Compliance & Digital Finance Researcher
Shakila Afshar
Shakila Afshar writes about compliance and financial regulation across African markets. Her work explores how mobile money, digital payments and emerging financial technologies are expanding access to financial services while navigating regulatory, consumer-protection and compliance requirements. She also researches cryptocurrency and digital-asset regulation, AML/KYC frameworks and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping Africa's digital financial ecosystem.
Articles by Shakila Afshar
20 articles
RegulationsIs Buying Bitcoin with M-Pesa Legal in Kenya Under the New VASP Rules?
Kenya's VASP framework regulates providers. A personal Bitcoin purchase also needs the right service, payment arrangement and current licence checks.
Shakila Afshar
GuidesSARS's New Crypto Tax Guide, Explained: What Changes After Comments Close
SARS closed comments on its Draft Guide to the Taxation of Crypto Assets. Here is what happens next for South African crypto users, tax records and CARF reporting
Shakila Afshar
GuidesMalawi Cryptocurrency Regulation: Current Rules, VASP Risk Assessment and the Road to a Formal Framework
Malawi is still developing a dedicated framework for virtual assets despite growing crypto activity. Explore the country's regulatory gaps, VASP risks, P2P trading, AML concerns and the path toward formal regulation.
Shakila Afshar
GuidesBotswana Cryptocurrency Regulation: VASP Licensing, AML Rules and the 2026 Regulatory Position
Botswana has built a formal framework for virtual assets covering VASP licensing, AML/CFT, customer due diligence and regulatory supervision. Explore the rules shaping its growing digital-asset sector.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsZimbabwe Cryptocurrency Regulation: VASP Registration, AML Rules and the New 2026 Framework
Zimbabwe has introduced a formal registration framework for virtual asset service providers. Explore the new VASP rules, AML/CFT requirements, registration process, enforcement measures and what they mean for crypto businesses.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsEthiopia Cryptocurrency Regulation: NBE Rules, Virtual Asset Ban and What Comes Next
Ethiopia takes a restrictive approach to cryptocurrency while reporting strong grassroots adoption. Explore the NBE's current rules, P2P restrictions, digital-asset policy and what could shape future regulation.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsMauritius Cryptocurrency Regulation: VASP Licensing, Capital Requirements and 2026 Rules
Mauritius has built a detailed framework for virtual assets, covering VASP licensing, capital requirements, AML/CFT controls, custody, stablecoins and token offerings. Explore the rules shaping its digital-asset industry.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsSeychelles Cryptocurrency Regulation: VASP Licensing, Capital Requirements and Compliance
Seychelles has introduced a dedicated framework for virtual asset businesses, covering VASP licensing, capital, client-asset protection, AML controls and operational substance. Explore how the rules are shaping the country's crypto industry.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsRwanda Cryptocurrency Regulation: The 2026 Virtual Asset Law, Licensing and What It Means
Rwanda cryptocurrency regulation explained. Learn about Law nº 023/2026, virtual asset licensing, the CMA, stablecoins, VASPs, AML rules, penalties and what the new framework means for crypto businesses and users.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsZambia Cryptocurrency Regulation: VASP Registration, AML Rules and the Latest Crypto Framework
Explore Zambia cryptocurrency regulation, including the 2026 VASP registration rules, AML requirements, Travel Rule obligations, FIC guidance and the developing crypto framework.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsCryptocurrency Regulation in Tanzania: Laws, Rules and the Current Legal Framework
Explore cryptocurrency regulation in Tanzania, including Bank of Tanzania rules, Bitcoin and stablecoin status, payment restrictions, AML requirements, proposed tax changes and the latest crypto regulatory developments.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsCryptocurrency Regulation in Egypt: Laws, Restrictions and the Current Legal Framework
Explore cryptocurrency regulation in Egypt, including Banking Law No. 194 of 2020, CBE restrictions, penalties, licensing, crypto exchanges, stablecoins and the current legal framework.
Shakila Afshar
GuidesCrypto Regulation in Ghana: VASP Act, Licensing, Sandbox and the New Regulatory Framework
Explore crypto regulation in Ghana, including the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025, VASP licensing, registration, the SEC sandbox, stablecoins, exchanges, AML requirements and the latest regulatory framework
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsCryptocurrency Regulation in Nigeria: SEC Rules, VASPs and the 2026 Framework
Explore cryptocurrency regulation in Nigeria in 2026, including SEC rules, VASP registration, banking, ARIP, new capital requirements and what the framework means for crypto businesses.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsUganda Cryptocurrency Regulation: VASP Rules, AML and the 2026 Regulatory Gap
Uganda is developing its crypto rules as virtual-asset activity expands. Explore the latest AML requirements, VASP registration, market data, DeFi risks and the regulatory outlook for 2026.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsKenya Cryptocurrency Regulation: VASP Rules, Licensing and Compliance 2026
Explore Kenya’s 2026 cryptocurrency regulations, including VASP licensing, capital requirements, compliance obligations, regulators, fees and key rules for crypto businesses.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsSouth Africa CASP AML Requirements: What Crypto Businesses Must Know
South African CASPs face detailed AML, CFT and CPF obligations under the FIC Act, including KYC, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, reporting and risk-based compliance controls.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsDigital Payments and Financial Inclusion in Africa: What the Data Shows
Digital payments are expanding financial inclusion across Africa, giving millions access to mobile money, digital accounts, savings and other financial services while reducing reliance on cash.
Shakila Afshar
CompanyCrypto Regulation in South Africa: CASP Licensing, Requirements and What Businesses Need to Know
South Africa has established a formal regulatory framework for cryptocurrency, requiring qualifying Crypto Asset Service Providers to obtain authorisation while imposing AML, tax, reporting and compliance obligations on businesses operating in the sector.
Shakila Afshar
PaymentsHow Digital Finance Is Expanding Financial Inclusion in Africa
Digital finance is reshaping financial inclusion across Africa, with mobile money, fintech and digital payments helping more people access, use and benefit from essential financial services
Shakila Afshar