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Gambia

Retail_Trading_Status

Allowed-Unregulated Unknown
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Status Changed

Previous status: Unclear

The primary difference between the two analyses is the shift in the assessed status of retail cryptocurrency trading in Gambia from `Unclear` (Previous Analysis, April 12, 2025) to `Allowed-Unregulated` (New Analysis, June 26, 2025). This change reflects a nuanced evolution in interpreting the available information rather than a drastic change in Gambian law itself within the two-month period. Justification for the differences: 1. **Interpretation of "Absence of Specific Legislation":** * The Previous Analysis heavily emphasized that the "absence of specific legislation" and lack of "formal, public statements definitively outlining the legality or illegality" created a "significant lack of specific legal and regulatory clarity," leading directly to the `Unclear` status. It focused on the ambiguity this absence created. * The New Analysis, while acknowledging the same "absence of specific laws or regulations," interprets this as meaning the activity is "not illegal" and therefore, by default, allowed, albeit without specific crypto-focused oversight. This leads to the `Allowed-Unregulated` status. It shifts the emphasis from ambiguity to a default state of permissiveness due to the lack of prohibition. 2. **Weighting of Conflicting Information (especially the IMF Survey):** * The Previous Analysis gave considerable weight to the March 2024 IMF regional survey finding that "80% of respondents report that people are not legally allowed to hold and transact in crypto assets." This was seen as introducing "a strong element of ambiguity" and "concerning findings" that directly contributed to the `Unclear` status, even while acknowledging it was a regional aggregate. * The New Analysis also cites the IMF survey but explicitly states it "requires careful interpretation in the specific context of Gambia, where other sources point to the legality of holding and trading." It downplays the direct applicability of this regional aggregate to Gambia's specific legal situation for individual holding and trading, giving more credence to sources stating no direct prohibitions exist in Gambia. 3. **Emphasis on De Facto Accessibility vs. Regulatory Void:** * The Previous Analysis acknowledged "de facto accessibility" but framed it within the context of a "regulatory grey area" and "potential underlying risks and uncertainties." The focus remained on the lack of clarity. * The New Analysis gives more prominence to the fact that "several international cryptocurrency exchanges are accessible to Gambian residents, and peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is also prevalent." This practical reality, combined with the lack of explicit bans, supports the "Allowed" part of its status. 4. **Consideration of General vs. Specific Regulations:** * The Previous Analysis mentioned "conflicting information" about AML/KYC requirements but framed it as adding to uncertainty because specific crypto regulations were absent. * The New Analysis more clearly distinguishes between the lack of *crypto-specific* regulations and the presumed applicability of *general* financial laws, particularly AML/CTF standards. It notes, "Gambian authorities... have made it mandatory for crypto service providers to subject themselves to AML and CTF standards," even if the specifics of enforcement in the crypto context are "somewhat opaque." This suggests that while not crypto-specific, some regulatory expectations exist, moving it away from completely "Unclear." 5. **Incorporation and Interpretation of Recent Developments/Sentiments:** * The New Analysis incorporates more recent sentiments or developments, such as the early 2025 government partnership for blockchain-powered digital public infrastructure and reports from 2024 about anticipated regulatory pillars (legal recognition, consumer protection, AML, fostering innovation). While these anticipated regulations are "not yet evident" as enacted law, they might signal a governmental direction that is less about outright prohibition and more about eventual integration or control, subtly shifting the environment from "Unclear" to one where activity is happening and future regulation is anticipated rather than a complete void of intent. * The Previous Analysis did mention the CBDC initiative as a potential move "to avert the use and influx of crypto currency," which painted a more cautious, potentially resistant official stance. The New Analysis, while not ignoring caution, frames the overall situation as one where current retail activity is not explicitly illegal. 6. **Nuance in Terminology:** * `Unclear` suggests a fundamental doubt about whether the activity is permissible at all. * `Allowed-Unregulated` more precisely describes a situation where there are no laws stopping individuals from participating, but the government has not yet established a specific framework to govern, license, or protect participants in that specific activity. The New Analysis leans towards this more precise descriptor based on the consistent reporting of no explicit bans. In essence, the New Analysis provides a more definitive interpretation of the existing legal vacuum. Instead of concluding that the lack of specific laws makes the status fundamentally `Unclear`, it concludes that this lack of specific prohibition means the activity is `Allowed`, while concurrently emphasizing that it remains `Unregulated` from a crypto-specific perspective. The shift is subtle, reflecting a greater confidence in interpreting the absence of a ban as de facto permission, while still highlighting the risks of an unregulated market.

Analysis ID
#329
Version
Archived
Created
2025-06-26 09:16
Workflow Stage
Initial Research

Executive Summary

As of June 2025, retail cryptocurrency trading in Gambia is considered 'Allowed-Unregulated,' meaning individuals can buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies without specific prohibitions. The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) hasn't issued definitive statements or enacted specific legislation, leading to a lack of tailored oversight and investor protection. While no outright ban exists, general financial laws, especially AML/CTF standards, are expected to apply to crypto service providers, though specific enforcement details remain opaque. The Gambian government has shown increasing interest in blockchain technology, including partnerships to develop digital public infrastructure.

Key Pillars

The primary regulator is the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG), although it has not issued specific cryptocurrency regulations. The core compliance requirements center around general financial laws, specifically Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) standards, including Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. There are no specific licensing or registration requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges or service providers tailored to the Gambian context, but adherence to AML/CTF standards is expected.

Landmark Laws

The Income and Value Added Tax Act of 2012 is the only legislation mentioned, but it does not specifically address cryptocurrency taxation. Therefore, income or gains related to crypto are not explicitly defined under current Gambian tax law.

Considerations

Cryptocurrencies are not explicitly classified as assets or legal tender under Gambian law. The Income and Value Added Tax Act of 2012 does not specifically address cryptocurrency taxation, advising individuals and businesses to comply with general income and business tax laws until specific crypto-related tax legislation is enacted. Regulators' main concerns revolve around the lack of specific protections against risks like fraud, security breaches, and market volatility in the unregulated market. Operational challenges include the absence of clear regulatory guidelines and dedicated investor protection schemes.

Notes

Historically, Gambia's approach has been characterized as 'watchful waiting'. There are increasing reports of Gambians using crypto for daily transactions, investments, and savings, with access to international exchanges and P2P trading. In early 2025, the government announced a partnership to develop blockchain-powered digital public infrastructure. Some reports from 2024 anticipated that Gambia's cryptocurrency regulation would center around legal recognition, consumer protection, AML protocols, and fostering fintech innovation, possibly through regulatory sandboxes. An IMF survey published in March 2024 noted that most Sub-Saharan African countries do not legally allow the holding and transacting of crypto assets, but this statement needs to be interpreted carefully within the specific context of Gambia.

Detailed Explanation

As of June 2025, retail cryptocurrency trading in Gambia exists in a legal gray area described as 'Allowed-Unregulated'. This means that individual citizens and residents are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies because there are no specific laws or regulations explicitly prohibiting such activities. The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) and the Gambian government have not issued definitive statements or enacted legislation specifically addressing digital currencies and their legality. This absence of a dedicated regulatory framework means that while the activity is not illegal, it operates without specific crypto-focused oversight, investor protection mechanisms, or licensing requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges tailored to the Gambian context.

Historically, Gambia's approach to cryptocurrency has been characterized as one of 'watchful waiting.' Crypto transactions have existed in a gray area due to the lack of formal regulations. While there's no outright ban, this also means a lack of specific protections against risks like fraud, security breaches, and market volatility inherent in unregulated markets. UPay Blog noted this in December 2024, stating that crypto transactions were in a gray area because of a lack of formal regulations in place, and this exposed users to potential fraud, security breaches, and volatility associated with unregulated markets.

Despite the lack of specific crypto regulations, general financial laws and anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards are expected to apply. Some sources indicate that the Gambian authorities have made it mandatory for crypto service providers to adhere to AML/CTF standards, including Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and reporting suspicious transactions. However, the specifics of how these general AML/CTF laws are enforced in the context of cryptocurrency, and by which specific regulatory body for crypto service providers, remains somewhat opaque. The UPay Blog indicates that Gambian authorities have mandated that crypto service providers subject themselves to AML and CTF standards that include KYC and reporting suspicious transactions. It is also noted that while Gambia has a legal basis for international cooperation on matters like money laundering and asset tracing, the authorities have made limited use of these mechanisms in relation to such offenses.

There is an increasing interest in cryptocurrencies within Gambia, with more people reportedly using them for daily transactions, investments, and savings. Several international cryptocurrency exchanges are accessible to Gambian residents, and peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is also prevalent. Recent developments suggest a growing recognition of the potential of digital currencies and blockchain technology. In early 2025, the Gambian government announced a partnership to develop blockchain-powered digital public infrastructure, indicating an interest in leveraging the underlying technology. CoinGeek reported in January 2025 that Gambia is set to launch a blockchain-powered digital platform to enhance and streamline public service delivery. Furthermore, some reports suggest that in 2024, Gambia's cryptocurrency regulation was anticipated to center around legal recognition, consumer protection, AML protocols, and fostering fintech innovation, possibly through initiatives like regulatory sandboxes. Proelium Law LLP noted that in 2024, Gambia's cryptocurrency regulation is centered around several key pillars: legal recognition of digital currencies, consumer protection measures, anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, and fostering innovation in the fintech sector. However, concrete, enacted crypto-specific legislation stemming from these anticipated developments is not yet evident.

The Income and Value Added Tax Act of 2012 in Gambia does not specifically address cryptocurrency taxation. Therefore, income or gains related to crypto are not explicitly defined under current Gambian tax law. Individuals and businesses involved in crypto activities are generally advised to consult tax professionals and comply with general income and business tax laws until specific crypto-related tax legislation is enacted.

While some sources mention 'tight crypto regulations' or 'bans' on Gambian citizens participating in certain ICO crowdfunding projects, these seem to be isolated instances or interpretations rather than a general, legally codified ban on retail trading itself. The overarching consensus from multiple sources is the absence of a specific regulatory framework governing the day-to-day buying, selling, and holding of cryptocurrencies by individuals. An IMF survey published in March 2024, which included The Gambia, noted that in 80% of respondent Sub-Saharan African countries, people are not legally allowed to hold and transact in crypto assets which also cannot be exchanged for legal tender; however, it also states that regulatory frameworks for crypto assets are underdeveloped in most countries in the region. This general statement about the region requires careful interpretation in the specific context of Gambia, where other sources point to the legality of holding and trading.

Therefore, individuals in Gambia can legally engage in cryptocurrency trading, but they do so in an environment that lacks specific regulations, dedicated investor protection schemes, and clear licensing for crypto-asset service providers. General financial laws, particularly concerning AML/KYC, are presumed to apply, though their specific application and enforcement in the crypto sphere are not clearly detailed in publicly available official sources.

Summary Points

Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status in Gambia (June 2025)

I. Regulatory Status:

  • Allowed-Unregulated: Retail cryptocurrency trading (buying, selling, and holding) is permitted but currently lacks specific, comprehensive regulations.
  • Gray Area: Crypto transactions exist in a gray area due to the absence of formal regulations.
  • No Outright Ban: There is no explicit legal prohibition against cryptocurrency trading by individuals.

II. Key Regulatory Bodies and Their Roles:

  • Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG):
    • Has not issued definitive statements or enacted legislation specifically addressing digital currencies.
    • Historically, has taken a "watchful waiting" approach.
  • Gambian Government:
    • Has not issued definitive statements or enacted legislation specifically addressing digital currencies.
    • Announced a partnership in early 2025 to develop blockchain-powered digital public infrastructure, indicating interest in the technology.

III. Important Legislation and Regulations:

  • Lack of Specific Crypto Legislation: No specific laws or regulations comprehensively govern cryptocurrency trading.
  • General Financial Laws Apply: General financial laws, particularly AML/CTF standards, are expected to apply.
  • Income and Value Added Tax Act of 2012: Does not specifically address cryptocurrency taxation. General income and business tax laws are applicable until specific crypto-related tax legislation is enacted.

IV. Requirements for Compliance:

  • AML/CTF Compliance: Crypto service providers are expected to adhere to AML/CTF standards, including KYC procedures and reporting suspicious transactions. Specifics of enforcement remain unclear.
  • General Financial Laws: Individuals and businesses involved in crypto activities are generally advised to comply with general income and business tax laws.

V. Notable Restrictions or Limitations:

  • Lack of Investor Protection: Absence of specific crypto-focused oversight and investor protection mechanisms.
  • Risks of Unregulated Markets: Exposure to risks like fraud, security breaches, and market volatility inherent in unregulated markets.
  • Limited Enforcement Clarity: Specific application and enforcement of AML/CTF laws in the crypto sphere are not clearly detailed in publicly available official sources.

VI. Recent Developments or Changes:

  • Blockchain Initiatives: Government partnership to develop blockchain-powered digital public infrastructure (Gambia One).
  • Anticipated Regulations (2024): Anticipated regulations centered around legal recognition, consumer protection, AML protocols, and fostering fintech innovation (regulatory sandboxes). However, concrete legislation is not yet evident.
  • Increasing Interest: Growing interest in cryptocurrencies within Gambia for daily transactions, investments, and savings.
  • IMF Survey (March 2024): General statement about Sub-Saharan Africa: 80% of respondents report that people are not legally allowed to hold and transact in crypto assets, which also cannot be exchanged for legal tender. Regulatory frameworks for crypto assets are underdeveloped in most countries. This general statement requires careful interpretation in the specific context of Gambia, where other sources point to the legality of holding and trading.

Full Analysis Report

Report on Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status in Gambia

Date: 2025-06-26

Topic: Retail_Trading_Status

Description: Assess whether individual citizens and residents in the country are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. Detail the regulatory environment surrounding this activity (e.g., KYC/AML requirements imposed on platforms, general warnings issued).

Retail_Trading_Status: Allowed-Unregulated

Narrative Explanation:

As of June 2025, retail cryptocurrency trading in Gambia is best described as Allowed-Unregulated. There are currently no specific laws or regulations in Gambia that explicitly prohibit or comprehensively govern the buying, selling, or holding of cryptocurrencies by individual citizens and residents. The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) and the Gambian government have not issued definitive statements or enacted legislation specifically addressing digital currencies and their legality. This absence of a dedicated regulatory framework means that while the activity is not illegal, it operates without specific crypto-focused oversight, investor protection mechanisms, or licensing requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges tailored to the Gambian context.

Historically, Gambia's approach to cryptocurrency has been characterized as one of "watchful waiting." Crypto transactions have existed in a gray area due to the lack of formal regulations. While there's no outright ban, this also means a lack of specific protections against risks like fraud, security breaches, and market volatility inherent in unregulated markets.

Despite the lack of specific crypto regulations, general financial laws and anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards are expected to apply. Some sources indicate that the Gambian authorities have made it mandatory for crypto service providers to adhere to AML/CTF standards, including Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and reporting suspicious transactions. However, the specifics of how these general AML/CTF laws are enforced in the context of cryptocurrency, and by which specific regulatory body for crypto service providers, remains somewhat opaque. It is also noted that while Gambia has a legal basis for international cooperation on matters like money laundering and asset tracing, the authorities have made limited use of these mechanisms in relation to such offenses.

There is an increasing interest in cryptocurrencies within Gambia, with more people reportedly using them for daily transactions, investments, and savings. Several international cryptocurrency exchanges are accessible to Gambian residents, and peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is also prevalent.

Recent developments suggest a growing recognition of the potential of digital currencies and blockchain technology. In early 2025, the Gambian government announced a partnership to develop blockchain-powered digital public infrastructure, indicating an interest in leveraging the underlying technology. Furthermore, some reports suggest that in 2024, Gambia's cryptocurrency regulation was anticipated to center around legal recognition, consumer protection, AML protocols, and fostering fintech innovation, possibly through initiatives like regulatory sandboxes. However, concrete, enacted crypto-specific legislation stemming from these anticipated developments is not yet evident.

The Income and Value Added Tax Act of 2012 in Gambia does not specifically address cryptocurrency taxation. Therefore, income or gains related to crypto are not explicitly defined under current Gambian tax law. Individuals and businesses involved in crypto activities are generally advised to consult tax professionals and comply with general income and business tax laws until specific crypto-related tax legislation is enacted.

While some sources mention "tight crypto regulations" or "bans" on Gambian citizens participating in certain ICO crowdfunding projects, these seem to be isolated instances or interpretations rather than a general, legally codified ban on retail trading itself. The overarching consensus from multiple sources is the absence of a specific regulatory framework governing the day-to-day buying, selling, and holding of cryptocurrencies by individuals. An IMF survey published in March 2024, which included The Gambia, noted that in 80% of respondent Sub-Saharan African countries, people are not legally allowed to hold and transact in crypto assets which also cannot be exchanged for legal tender; however, it also states that regulatory frameworks for crypto assets are underdeveloped in most countries in the region. This general statement about the region requires careful interpretation in the specific context of Gambia, where other sources point to the legality of holding and trading.

Therefore, individuals in Gambia can legally engage in cryptocurrency trading, but they do so in an environment that lacks specific regulations, dedicated investor protection schemes, and clear licensing for crypto-asset service providers. General financial laws, particularly concerning AML/KYC, are presumed to apply, though their specific application and enforcement in the crypto sphere are not clearly detailed in publicly available official sources.

Relevant Text Excerpts and Sources:

  • Freeman Law: "Gambia has not currently enacted regulations or legislation specifically regulating digital currency yet. Neither the Central Bank of Gambia, nor the Government of The Gambia have made a statement or have publicly presented a stance with regards to cryptocurrencies and their legality."
    • URL: https://freemanlaw.com/gambia-and-cryptocurrency/
  • UPay Blog (December 2, 2024): "Cryptocurrency in Gambia remained unrecognized for a long time until recently." "There are no specific regulations or tax laws as regards to cryptocurrency in the country." "Historically, Gambia's approach to cryptocurrency can be described as a “watchful waiting” approach. Crypto transactions were in a gray area because of a lack of formal regulations in place, and this exposed users to potential fraud, security breaches, and volatility associated with unregulated markets." "The Gambian authorities, in a bid to curb illicit dealings, have made it mandatory for crypto service providers to subject themselves to AML and CTF standards that include KYC and reporting suspicious transactions."
    • URL: https://upay.co.uk/blog/crypto-adoption-around-the-world-gambia
  • UEEx Technology (April 4, 2025): "Is Cryptocurrency Legal in Gambia? Cryptocurrency is legal in Gambia, as the government has not implemented specific regulations to ban or restrict its use, though there are limited regulations around its trading." "Crypto exchanges are legal in Gambia, as the government has not implemented specific regulations to ban or restrict their use. However, there is limited regulation around cryptocurrency trading, so it's important for users to be cautious and choose platforms that are secure and reliable."
    • URL: https://www.ueex.com/en/blog/best-crypto-exchanges-in-gambia-b1180/
  • Kotigi.com (October 24, 2024): "Yes, Pi Network is legal in Gambia. While there are no specific regulations governing the use of cryptocurrencies in the Gambia, Pi Network can be used as long as individuals comply with general financial laws and anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines." "Gambia, like many African countries, has not yet developed a detailed regulatory framework specifically for cryptocurrencies. However, this does not mean that cryptocurrencies like Pi Network are illegal. As of now, there are no direct prohibitions against using or trading digital currencies in Gambia."
    • URL: https://kotigi.com/is-pi-network-legal-in-gambia-must-read/
  • Cryptopolitan on Binance Square (December 9, 2023): "The stance of the Gambian government and the Central Bank towards cryptocurrencies has been one of cautious engagement." "The lack of a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in Gambia creates a landscape of uncertainty for both users and service providers."
    • URL: https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/250709
  • Crowdfund Insider (August 1, 2018): "Neither the Central Bank of The Gambia, nor the Government of The Gambia have made a statement or have publicly presented a stance with regards to cryptocurrencies and their legality."
    • URL: https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Cryptocurrency-regulation-in-Africa-August-2018.pdf
  • Proelium Law LLP (Referencing 2024 developments): "The Gambia. Improving. No legal status for cryptocurrencies. There is no cryptocurrency regulation. In 2024, Gambia's cryptocurrency regulation is centered around several key pillars: legal recognition of digital currencies, consumer protection measures, anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, and fostering innovation in the fintech sector."
    • URL: https://www.proeliumlaw.com/crypto-regulation-tracker/
  • CoinGeek (January 20, 2025): "The Gambia, a tiny nation in West Africa, is set to launch a blockchain-powered digital platform to enhance and streamline public service delivery."
    • URL: https://coingeek.com/the-gambia-to-develop-blockchain-powered-digital-infrastructure/
  • Techpression (January 9, 2025): "The Kalp Foundation, a non-profit organisation, announced its partnership with The Gambia to develop a blockchain-powered Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platform called Gambia One on Tuesday."
    • URL: https://techpression.com/2025/01/09/the-gambia-partners-with-kalp-to-develop-blockchain-powered-digital-public-infrastructure-platform/
  • IMF eLibrary (March 27, 2024): "Eighty percent of respondents report that people are not legally allowed to hold and transact in crypto assets, which also cannot be exchanged for legal tender." (This is a general statement about the 80% of Sub-Saharan African survey respondents, not specifically Gambia, and should be weighed against Gambia-specific sources). "Regulatory frameworks for crypto assets are underdeveloped in most countries."
    • URL: https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/069/2024/001/article-A001-en.xml

Web Sources (11)

Sources discovered via web search grounding

Search queries used (6)
  • Retail cryptocurrency trading status Gambia 2025
  • Central Bank of The Gambia cryptocurrency regulation
  • Gambia cryptocurrency laws and regulations
  • Is cryptocurrency legal in Gambia for individuals?
  • AML/KYC requirements for crypto Gambia
  • Official statements on cryptocurrency Gambia
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