Licensing
Virtual-asset businesses serving Kenya need a licence from the relevant regulator.
All regulations
Kenya / Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)
Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025
The Act brings virtual-asset businesses, such as exchanges, wallet providers and brokers, under licensing in Kenya, with anti-money-laundering obligations aligned with FATF standards.
Who it applies to
Industries
Key requirements
Customer due diligence
Verify customers and the people behind business accounts.
Travel rule and monitoring
Pass required originator and beneficiary information with transfers and monitor for suspicious activity.
How Sentinel helps
- KYC and KYB for exchange and wallet customers.
- Sanctions and PEP screening.
- Records that support licensing applications and inspections.
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 2026. Requirements change, so confirm the current position with the regulator or your counsel before relying on it.