SAMA Crypto Restrictions

When dealing with SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority), the regulator that oversees financial markets in Saudi Arabia, including digital assets. Also known as Saudi Central Bank, it sets the framework that defines what crypto activities are allowed or barred within the kingdom.

One of the core Cryptocurrency Regulation, the set of rules governing the issuance, trading, and custody of digital tokens under SAMA focuses on licensing exchanges, enforcing Anti‑Money Laundering (AML), measures to prevent illicit fund flows through crypto platforms, and ensuring compliance with Islamic Finance, principles that prohibit interest (riba) and speculative gambling (maysir) in financial products. The authority requires every crypto service provider to obtain a formal license, conduct customer due‑diligence, and embed Sharia‑compliant mechanisms where applicable.

These rules translate into concrete limits: stablecoins tied to fiat are tightly scrutinized, initial coin offerings without clear utility are blocked, and privacy‑focused coins often face trading bans. For investors, the takeaway is simple – verify that the platform you use holds a SAMA‑issued license and that it publishes its AML policies. SAMA crypto restrictions shape the market, influence global perceptions of Saudi crypto openness, and create a compliance roadmap that other jurisdictions watch closely. Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that unpack each aspect, from tax implications to exchange reviews, giving you a practical toolkit to navigate the Saudi crypto landscape.