Armenia Implements New Crypto Regulations for Banks

Armenia’s Central Bank has introduced new regulations for banks offering crypto services. The central bank’s objective is to prioritize investor protection and financial stability by requiring financial institutions to manage risks effectively.

The main regulatory authority, the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), is emphasizing ownership and capital oversight. Banks must comply with stricter standards and establish separate entities with special licenses to offer crypto services.

The immediate effects are expected to influence financial markets, increasing institutional involvement and liquidity. Banks need to maintain a minimum capital threshold and disclose owner details for crypto exchanges and service providers.

This regulatory move could lead to a more stable financial environment by addressing potential volatility in crypto-assets. It specifically targets fungible tokens like ETH, BTC, and Armenia-linked altcoins, while excluding NFTs and securities.

Potential outcomes include changes in how crypto services are provided and could enhance Armenia’s reputation as a competitive crypto hub. This measure aligns with global standards such as the EU’s MiCA, focusing on the same activity, risk, and regulation principle.

The Central Bank, led by Armen Nurbekyan, has stated they will be strict on businesses managing client accounts. “The regulator will be very strict in cases where businesses are responsible for client accounts,” he emphasized. This proactive measure may see similar impacts observed in the EU market following MiCA adoption, reshaping crypto operations and compliance costs.