Quick Answer
Yes, cryptocurrency is legal in Jordan under strict regulations.
- A new law requires all crypto providers to be licensed.
- Strict AML/CFT compliance, including the Travel Rule, is mandatory.
Legal Status of Crypto in Jordan
Cryptocurrency is now legal in Jordan, marking a significant shift from the Central Bank of Jordan's previous prohibitions. The country recently established a regulated legal framework, moving digital assets out of a gray area and into a controlled environment. This new system requires all virtual asset service providers to be licensed by the Jordan Securities Commission. Additionally, they must comply with strict anti-money laundering rules overseen by regulatory bodies.
Current Regulations
As of 2025, Jordan regulates cryptocurrencies under Law No. 14 of 2025, also known as the Virtual Assets Transactions Regulation Law. This legislation establishes the country's first comprehensive legal framework for virtual assets, requiring all providers to register with and be licensed by the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC). Under the law, businesses must follow strict compliance rules, including anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, and the segregation of client funds. Unlicensed crypto activities are strictly prohibited and carry heavy fines and imprisonment.
Regulatory Authorities
Several key bodies are responsible for overseeing and enforcing Jordan's new crypto regulations.
- Jordan Securities Commission (JSC): The JSC is the primary regulator responsible for licensing and monitoring all virtual asset service providers (VASPs) in the country. It enforces compliance with the law, particularly regarding anti-money laundering rules, and has the authority to issue penalties for violations.
- Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ): The CBJ oversees the integration of crypto services with the traditional financial sector and must approve any use of virtual assets for payment purposes. It also requires financial institutions and VASPs to receive pre-approval before offering crypto-related services and mandates regular compliance reporting.
- Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Unit (AMLU): As Jordan's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the AMLU is responsible for collecting and analyzing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) from all financial entities, including crypto providers. It plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing illicit financial activities involving digital assets.
- Council of Ministers: The Council of Ministers is tasked with issuing the detailed regulations needed to fully implement and operationalize the Virtual Assets Transactions Regulation Law. This includes defining technical standards, licensing procedures, and specific compliance mechanisms.
Historical Context
Jordan's crypto regulations have evolved from outright prohibition to structured acceptance. Before 2025, the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) maintained a hostile stance, banning banks and financial institutions from dealing with cryptocurrencies since at least 2014. This effectively stifled the formal market, though informal peer-to-peer trading continued. A major policy shift occurred in 2025 with the enactment of the Virtual Assets Transactions Regulation Law. This legislation replaced the ban with a regulated framework, requiring all crypto providers to be licensed and comply with strict AML/CFT rules, aiming to foster innovation and attract investment.
Compliance Requirements for Businesses in Jordan
AML Checks: Businesses must adhere to Jordan's AML/CFT Law No. 46 of 2007, which mandates comprehensive anti-money laundering checks. This includes performing Customer Due Diligence (CDD) to assess client risk and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients like Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). Firms are also required to conduct ongoing monitoring of transactions and report any suspicious activities (STRs) or large transactions exceeding JOD 10,000 to the Anti-Money Laundering Unit (AMLU).
KYC Requirements: As a core component of AML compliance, Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures are mandatory. This involves verifying a client’s identity using official documents, identifying the ultimate beneficial owners of corporate entities, and, for high-value or high-risk clients, verifying their source of funds. All KYC documentation must be kept for at least five years.
Other Mandatory Procedures: Companies must appoint a dedicated AML compliance officer and establish robust internal controls, including regular staff training and independent audits. Detailed records of all transactions and customer interactions must be maintained for a minimum of five years. Additionally, businesses must follow sector-specific guidelines, such as the Travel Rule for virtual asset providers, to ensure full compliance.
Why this matters for Cross-Border Payments
For businesses managing cross-border payments between Jordan and India, these new regulations create a legitimate, albeit narrow, pathway for using digital assets. The primary business impact is the shift from navigating an outright ban to managing a complex compliance framework. This introduces significant pain points, as the strict AML, KYC, and Travel Rule requirements can increase operational costs and slow down transaction speeds. Indian firms must now meticulously vet their Jordanian counterparts to ensure they are licensed and compliant, adding a layer of due diligence that can create friction in what is meant to be a seamless payment process.
How Lightspark Enables Compliant Crypto-Native Payments
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This system eases the operational pain points of cross-border payments by automating routing and liquidity. For regulated institutions navigating frameworks like Jordan's, Lightspark facilitates compliance by providing tools such as audit-ready reporting and integrations designed to support obligations like the Travel Rule. This allows businesses to leverage a compliant-ready platform, reducing the friction of due diligence and transaction monitoring while enabling faster, lower-cost payments.
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Notice: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Sources
- Chakrawarty, Shweta. "Crypto Regulations in Jordan." Coinfomania, 19 June 2025, coinfomania.com/crypto-regulations-in-jordan/.
- Freeman Law. "Jordan - Cryptocurrency Laws and Regulation." Freeman Law, 2022, freemanlaw.com/cryptocurrency/jordan/.
- Team FOCAL. "Anti-Money Laundering in Jordan: An Overview of Laws & Penalties." FOCAL by Mozn, 3 June 2025, www.getfocal.ai/blog/anti-money-laundering-in-jordan.
- Team Sanction Scanner. "Anti-Money Laundering (AML) in Jordan." Sanction Scanner, 12 Aug. 2025, www.sanctionscanner.com/aml-guide/anti-money-laundering-aml-in-jordan-1097.
- UNLOCK Blockchain News Desk. "Jordan Enacts First Legal Framework for Virtual Assets." UNLOCK Blockchain, 18 June 2025, www.unlock-bc.com/144285/jordan-enacts-first-legal-framework-for-virtual-assets-to-boost-financial-innovation/.
