Breaking: CBN directs banks to shutdown crypto accounts

By Elizabeth Adegbesan

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) local financial institutions against having any transactions in crypto or facilitating payments for crypto exchanges. The  apex bank disclosed this today in a letter to all DMBs, OFIs and NBFIs.

The regulator noted that “breaches of this directive will attract severe regulatory sanctions.” The circular signed by Director of Banking Supervision, Bello Hassan stated:” The CBN circular of January 12, 2017 ref

“Further to other regulatory directive on the subject, the bank hereby wishes to remind regulated institutions that dealing in crypto currencies or facilitating payment from cryptocurrency exchanges is prohibited.

“Accordingly, or DMBs, OFIs, NBFIs, are advised to identify persons and /or entities transacting in or operating crypto currency exchanges within their system and ensure that such accounts are closed immediately.”

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/breaking-cbn-directs-banks-to-shutdown-crypto-accounts/