Cryptocurrency Illegal in Morocco: What You Need to Know
When it comes to cryptocurrency, digital money that operates without a central bank, using blockchain technology to verify transactions. Also known as digital currency, it has sparked global debate over control, security, and sovereignty. In Morocco, owning or trading crypto isn’t just discouraged—it’s officially banned. The Banque Centrale du Maroc (BCM) declared all cryptocurrency transactions illegal in 2017, and that rule hasn’t changed. Unlike countries that regulate crypto, Morocco treats it like unlicensed financial activity, meaning banks can freeze accounts linked to crypto exchanges, and users risk fines or legal action.
This ban doesn’t mean Moroccans stopped using crypto—it just pushed it underground. Many still buy Bitcoin or Ethereum through peer-to-peer platforms like LocalBitcoins or P2P sections on Binance, using cash deposits or mobile money to avoid bank detection. But here’s the catch: if your bank notices unusual transfers to known crypto wallets, they can report you to authorities. The government’s main concern? Losing control over financial flows and fearing money laundering. Yet, crypto’s real appeal in Morocco isn’t speculation—it’s remittances. With millions of Moroccans working abroad, sending money home through traditional channels costs up to 10% in fees. Crypto could cut that to under 1%, but the ban blocks the path.
Even though crypto is illegal, the government hasn’t cracked down hard on individual users. Most enforcement targets businesses and exchanges operating locally. Still, if you’re using crypto in Morocco, you’re operating in a legal gray zone. There’s no official guidance, no consumer protection, and no recourse if you get scammed. You’re on your own. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like Nigeria and Kenya have embraced crypto as a financial tool. Morocco’s stance feels outdated, especially as global regulators like the EU’s MiCA set clear rules for crypto use. The ban might protect banks in the short term, but it leaves ordinary people without access to cheaper, faster financial tools.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories, practical warnings, and clear breakdowns of how crypto works—even where it’s banned. From how people in Morocco bypass restrictions to what happens when banks freeze accounts, these articles cut through the noise. You’ll also see how crypto regulations in other countries compare, why some tokens die overnight, and how to spot scams targeting people in restricted regions. This isn’t about promoting crypto in Morocco. It’s about giving you the facts so you know exactly what you’re risking—and what you’re missing.
Morocco Cryptocurrency Ban: What You Need to Know in 2025
Morocco banned cryptocurrency in 2017, but millions still use it. Inflation, currency devaluation, and weak banking pushed people toward crypto. Now, the government plans to legalize it with strict rules and a national digital currency.
- September 13 2025
- Terri DeLange
- 20 Comments