• Rwanda parliament approves draft law to regulate virtual assets
• Bill targets fraud, money laundering, and consumer protection risks
• Framework aims to boost trust and support digital asset market growth

Rwanda’s parliament approved a draft law on virtual asset activities on Tuesday, March 31, aiming to establish a clear legal framework for the fast-growing sector while balancing investor protection with support for digital innovation.

According to the official document, the proposed law seeks to prevent risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing, protect consumers from the highly speculative nature of digital assets, and ensure market integrity and transparency. It also aims to preserve financial stability by limiting systemic risks linked to the growing interconnection between digital assets and the traditional financial system.

Today, the Chamber of Deputies approved the rationale of the draft law regulating virtual assets in Rwanda. The law aims to create a safe and clear framework for this growing sector, protecting investors while supporting innovation.

The draft law will now move to the commission… pic.twitter.com/HmF6Oq2AiV

— Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (@RwandaFinance) March 31, 2026

The bill introduces a structured regulatory framework, including the establishment of a supervisory authority to oversee virtual asset service providers in coordination with the central bank. It also covers key activities such as exchange platforms, conversion services between fiat currencies and digital assets, and public offerings of crypto-assets, which will be subject to enhanced disclosure requirements.

The initiative comes amid rising usage of digital assets, but also increasing risks. Rwandan authorities have reported several fraud cases linked to fake digital asset projects. According to data presented during parliamentary debates, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau has identified 35 cases of pyramid schemes and scams involving so-called cryptocurrencies, causing significant financial losses to the public.

By establishing a dedicated regulatory framework, authorities aim to strengthen industry practices, build trust in digital financial services, and position Rwanda within Africa’s emerging digital asset market. The bill will now be referred to the relevant committee for detailed examination before a possible vote.

Samira Njoya