Malawi -- Regulatory Status Regulatory Overview

70%

Malawi does not have a dedicated, comprehensive legal framework regulating cryptocurrency or digital assets as of 2025–2026. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

70%

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has issued public warnings but no licensing regime for crypto asset service providers has been established. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

70%

No entity has been granted a license to operate a cryptocurrency exchange or digital asset business in Malawi. Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

70%

The practical reality is that no legal pathway exists for compliant crypto business operations; the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and RBM maintain cautionary stances. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

70%

Malawi is not a FATF member and has no specific digital asset legislation; businesses face significant legal uncertainty and risk of operating in a regulatory vacuum. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

70%

The primary financial regulator in Malawi is the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM), established under the Reserve Bank of Malawi Act, Chapter 44:02 of the Laws of Malawi, which oversees banking and financial services. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Financial Services Act, No. 26 of 2022 (assented to 19 October 2022) governs non-banking financial institutions, including payment services, but does not explicitly address cryptocurrency or digital assets. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has issued public caution notices advising the public against the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, stating that such instruments are not recognised as legal tender and are not protected by the country's banking laws. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), established under the Capital Markets Act (No. 24 of 2010), is a potential regulatory authority for digital asset securities but has not issued any specific regulations for cryptocurrencies. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Existing laws governing financial services in Malawi include the Banking Act (Chapter 44:01), the Payment Systems Act (No. 9 of 2016), and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (No. 7 of 2018). Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Malawi is a member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body, although Malawi is not a full FATF member. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) of Malawi, established under the Financial Intelligence Act (Chapter 45:04), is responsible for monitoring and analysing suspicious financial transactions, including those potentially involving digital assets. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) regulates electronic communications and has not been given statutory authority over digital assets or blockchain technology. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The National Payment Systems Act (No. 13 of 2016) gives the RBM authority over payment systems, but does not contemplate or regulate peer-to-peer crypto transactions. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

No government ministry or agency in Malawi has been designated as the lead regulator for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), creating a jurisdictional vacuum. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Companies Act (No. 15 of 2013) applies generally to businesses but contains no technology-specific provisions relevant to crypto operations. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

No cryptocurrency or digital asset licensing regime exists in Malawi; the RBM has not created any license category for virtual asset service providers. Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

The Financial Services Act (2022) requires non-bank financial institutions to register with RBM, but cryptocurrencies are not classified as financial services under this Act. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

Under the Payment Systems Act (2016), a payments service provider license is required for persons operating payment systems, but this framework has not been interpreted to cover cryptocurrency exchanges or wallets. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

The Capital Markets Act (2010) provides for issuer registrations and securities broker licenses through the CMSA; however, the CMSA has not established procedures or criteria for digital asset securities. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

Any application to operate a financial service business would be assessed under the existing prudent criteria in the Banking Act and Financial Services Act, but no crypto-specific application forms, fee schedules, or procedural rules exist. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

There is no prescribed minimum capital requirement for a crypto exchange, as the RBM has not issued any capital thresholds for VASP activities. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

The timeline for hypothetical licensing is undefined—no application window has ever been opened, and no deadlines or processing times have been published. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

Zero entities have been licensed to conduct cryptocurrency activities in Malawi; no exchange, wallet provider, or custodian holds a Malawian license for virtual assets. Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

A company engaging in crypto activities could incorporate under the Companies Act (2013) but this is a standard corporate registration and not a financial services license. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

The Payment Systems (Licensing) Directive from RBM, which covers electronic money issuers, does not extend coverage to virtual currencies or crypto assets under current interpretation. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

Without a licensing avenue, operating a crypto business in Malawi would place an entity in an unregulated space with no protection from regulatory action. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

70%

The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (2018) imposes customer due diligence (CDD) obligations on all financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) in Malawi. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Under Section 41 of the AML/CTF Act (2018), financial institutions must apply CDD measures including identifying customers and verifying their identity using reliable, independent source documents. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Enhanced due diligence (EDD) is required under Section 46 for politically exposed persons (PEPs), high-risk customers, or when transactions are unusually large or complex as flagged by the Financial Intelligence Authority guidance. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Suspicious transaction reporting (STR) obligations under Section 52 require all reporting entities to promptly report any suspicious transaction to the Financial Intelligence Authority; this obligation applies to crypto-adjacent businesses if they qualify as financial institutions. Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Record retention requirements under Section 58 mandate five years of transaction and client records, though these provisions were not designed with blockchain data structures in mind. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Beneficial ownership provisions in the Companies Act (2013) and the AML/CTF Act (2018) require entities to identify and maintain registers of individuals with ultimate ownership or control of 25% or more. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Financial Intelligence Authority has published AML/CTF compliance guidelines for banks and financial institutions, but no sector-specific guidance addresses the unique characteristics of virtual asset transactions, such as unhosted wallets or digital identity verification. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The absence of designated competent authority supervision for crypto businesses means there is no examiner who would inspect or enforce these AML obligations in the crypto context. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 45:03) requires reporting entities to have internal controls and compliance programmes, but no adaptation for virtual assets has been published. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Reserve Bank of Malawi issued a public notice in 2020 reiterating that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender and warned the public that any use is at their own risk; no licensing or enforcement action resulted from this notice. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Malawi Police Service, through the financial crime investigation unit, arrested individuals in connection with a suspected cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme in Lilongwe in 2023; the case involved investigations of unlicensed investment offering, though defendants were ultimately released due to the lack of a specific criminal statute for crypto fraud. Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Financial Intelligence Authority issued a public advisory warning in 2024 highlighting ransomware risks linked to cryptocurrency and reminding institutions of SAR filing obligations—this was a general caution rather than a targeted enforcement. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

No person or company has been prosecuted, fined, or formally sanctioned under Malawian law specifically for violating a crypto-specific regulation, as none exists. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

In 2024, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority blocked several unlicensed digital lending platforms that had been operating online-based payment services; these actions were taken against digital lenders, not pure cryptocurrency businesses, but demonstrate the regulators' willingness to act against unauthorised digital financial operations. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Reserve Bank of Malawi in 2023 issued formal cautionary letters to at least two licensed commercial banks that facilitated wire transfers for local cryptocurrency exchange beta-testing, directing them to halt such activity pending further clarity. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

No monetary penalties have been publicly imposed for crypto activity because the legal basis for such penalties has not been established in statute or regulations. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

No tax guidance has been issued for virtual assets in Malawi. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Taxation Act (Chapter 41:01) and the Income Tax Act (Chapter 41:02) do not mention cryptocurrency, digital currencies, or virtual assets in any provision. Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), established under the Malawi Revenue Authority Act (Chapter 41:05), has not issued interpretive guidance on whether crypto trading gains constitute taxable income, business profits, or capital gains. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Value-Added Tax under the Value Added Tax Act (No. 20 of 2011) does not reference digital assets; no determination has been made on whether crypto-to-fiat exchanges are taxable supplies. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Income tax in Malawi is broadly defined to include "income from any other source" in Section 3 of the Income Tax Act, which could theoretically be interpreted by the MRA to capture crypto gains, but no public ruling supports this. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Transfer pricing rules for cross-border transactions apply to related-party dealings generally under the Income Tax Act, but their application to crypto mining or cross-border exchange operations is untested. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

Taxpayers engaging in crypto transactions in Malawi face uncertainty regarding their filing obligations; the MRA's electronic filing system does not include any specific field or schedule for virtual asset income. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

70%

The most significant gap is the complete absence of any law or regulation that defines "cryptocurrency," "virtual asset," "digital asset," or "VASP" in Malawian statutes. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

Businesses operating in Malawi face significant compliance risk because the existing AML/CTF framework might be applied retroactively to crypto transactions in unpredictable ways during enforcement. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

The lack of licensing infrastructure means legitimate operators cannot obtain regulatory clarity, insurance, legal enforcement of contracts, or banking relationships in Malawi. Press Statements | Statistics South Africa

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

The public has no formal consumer protection mechanisms; the Financial Ombudsman and RBM consumer protection framework do not extend to crypto-related losses or disputes. Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

Regulatory warnings from the RBM, while not formally prohibiting crypto use, effectively compel banks to refuse services to crypto businesses, cutting them off from the financial system. Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance...

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

International pressure through ESAAMLG's mutual evaluation process could soon force Malawi to implement FATF Recommendations 15 and 16 regarding virtual assets, but this is prospective, not current law. Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

A business seeking to operate in the crypto space in Malawi would face persecution risk: its activities are not legal but also not explicitly illegal—a dangerous middle ground that permits selective enforcement. Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

No framework exists for addressing smart contract disputes, blockchain identity verification, blockchain-based trade finance, or digital asset inheritance in the courts of Malawi. Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards

[primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz [primary] Press Statements | Statistics South Africa [primary] Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety [primary] Register And Vote in Your State | U.S. Election Assistance... [primary] Section 7 reports | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Firearms reform | New Zealand Ministry of Justice [primary] Department of Standards Malaysia - Standards [primary] Justice | Beehive.govt.nz

70%

The Malawi Revenue Authority's inability to process crypto income creates grey-economy pressure, pushing crypto activities fully underground and outside any potential future regulatory system. Justice | Beehive.govt.nz