Bank Al-Maghrib crypto rules: What Morocco’s central bank says about digital assets

When it comes to Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco’s central bank responsible for monetary policy and financial oversight. Also known as the Central Bank of Morocco, it has taken a firm stance against unregulated digital assets. Unlike countries that have embraced crypto frameworks, Bank Al-Maghrib has never authorized cryptocurrencies as legal tender, and it actively warns citizens against using them for payments or investments. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a legal boundary enforced through banking restrictions and public advisories.

So how do Moroccans still trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT? The answer lies in gray zones. While banks block direct crypto purchases and withdrawals, many users turn to peer-to-peer platforms, foreign exchanges, or stablecoins for remittances—especially from the diaspora. cryptocurrency regulation, the set of laws and guidelines governing digital asset use by governments and financial institutions in Morocco remains vague on enforcement, but banks are required to report suspicious transactions. This creates a high-risk environment where users operate without consumer protection, and exchanges operating locally face sudden shutdowns.

digital currency stance, a country’s official position on whether to adopt, restrict, or ignore central bank or private digital money is critical here. Bank Al-Maghrib has shown interest in exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC), but it’s still in early research. Meanwhile, the ban on crypto services has pushed activity underground. People aren’t ignoring the rules—they’re working around them. That’s why you’ll find Moroccan users on platforms like Paxful or LocalBitcoins, using cash deposits or mobile money to buy crypto, even if it violates banking terms.

What does this mean for you? If you’re in Morocco, you can’t open a crypto account through a local bank. You won’t find Binance or Coinbase officially licensed here. But if you’re sending money home from Europe or the U.S., stablecoins might be your fastest, cheapest option—despite the legal risk. The Bank Al-Maghrib crypto rules aren’t designed to stop innovation; they’re meant to control financial flows. But control doesn’t always mean elimination. It means you’re on your own.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how Moroccans navigate these restrictions, what alternatives exist, and how similar policies in Nigeria, Bolivia, or Bangladesh compare. No fluff. No speculation. Just what people are actually doing—and what happens when they get caught.