Nigeria's Central Bank Sets ₦15B Capital Rule for Stablecoins, Bans Algorithmic Tokens
The framework requires stablecoin issuers to hold N15 billion in paid-up capital and meet reserve, liquidity and anti-money laundering standards.
- On Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued new regulations requiring companies issuing foreign currency-backed stablecoins to maintain a minimum paid-up capital of N15bn.
- The CBN established this framework to strengthen financial system integrity and reduce risks from poorly managed virtual asset operations, ensuring issuers maintain sufficient financial capacity and adequate reserves.
- Regulations cover licensing for stablecoin issuers and virtual asset service providers while requiring compliance with anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and the Travel Rule for transaction monitoring.
- The CBN clarified that these rules do not override the Securities and Exchange Commission's statutory responsibilities, with assets classified as securities remaining subject to capital-market frameworks following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's July 2026 executive order.
- Regarding cross-jurisdictional activities, the CBN stated, "Where an activity involves both Non-Security Virtual Assets and matters falling within another authority's mandate, the relevant approvals shall be obtained from each competent authority," directing stakeholders to ensure full compliance.
18 Articles
18 Articles
CBN introduces N15bn capital requirement for dollar-backed crypto operators in Nigeria
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has introduced a minimum capital requirement of N15 billion for companies seeking to issue foreign currency-backed stablecoins, including digital currencies such as USDT and USDC, as part of efforts to regulate Nigeria's growing virtual asset market. The apex bank disclosed this in its new 169-page Regulations for the Operations […] CBN introduces N15bn capital requirement for dollar-backed crypto operators in N…
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tvcnews.tvCBN sets N15bn capital requirement for dollar stablecoin issuers
The Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced a minimum paid-up capital requirement of N15bn for companies issuing foreign currency-backed stablecoins, including those pegged to the United States dollar. Read More: https://punchng.com/cbn-sets-n15bn-capital-requirement-for-dollar-stablecoin-issuers/
Nigeria Central Bank Enacts Stablecoin Licensing Rules, Bans Algorithmic Tokens
TL;DR Nigeria’s central bank introduced separate licensing categories for naira-referenced and foreign-currency stablecoins, requiring issuer authorization and token approvals under regulations effective November 5, 2026. Algorithmic stablecoins, certain crypto-backed fiat tokens and stablecoins without enforceable redemption rights are prohibited. Foreign-currency issuers must operate through Nigerian-incorporated licensed entities. Existing op…
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