Iran Cryptocurrency Regulation: What You Need to Know

When navigating Iran cryptocurrency regulation, the set of laws, guidelines and enforcement actions that govern digital assets in Iran. Also known as Iran crypto rules, it determines who can trade, how exchanges must register, and what banks can handle crypto funds. Iran cryptocurrency regulation is a moving target – the government tweaks licensing fees, adds AML checkpoints, and sometimes bans certain tokens overnight. Understanding this framework helps investors avoid frozen accounts, helps developers design compliant smart contracts, and guides exchanges in obtaining the right permits.

Key Elements Shaping the Landscape

The first building block is the Regulatory sandbox, a controlled environment where fintech startups can test blockchain products under relaxed oversight. In Iran, the sandbox program aims to attract innovation while keeping a close eye on money‑laundering risks. It requires participants to submit a detailed risk‑mitigation plan and to report real‑time transaction data to the Central Bank. The second pillar is Banking restrictions, rules that limit how banks can interact with crypto businesses. Since 2020, Iranian banks must obtain a special license to hold crypto assets, and any breach can lead to account freezes or fines. The third component involves Crypto exchanges, platforms that match buyers and sellers of digital tokens. Exchanges operating in Iran must register with the Financial Intelligence Unit, implement KYC/AML verifications, and publish their transaction volumes to the regulator monthly. Finally, a newer concern is Airdrop compliance, the need to ensure free token distributions meet local securities laws. While airdrops can boost community growth, they often trigger tax reporting duties and may be classified as unregistered securities if not properly structured.

These four entities intersect in predictable ways: the sandbox enables compliant exchange innovation, banking restrictions dictate how exchanges move funds, and airdrop compliance forces projects to align their token‑distribution strategies with the broader regulatory picture. For example, a startup that launches an airdrop through a sandbox‑approved testnet can avoid immediate banking bans, but once it graduates to a live exchange, it must secure a banking license and meet AML standards. Conversely, an exchange that skips sandbox participation may face heavier scrutiny and higher compliance costs. Understanding these relationships lets you anticipate where the regulator will focus next – whether it’s tightening exchange reporting, expanding sandbox categories, or issuing new guidance on token giveaways.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that break down each piece of the puzzle: from step‑by‑step guides on getting a crypto exchange licence in Iran, to deep dives on how the sandbox program works, to real‑world case studies of airdrop compliance and banking restrictions. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or compliance officer, these resources give you actionable insight to stay ahead of the curve in Iran’s evolving crypto environment.