The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo has approved a regulation setting out a licensing framework for crypto-asset service operators that provide crypto-asset exchange services, marking Kosovo’s first dedicated regulatory step for the sector under Law No. 08/L-295 on Crypto-Assets. Built on the national crypto-assets law and the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), the rules cover operators exchanging crypto-assets for fiat money, including via ATMs, and for other crypto-assets. The framework sets legal, regulatory and procedural requirements for authorisation and ongoing operation, including application and licence maintenance criteria, corporate governance, capital requirements, safeguarding of client funds, conduct obligations, disclosure and transparency, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, and corrective and administrative measures. The central bank expects further regulatory and supervisory developments to follow under a gradual approach supported by International Monetary Fund technical assistance. It also plans a workshop to present the adopted legal framework and its regulatory approach to crypto-assets, with organisational details to be communicated to interested stakeholders.
Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo 2025-09-25
Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo adopts first licensing regulation for crypto-asset exchange service operators
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo has approved a regulation for licensing crypto-asset service operators, marking the first regulatory step under Law No. 08/L-295 on Crypto-Assets. Aligned with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, it includes requirements for authorisation, corporate governance, capital, client fund safeguarding, and anti-money laundering measures. Further regulatory developments are anticipated, supported by International Monetary Fund technical assistance.