This is
according to a circular released to deposit money banks (DMBs), non-bank
financial institutions (NBFIs), and other financial institutions (OFIs) on
Friday.
In January
2017, CBN had said digital currencies such as bitcoin, litecoin, and others are
largely used in terrorism financing and money laundering, considering the
anonymity of virtual transactions.
It had also
said that such currencies are not accepted as legal tender in Nigeria.
In February
2018, the apex bank also issued a warning to people who invest in
cryptocurrencies, saying they would be unable to seek legal redress in the
event of collapse because they are not protected by the law.
“Further to
earlier regulatory directives on the subject, the bank hereby wishes to remind
regulated institutions that dealing in cryptocurrencies or facilitating
payments for cryptocurrency exchanges is prohibited, ” the circular signed by
Bello Hassan, director for banking supervision, and Musa Jimoh, director of the
payment system management department, read.
“Accordingly,
all DMBs, NBFIs and OFIs are directed to identify persons and/or entities
transacting in or operating cryptocurrency exchanges within their systems and
ensure that such accounts are closed immediately.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment