Algeria Imposes a General Ban on All Crypto-related Activities Under New Law

The action will help to protect the financial system and enhance the war against money laundering and financing of terrorism.

Algeria has also passed a new law that criminalizes all activities associated with digital assets at the national level.

Main Points :-

1 :- Algeria has banned any crypto-related activity, including mining and trading.

2 :- The new law imposes prison terms and fine on offenders.

3 :- The act is aimed at protecting the financial system and it is in compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.

The action is intended to protect the financial system and strengthen the battle against money laundering and financing of terrorism, a recent report by Algerian news and information portal Fibladi said.

The new legal framework that is enshrined in the Law No. 25-10 of July 24, 2025, was published in the Official Journal No. 48 and directly amends the Algerian regulations on anti-money laundering.

Algeria Makes Crypto Illegal in Every Way

Algeria has now made all aspects of cryptocurrency activity, such as mining, trading, possession, promotion, and trading platform or wallet operation, a crime.

Article 6a is one of the most significant points of the law which forbids the issue, purchase, sale, possession, use, or promotion of crypto-assets of any type.

This is applicable to the establishment or operation of digital asset platforms whether in the country or in the internet. The mere use of intermediaries is now also a punishable offense even when it is indirectly involved.

It should be mentioned that the prohibition is not limited to transactions. Cryptocurrency mining, which was an expanding practice in the south of Algeria, due to cheap electricity, is now directly prohibited.

The law prohibits the establishment, distribution, or sale of any virtual currency, which puts an end to the prospect of large-scale mining and hobbyists.

The penalties of the violation of the new rules are harsh. Article 31a offers up to a year of jail time or a fine of 200,000 to 1,000,000 dinars or both, according to the case.

Individuals who are convicted of operating in organized networks or in relation to financial crimes such as money laundering are to be punished even more severely.

Lawyers perceive the law as a proactive move to protect the financial sector of Algeria against the risks associated with crypto-assets, due to their volatility and the lack of transparency of most operations.

The introduction of the law is in line with the international anti-money laundering practices as established by organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Algeria’s Crypto Ban Goes Against Global Regulatory Trend

The attitude of Algeria towards digital assets is not in line with the regulatory trends observed in most of the other countries.

In the United States, e.g., the GENIUS Act has been recently introduced, which is the first major crypto bill to go through the Congress.

The legislation establishes the basis of distinct differences between payment-centric and investment-centric stablecoins, which is a part of the general tendency to incorporate digital assets into the regulated financial system instead of isolating them.

Crypto attitudes are also changing even in the emerging markets. Pakistan, one of the most rigid enemies of cryptocurrency, has demonstrated a change in attitude, with the easing of its policies and an attempt at regulatory engagement.

The turnaround is because regional actors are seeking to exploit the power of blockchain technology to achieve financial inclusion and modernization of the economy.