North Africa’s economy is changing. For quite a while, Morocco did not allow “digital money”. In November 2017, the Office des Changes and Bank Al-Maghrib made all bitcoin and virtual currency transactions illegal. Anyone caught was to face the penalties and fines.

However, many Moroccans silently continued to use digital money. They did this because they lacked access to banks. They wanted to keep their money safe. For example, freelancers working online get paid in digital money. This helped them get paid faster. Others, like families with relatives working abroad, used virtual currencies to send money home quickly and safely. By the end of 2024, a reported 6 million Moroccans (about 16% of the population) were using cryptocurrencies.

When the Moroccan government saw that banning digital money did not work, they made new laws. In November 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Finance introduced Bill 42.25. This bill would allow digital assets to be used under certain rules. The bill is still being reviewed. It is expected to be finalized by June 2026.

Once the bill is finalized, people will have six months to get ready. After that, everyone must follow the rules. The bill aims to protect people’s digital money. It wants to make sure everyone follows the guidelines.

Morocco just replaced its 2017 crypto ban with a brand-new, safety-focused law (Bill 42.25).

With crypto users expected to hit 3.1M by 2026, the country is adopting clear rules, strong consumer protections, and MiCA-style oversight for licensed platforms and stablecoins.
It’s a… pic.twitter.com/1TgarWldFq

— Web3Africa.news (@web3africa1) November 24, 2025

Overview of Draft Law 42.25

The bill classifies digital assets as a type of money, but not the same as cash. People can use digital money to invest, save, or earn. However, they cannot use it to buy everyday items like food or clothes.

• Digital money can be used to invest in products.
• It can be used to receive freelance or gig payments in digital money.
• It can be used to send and hold digital money funds.

The bill allows types of digital money. These are digital money backed by real currency. More importantly, three organizations will make sure the rules are followed.

• The Autorité Marocaine du Marché des Capitaux will oversee companies.
• Bank Al-Maghrib will keep the country’s money stable.
• The Autorité Nationale des Renseignements Financiers will prevent activities.

Anyone who wants to start a digital money business needs a license. To get one, they must prove they have funds. They must be trustworthy. Follow the rules. They also need to provide details about their business and customers.

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What the Law Does

Bill 42.25 is Morocco’s draft framework for assets. It covers activities like issuance, trading, custody, and advisory services. It focuses on utility tokens and asset-referenced tokens.

Potential advantages

• The law gives clarity.
• A licensed framework can reduce uncertainty for firms.
• It can improve consumer protection.
• It can make it harder to detect fraud and money laundering.

Main drawbacks

• The law’s caution is also its limitation.
• It does not legalize crypto as a payment method.
• It may leave users and smaller market participants outside the formal system.

Morocco’s approach looks prudent. It prioritizes stability, oversight, and investor protection. The trade-off is that the law may create trust and legitimacy, but not broad participation or fast growth.

Comparison with the EU MiCA Framework

Morocco’s draft is similar to the EU’s MiCA. Both aim to bring structure and clarity to crypto activities. However, Morocco’s approach is more limited and cautious.

Recourse for platform issues and hacks

If a digital asset platform in Morocco has issues or is hacked, it’s advised to follow these steps:

1. Contact the platform’s compliance and support teams.
2. Gather documents showing any losses and communication with the platform.
3. File a complaint with the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC).

RELATED: Why Morocco Legalized Crypto After Ban in 2017

Taxes

There are three types of taxes:

• Capital Gains Tax: 15% to 30% on profits from buying and selling assets.
• Progressive Income Tax: 10% to 38% on income from working with cryptocurrencies.
• Corporate Tax: 20% to 31% on profits from asset activities.

Penalties for non-compliance

Morocco’s draft digital assets law treats compliance as a key priority. Companies operating without approval can expect sanctions and regulatory action.

Practical steps for crypto businesses

Crypto businesses in Morocco should:

• Match their activities to the categories in the draft law.
• Set up compliance measures early.
• Plan for compliance from the beginning.

Morocco’s innovation-with-protection approach

Morocco’s approach to innovation has rules. They do not allow unregulated crypto activity. They also do not impose a total ban on the sector. Instead, they create a space where real businesses can operate. The state keeps oversight. This approach makes sense. It is especially good for a place that wants the benefits of fintech growth. They do not want to open the door to uncontrolled speculation or abuse.

Ultimately, Morocco’s model will only succeed if it can enforce strict yet adaptive rules. Protecting users and encouraging investment and product development are both critical for the country’s fintech ambitions. By balancing oversight and innovation, Morocco can become a leader in responsible digital asset adoption and unlock long-term benefits for its economy and people.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can crypto be used in Morocco in 2026?

Yes. Under Bill 42.25, crypto-assets are instruments. Individuals can buy, hold, and trade assets for investment, but must use platforms authorized by the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC). Cryptocurrencies are not legal for the purchase of consumer goods and services.

Do I have to pay taxes on cryptocurrency in Morocco?

Yes. The regulatory framework has tax rules. Capital gains from trading profits are taxed at 15% to 30%. Individual income from crypto activities is taxed at 10% to 38%. Licensed corporate Web3 operations face tax rates of 20% to 31%.

Can I legally use exchanges such as Binance or Bybit?

You can use international platforms. They must establish registered local entities. They must secure an operational VASP license from the AMMC. Using unlicensed offshore platforms can lead to regulatory penalties. You will not have consumer protections if a platform freezes or undergoes liquidation.

Is P2P trading allowed under the laws?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is legal. It must be done through automated escrow platforms or brokerages. These must be officially licensed by the AMMC. Running or using unverified escrow groups via social messaging apps is illegal. It can lead to financial penalties under anti-money-laundering and exchange-control laws.

Is Bitcoin mining legal in Morocco?

No. Bill 42.25 excludes block-reward cryptocurrency mining infrastructure. This is not part of the regulatory scope. Mining consumes large amounts of energy. It can affect grid stability. Industrial cryptocurrency mining setups are not authorized under domestic utility regulations.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein should be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrencies carries a considerable risk of financial loss. Always conduct due diligence. 

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