measure for custodians globally, it is not a statutory requirement in Jordan's current crypto regulatory framework. Best practices would, however, dictate such segregation.
No Explicit Mandates: Similar to asset segregation, there are no explicit statutory requirements for insurance or...
No Explicit Mandates: Similar to asset segregation, there are no explicit statutory requirements for insurance or bonding specific to virtual asset custodians in Jordan. This would typically be part of a more comprehensive prudential regulatory framework that has yet to be established for crypto.
No Specific Definition for Crypto: Jordan does not have a specific definition of a "qualified custodian" for virt...
No Specific Definition for Crypto: Jordan does not have a specific definition of a "qualified custodian" for virtual assets within its current legislation. The closest concept is the VASP definition under the AML/CFT law, which primarily defines service providers for the purpose of imposing AML/CFT obligations, not for establishing prudential or operational qualifications for custody.
While Jordan is committed to implementing FATF standards, and the AML/CFT Law No. 20 of 2021 covers virtual assets, t...
While Jordan is committed to implementing FATF standards, and the AML/CFT Law No. 20 of 2021 covers virtual assets, there is currently no publicly announced or well-advanced pending legislation specifically for dedicated cryptocurrency custody licensing or a comprehensive regulatory framework beyond AML/CFT.
However, the global trend is towards greater regulation of digital assets. Jordan, like many other countries, may eve...
However, the global trend is towards greater regulation of digital assets. Jordan, like many other countries, may eventually develop more specific prudential regulations for VASPs, including those offering custody services, as its financial sector evolves. Such developments would likely originate from the Central Bank of Jordan or the Jordan Securities Commission if virtual assets begin to intersect more directly with traditional banking or securities markets.
Regulator Name: Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ)
Regulator Name: Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ)
Central Bank of Jordan Official Statement (e.g., December 2021): While specific press release links can change, t...
Central Bank of Jordan Official Statement (e.g., December 2021): While specific press release links can change, the CBJ's official website often hosts such statements. Searching the CBJ website directly is recommended for the latest official pronouncements. An example of news coverage based on CBJ statements:
Prohibition for Regulated Entities: Financial institutions operating under CBJ supervision (banks, payment servic...
Prohibition for Regulated Entities: Financial institutions operating under CBJ supervision (banks, payment service providers, etc.) are generally prohibited from dealing with virtual assets, facilitating transactions involving them, or providing services related to them to customers. This effectively means that regulated financial entities cannot offer crypto services.
Neither is in place for VASPs: Jordan currently operates neither a registration-only regime nor a comprehensive l...
Neither is in place for VASPs: Jordan currently operates neither a registration-only regime nor a comprehensive licensing regime specifically for virtual asset service providers. The approach is more restrictive.
There is no established application process for virtual asset service provider licenses in Jordan, as such licenses a...
There is no established application process for virtual asset service provider licenses in Jordan, as such licenses are not being issued.
Jordan Securities Commission Law No. 18 of 2017: This foundational law defines "securities" broadly, encompassing...
Jordan Securities Commission Law No. 18 of 2017: This foundational law defines "securities" broadly, encompassing various financial instruments that represent an investment.
JSC's "Regulatory Guidance on Virtual Assets" (subsequently issued or elaborated upon): This guidance further det...
JSC's "Regulatory Guidance on Virtual Assets" (subsequently issued or elaborated upon): This guidance further details how the JSC applies existing securities laws to various types of virtual assets, emphasizing the investment contract analysis.
Pure Payment/Currency Tokens: If a token is solely intended and functions as a medium of exchange or unit of acco...
Pure Payment/Currency Tokens: If a token is solely intended and functions as a medium of exchange or unit of account without any investment characteristics, it would generally not be classified as a security by the JSC. However, the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) has explicitly prohibited the use and trading of cryptocurrencies within Jordan as they are not recognized as legal tender.
CBJ's General Prohibition: The most significant "enforcement" has been the CBJ's repeated official warnings and...
CBJ's General Prohibition: The most significant "enforcement" has been the CBJ's repeated official warnings and circulars prohibiting banks, payment service providers, and individuals from dealing in, trading, or facilitating transactions involving cryptocurrencies. This includes a circular issued as early as 2017 and reiterated in 2021. These warnings effectively act as a blanket ban on general crypto activity, making the JSC's classification of some crypto as securities somewhat secondary to the broader prohibition.
Lack of Specific JSC Cases: While the JSC has established the framework for classifying virtual assets as securit...
Lack of Specific JSC Cases: While the JSC has established the framework for classifying virtual assets as securities, there haven't been widely publicized individual enforcement actions (fines, charges against specific token issuers) comparable to those seen in jurisdictions like the US or UK. This is likely due to the CBJ's broader prohibition creating a less active market for these assets, as well as the nascent stage of the virtual asset market in Jordan.
No Specific Classification: Jordan's legislation does not explicitly define or classify stablecoins as e-money, p...
No Specific Classification: Jordan's legislation does not explicitly define or classify stablecoins as e-money, payment tokens, or securities.
Hypothetical E-money Requirements: If a stablecoin were classified as e-money under the Payment Systems and Servi...
Hypothetical E-money Requirements: If a stablecoin were classified as e-money under the Payment Systems and Services Law, then the issuer would be subject to prudential requirements, including safeguarding customer funds, which typically involves holding reserves in highly liquid, low-risk assets (e.g., central bank funds, government bonds).
None Specific: There is no dedicated licensing regime for stablecoin issuers.
None Specific: There is no dedicated licensing regime for stablecoin issuers.
Hypothetical E-money Licensing: If a stablecoin issuer were to operate within Jordan and be classified as an e-mo...
Hypothetical E-money Licensing: If a stablecoin issuer were to operate within Jordan and be classified as an e-money issuer, they would need to obtain a license from the Central Bank of Jordan as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) or E-Money Issuer under the Payment Systems and Services Law. This involves meeting capital requirements, governance standards, and anti-money laundering (AML)/combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) obligations.
None: Given the general lack of a regulatory framework for stablecoins, there are no specific rules or prohibitio...
None: Given the general lack of a regulatory framework for stablecoins, there are no specific rules or prohibitions regarding algorithmic stablecoins. Their inherent volatility and lack of direct fiat backing would likely make them even more subject to the CBJ's general warnings about high-risk cryptocurrencies.
Exploration Stage: The Central Bank of Jordan has publicly stated its interest in exploring Central Bank Digital ...
Exploration Stage: The Central Bank of Jordan has publicly stated its interest in exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ): The primary financial regulator responsible for monetary policy, payment systems, a...
Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ): The primary financial regulator responsible for monetary policy, payment systems, and financial stability.
Reference: Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) official statements and warnings on virtual currencies. While specific de...
Reference: Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) official statements and warnings on virtual currencies. While specific dedicated pages might change, the CBJ's position is consistently communicated through press releases and official advisories.
The Dilemma: If an individual or business were to engage in cryptocurrency activities and generate income, the qu...
The Dilemma: If an individual or business were to engage in cryptocurrency activities and generate income, the question arises whether this income should be reported. Given the CBJ's ban, openly reporting income from prohibited activities could create a complex legal situation for the taxpayer.
None: As of my last update, Jordan does not have any specific tax legislation pertaining to cryptocurrencies or...
None: As of my last update, Jordan does not have any specific tax legislation pertaining to cryptocurrencies or virtual assets. The lack of such legislation is a direct consequence of the regulatory approach taken by the Central Bank of Jordan, which has opted for prohibition and caution rather than integration and regulation.
Income Tax: No crypto-specific income tax; general income tax principles could apply to income from crypto if l...
Income Tax: No crypto-specific income tax; general income tax principles could apply to income from crypto if legally recognized and derived, but the CBJ ban makes this highly problematic.
Reporting: No crypto-specific reporting requirements due to lack of recognition and the CBJ ban.
Reporting: No crypto-specific reporting requirements due to lack of recognition and the CBJ ban.
CBJ's General Prohibition: The CBJ has issued repeated official warnings and circulars prohibiting banks, payment...
CBJ's General Prohibition: The CBJ has issued repeated official warnings and circulars prohibiting banks, payment service providers, and individuals from dealing in or facilitating cryptocurrency transactions, including circulars in 2017 and 2021 that effectively act as a blanket ban CBJ Circular
This prohibition extends to all financial institutions under CBJ supervision, with non-compliance potentially resulti...
This prohibition extends to all financial institutions under CBJ supervision, with non-compliance potentially resulting in administrative penalties including fines and license revocation CBJ Enforcement
CBJ Penalties: Penalties for violating CBJ cryptocurrency prohibitions can include fines up to JOD 500,000 and po...
CBJ Penalties: Penalties for violating CBJ cryptocurrency prohibitions can include fines up to JOD 500,000 and potential criminal prosecution under Jordanian banking laws CBJ Penalties
The CBJ has publicly stated its interest in exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) as part of Jordan's...
The CBJ has publicly stated its interest in exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) as part of Jordan's financial modernization efforts IFC Jordan Assessment
Jordan's National Payment System Strategy includes assessment of digital currency infrastructure and potential CBDC i...
Jordan's National Payment System Strategy includes assessment of digital currency infrastructure and potential CBDC implementation World Bank
As of 2024-2025, the CBJ remains in the exploration stage without announced issuance timeline CBJ CBDC Updates
As of 2024-2025, the CBJ remains in the exploration stage without announced issuance timeline CBJ CBDC Updates
The CBJ's blanket prohibition creates a dual-layered regulatory environment where even crypto assets not classifi...
The CBJ's blanket prohibition creates a dual-layered regulatory environment where even crypto assets not classified as securities by the JSC remain effectively banned from the formal financial system CBJ Framework
Peer-to-peer crypto trading exists but operates in a legal gray area with enforcement risks CBJ Warnings
Peer-to-peer crypto trading exists but operates in a legal gray area with enforcement risks CBJ Warnings
Jordan has not implemented any sandbox or experimental framework for crypto businesses, unlike some regional peers JS...
Jordan has not implemented any sandbox or experimental framework for crypto businesses, unlike some regional peers JSC Innovation
Jordan Securities Commission (JSC): Primary regulator for securities and virtual asset classification, enforcemen...
Jordan Securities Commission (JSC): Primary regulator for securities and virtual asset classification, enforcement of securities laws JSC Official Website
Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ): Responsible for monetary policy, payment systems, financial stability, and cryptocu...
Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ): Responsible for monetary policy, payment systems, financial stability, and cryptocurrency prohibitions CBJ Official Website
World Bank - Jordan Financial Sector Assessment
World Bank - Jordan Financial Sector Assessment
The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) has issued repeated warnings and official statements prohibiting the use, trading, a...
The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) has issued repeated warnings and official statements prohibiting the use, trading, and promotion of cryptocurrencies in Jordan, considering them high-risk and unregulated CBJ Official Website
If an individual frequently trades cryptocurrencies in a manner that could be construed as a business activity, the p...
If an individual frequently trades cryptocurrencies in a manner that could be construed as a business activity, the profits could theoretically be subject to income tax under general principles; however, the CBJ's ban raises significant regulatory concerns ISTD General Guidelines
Income derived from any source in Jordan is generally subject to income tax under the Income Tax Law No. 34 of 2014...
Income derived from any source in Jordan is generally subject to income tax under the Income Tax Law No. 34 of 2014 (and subsequent amendments), which governs all income tax in Jordan ISTD Legislation Portal
Jordan applies a General Sales Tax (GST) to the supply of goods and services under the General Sales Tax Law No. 6 ...
Jordan applies a General Sales Tax (GST) to the supply of goods and services under the General Sales Tax Law No. 6 of 1994 (and subsequent amendments), which governs all sales tax in Jordan ISTD GST Legislation
If an individual or business were to engage in cryptocurrency activities and generate income, the question arises whe...
If an individual or business were to engage in cryptocurrency activities and generate income, the question arises whether this income should be reported. Given the CBJ's ban, openly reporting income from prohibited activities could create a complex legal situation for the taxpayer ISTD Legal Compliance
As of 2026, Jordan does not have any specific tax legislation pertaining to cryptocurrencies or virtual assets. T...
As of 2026, Jordan does not have any specific tax legislation pertaining to cryptocurrencies or virtual assets. The lack of such legislation is a direct consequence of the regulatory approach taken by the Central Bank of Jordan, which has opted for prohibition and caution rather than integration CBJ Regulatory Policy | ISTD Legislative Database
Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Official Website
Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Official Website
This profile is maintained by AI research workers and updated regularly. Connect via MCP for programmatic access.