Crypto Regulation in Morocco: What You Need to Know in 2025

When it comes to crypto regulation Morocco, the legal stance on cryptocurrency in Morocco is one of the strictest in Africa. Also known as Moroccan crypto ban, this policy has been in place since 2017, when the Central Bank of Morocco declared all cryptocurrency transactions illegal for individuals and businesses alike. Unlike countries that are building frameworks for crypto, Morocco chose to shut the door completely—no licenses, no exchanges, no payments in Bitcoin or Ethereum.

But here’s the catch: the ban isn’t always enforced. Many Moroccans still use peer-to-peer platforms like LocalBitcoins or Paxful to buy Bitcoin with cash or bank transfers. Some even use VPNs to access foreign exchanges like Binance or Kraken. The government doesn’t have the resources to track every individual, so while it’s technically illegal, crypto use continues underground. This creates a risky gray zone—people are trading, but they have no legal protection if something goes wrong. If you’re caught facilitating crypto transactions as a business, you could face fines or even jail time under Morocco’s financial crime laws.

Morocco cryptocurrency laws, are tied closely to the country’s fear of capital flight and loss of control over its currency, the Moroccan dirham. Also known as digital currency Morocco, the central bank has shown zero interest in launching a digital dirham, unlike Egypt or Nigeria. Instead, they’ve doubled down on restricting access to foreign financial systems. This makes it hard for Moroccans to use crypto for remittances or online commerce, even though many rely on these tools to send money abroad or buy goods from international sellers. Meanwhile, blockchain regulation Africa, is evolving fast in places like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, where governments are trying to balance innovation with oversight. Morocco stands out as the outlier—still stuck in a hardline stance while its neighbors experiment with pilot programs and regulatory sandboxes.

So what does this mean for you? If you’re in Morocco and thinking about crypto, know the risks. There’s no legal recourse if an exchange freezes your funds or a P2P seller disappears. There’s no tax guidance, no consumer protection, and no official way to report fraud. Even if you’re just holding Bitcoin as a savings tool, you’re doing it outside the law. On the flip side, if you’re a developer or entrepreneur, there’s a real opportunity to build tools that help people navigate this gray zone safely—like educational platforms, compliance checkers, or offline wallet solutions.

The posts below cover real stories from people trying to use crypto in restrictive environments—from how traders in Morocco bypass the ban to how similar rules in China and Georgia affect daily life. You’ll also find deep dives into what happens when governments clamp down on crypto, how compliance works in practice, and why some markets thrive despite restrictions. This isn’t about hype or airdrops. It’s about survival, strategy, and staying smart when the rules are unclear.

Underground Crypto Adoption in Morocco Despite Ban
Crypto & Blockchain

Underground Crypto Adoption in Morocco Despite Ban

  • 10 Comments
  • Dec, 4 2025

Despite a nationwide crypto ban since 2017, over a million Moroccans use Bitcoin and stablecoins through underground P2P networks. Learn how they trade, why they risk it, and how regulation is finally catching up.