Rich by Coin

In Lebanon, cryptocurrency exists in a legal gray zone: individuals are not criminalized for use or possession, but the asset class is unregulated and not recognized by statute. This position stems from actions by the Banque du Liban (the central bank) and the Capital Markets Authority, which prohibit financial institutions from engaging with digital currencies. As a result, formal rails are shut, while peer-to-peer activity remains common, and general anti–money laundering expectations under Law No. 44 continue to apply under the oversight of the Special Investigation Commission. Crypto activity can be widespread even when the formal legal framework is incomplete and bank participation is restricted.

Lebanon has no bespoke law for cryptocurrency, leaving the sector in a regulatory gray area. Key guardrails come from financial authorities: in 2013 the central bank cautioned banks about the risks of cybercurrencies, and in 2018 the Capital Markets Authority barred licensed firms from issuance, promotion, or trading of these assets. These restrictions close institutional channels but do not outlaw personal ownership or P2P transfers, which persist without supervision. From time to time, draft proposals and policy discussions around virtual assets, licensing, or fintech oversight are reported, but no comprehensive crypto statute has been enacted, and draft concepts or consultations do not amount to binding rules until formally adopted.

Banque du Liban (BDL) bans banks and financial institutions from handling transactions linked to cryptocurrencies, issues risk advisories, and sets AML/CFT guidance. Capital Markets Authority (CMA) forbids licensed entities from issuing, marketing, or trading crypto for themselves or clients due to volatility and misuse risks. Special Investigation Commission (SIC) Lebanon’s financial intelligence unit probes suspicious activity involving virtual assets, can freeze funds, and enforces AML/CFT duties under Law No. 44. Banking Control Commission (BCC) Working with the central bank, the BCC monitors informal crypto operations but has limited reach over largely decentralized P2P markets.