Cabo Verde Cryptocurrency Regulation: Registration Comes Before the First Trade
Explore Cabo Verde’s prior-registration requirement, BCV’s AML supervisory role and the documents behind a virtual-asset service application.
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Cabo Verde has a published framework for registering businesses that provide virtual-asset services. An operator should start with the Banco de Cabo Verde’s rules and the legal entity that will serve customers.
This article concerns businesses providing services to customers. It does not claim that personal ownership alone requires VASP registration.
The existence of a framework does not establish that any particular exchange is registered.
Our Africa cryptocurrency regulation directory compares licensing, registration and unresolved evidence across African markets.
What is the legal foundation?
Law No. 30/X/2023 of 21 June addresses virtual-asset services and digital banks. The BCV’s 7 June 2024 announcement explains its role in registration, regulation and supervision for AML/CFT purposes.
That supervisory description matters. A registration reference should not be expanded into a claim that every product, customer asset or investment return receives central-bank protection.
Which rule implements registration?
Aviso No. 2/2024, published on 28 May, sets the application arrangements. Article 3 requires prior BCV registration, including where the applicant already has another professional authorisation.
Article 4 uses the Annex I notification and supporting documents. Relevant management and supervisory personnel also submit the Annex II declaration. Article 9 sets Portuguese-language and foreign-document formalities.
The rule contains decision periods, refusal grounds and cancellation provisions. Article 3(11) treats a missed notification deadline as presumed refusal, rather than automatic approval. Article 8 includes failure to begin activity within six months as a ground for expiry.
Read the complete rule before calculating deadlines. The required information and any additional BCV requests affect the process.
How should an applicant prepare?
Begin with a description of the service. Show who contracts with the customer, who receives money and who controls private keys.
Separate the proposed activities. Trading, transfer, custody and other services can create different operational risks. The application should accurately describe what the company will do.
| Preparation item | Practical purpose |
|---|---|
| Entity and ownership documents | Identify the applicant and controlling people |
| Activity description | Explain what happens to customer money and crypto |
| AML risk assessment | Connect identified risks with controls |
| Management information | Support the suitability assessment |
| Customer and custody terms | Explain withdrawal duties and asset control |
This is a planning checklist. The official annexes and current BCV instructions determine the application requirements.
What does the newer strategy tell us?
BCV’s 2026–2029 strategic plan discusses additional analytical tools, risk methods and training associated with its virtual-asset supervisory responsibilities.
A strategy describes supervisory priorities. It does not supply proof that a named provider has received a decision.
Request that decision and match its legal name with the customer agreement. Ask what activities it covers and whether conditions remain outstanding.
What about minimum capital?
A universal current VASP capital figure was not independently confirmed in this review. Do not borrow a digital-bank capital requirement merely because both subjects appear in the 2023 law.
A budget should distinguish regulatory capital, application expenses, operating liquidity and customer assets. Each quoted requirement needs an applicable provision and service category.
What should users check?
Read the contracting company’s name and withdrawal terms. Ask for the registration evidence claimed by that company.
Check how complaints, suspended accounts and returned payments are handled. Keep a copy of the terms accepted when opening the account.
For comparison, read Mauritius cryptocurrency regulation, Seychelles VASP licensing requirements and The Gambia’s cryptocurrency licensing evidence.
Research scope
Reviewed 5 November 2026. The published law listing, implementing notice, BCV announcement and current strategic-plan materials support the framework described here. No provider-specific registration, universal VASP capital figure or current fee schedule was independently verified. Applicants should obtain the latest forms and confirm any subsequent changes directly with BCV before relying on an application timetable.
