Iran Eyes Regulating Crypto—Finance Minister Speaks Out

Key Takeaways

• Iran shifts its focus from restricting to regulating cryptocurrencies to navigate economic sanctions.
• U.S. sanctions have driven several nations toward adopting crypto.
• In 2024, Russia established crypto regulations to facilitate international trade.

Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Abdolnaser Hemmati, announced plans to regulate the country’s crypto industry , marking a significant change in tone.

Speaking at a national symposium in Tehran on Saturday, Hemmati emphasized that the government aims to control the negative economic impacts of cryptocurrencies while leveraging their benefits.

For years, Iran grappled with the challenges posed by the Bitcoin mining industry, which flourished under ambiguous regulations.

Now, the country is pivoting towards a structured approach, recognizing that regulation offers more economic benefits than outright bans.

Central Bank To Lead Crypto Oversight

The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has been reaffirmed as the primary authority overseeing crypto regulation.

The CBI recently introduced a comprehensive policy framework, the Policy and Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrencies, designed to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws, counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures, and tax requirements.

Key provisions of the framework include licensing for crypto brokers and custodians under CBI supervision.

Mohammadreza Farzin, the CBI Governor, highlighted the importance of collaboration with other agencies, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, to create strong regulatory frameworks for the digital asset ecosystem.

Farzin believes the framework emphasizes active regulation and utilizes the economic potential of cryptocurrencies.

The governor added that cryptocurrencies are hoped to be developed to increase assets and youth employment, help lift sanctions, and bring Iran’s operations into line with the global economy.

Sanctions Drive Crypto Adoption

Iran’s shift toward crypto regulation reflects a broader trend among nations seeking alternatives to circumvent U.S. sanctions.

In 2024, Russia, another major economy under American sanctions , legalized crypto use for international trade and mining operations.

This move came after Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a comprehensive crypto framework despite initial opposition from the country’s central bank.

Iran’s interest in crypto is not new. During the 2020-21 cryptocurrency bull market, the government attempted to regulate Bitcoin mining, recognizing its potential to generate revenue.

However, those efforts were stymied by concerns over energy consumption and illicit financial activities.

The country has since reconsidered its approach, allowing crypto mining under specific conditions.

Additionally, Iran is exploring the use of cryptocurrencies for international trade settlements, seeing them as a way to bypass restrictions on traditional financial systems.