MIDDLE EAST · JURISDICTION PROFILE
Kuwait
Overview
Kuwait prohibits crypto-asset activity: on 17 July 2023 the Central Bank of Kuwait, the Capital Markets Authority, the Insurance Regulatory Unit and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry jointly prohibited virtual-asset dealings, mining and payments. No licensing regime or VASP framework exists.
Regulatory framework
The joint circulars prohibit banks and financial institutions from dealing in virtual assets, ban mining and prohibit using crypto for payments. Kuwait remains on the FATF grey list (added February 2026), which has reinforced the prohibition stance.
Licensing & authorisation
None — all virtual-asset activity is prohibited; no VASP licensing path exists.
AML & Travel Rule
None — with no VASP regime, no Travel Rule obligations apply to crypto transfers.
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