Is crypto legal in Myanmar?

Crypto is illegal to trade in Myanmar as of October 2026. The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has prohibited residents from buying, selling or exchanging digital currencies since 2020 and has repeated that position several times since. Crypto is not recognised as money, and no bank in Myanmar is allowed to deal in it.

Is bitcoin legal in Myanmar?

No. In May 2020 the CBM issued Notification No. 9/2020, which bars all residents of Myanmar from selling, buying or exchanging unregulated digital currencies, law firm Tilleke and Gibbins reported. The notice named bitcoin, litecoin, ether and Perfect Money, and singled out trades arranged through personal Facebook accounts and websites.

Before 2020 the central bank had only said such deals were at people's own risk. The CBM bases its stance on the Central Bank of Myanmar Law, which makes it the only body allowed to issue currency, and on the Foreign Exchange Management Law.

Is crypto illegal in Myanmar?

Yes, under the central bank's rules. On May 24, 2024 the CBM issued a public notice warning against trading unregulated digital currencies and making unauthorised money transfers. Tilleke and Gibbins said enforcement had included bank account closures and legal action under the Anti-Money Laundering Law and the Financial Institutions Law, including cases involving informal "hundi" transfers settled in Tether (USDT). Penalties can include prison, fines or both.

On November 16, 2025 the CBM issued another warning reminding the public that online and offline crypto transactions remain banned. It pointed to money laundering, scams, tax evasion, hacking and price swings, and urged people to use only regular banking channels. For background on these risks, see crypto anti-money laundering rules and common crypto scams.

What is the status of cryptocurrency in Myanmar politically?

Myanmar has had rival authorities since the 2021 military takeover, and crypto has become part of that split. In December 2021 Tin Tun Naing, finance minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), a parallel administration formed by opponents of the military government, said in a Facebook post that the NUG accepted Tether as an official currency for local use, Bloomberg reported. The NUG said the goal was to make trade and payments easier, and gave few other details.

That announcement did not change the CBM's rules, which are the rules enforced by the country's banking system. Meanwhile the central bank has set up a committee to study a central bank digital currency, according to a November 2025 report, though no launch date has been given. For context on other countries, read is cryptocurrency legal.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.