National Bank of Ethiopia Advises Against Unlicensed Crypto Platforms
Under the current regulatory framework, the use of Birr paired P2P arrangements on trading platforms, exchanges, or similar services and products is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the National Bank of Ethiopia.
The National Bank of Ethiopia would like to inform the public of important regulatory considerations concerning peer to peer (P2P) transactions conducted through various trading platforms.
Under the current regulatory framework, the use of Birr paired P2P arrangements on trading platforms, exchanges, or similar services and products is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the National Bank of Ethiopia. Any form of Birr denominated P2P trading or exchange involving cryptocurrencies is also prohibited.
While global interest in digital and virtual assets continues to grow, the public is advised to exercise caution and make well informed decisions. These markets are often characterized by significant volatility, exposure to foreign exchange price manipulation, fraud and scams, operational risks, and the absence of key safeguards such as Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism protections commonly found in regulated financial systems.
Recent international experiences have also shown that certain P2P platforms and crypto asset exchanges have faced financial and technical challenges, in some cases restricting users’ access to their funds. Such developments highlight the need for the public to carefully assess whether these assets are consistent with their financial objectives and risk tolerance.
The National Bank of Ethiopia is actively working toward a comprehensive regulatory framework that will enable safe and orderly participation in emerging digital asset technologies. This process includes ongoing consultations with international peer regulators and domestic stakeholders to ensure alignment with global best practices while preserving financial stability and the integrity of the national payment system. Until such a framework is formally introduced, Birr paired P2P cryptocurrency transactions remain prohibited.
The National Bank of Ethiopia reaffirms its commitment to consumer protection and to maintaining a stable and sound financial system as technological innovation continues to evolve.
