Crypto ATM / kiosk operator in Jordan
Physical kiosks that exchange cash for crypto (and sometimes vice versa). High-cash AML risk profile.
Crypto ATM is not permitted in Jordan.
Verdict Details
- Permitted
- no
- Local entity required
- No
- Licensing burden
- None
- Last updated
- 2026-07-13
AML Obligations
- No AML obligations attach because the activity is prohibited — there is no lawful path to operate crypto ATMs in Jordan.
- If the activity were permitted, AML Law No. 20 of 2021 would apply (customer ID&V, beneficial ownership, ongoing monitoring, EDD for high-risk scenarios, STR filing to FIU-Jordan, 5-year record retention).
- Cash-transaction reporting thresholds are not specified for crypto because no VASP licensing framework exists.
Key Restrictions
- Crypto ATMs are implicitly prohibited — the CBJ has repeatedly warned against dealing in cryptocurrencies and directed financial institutions not to facilitate crypto transactions.
- No specific license exists for VASPs or crypto ATMs in Jordan; the CBJ has not opened the market.
- Financial institutions under CBJ supervision are prohibited from dealing with virtual assets or facilitating crypto transactions.
- Virtual assets are not recognized as legal tender in Jordan.
Key Risks
- Operating a crypto ATM in Jordan would likely violate CBJ directives and expose the operator to law enforcement action, including potential criminal liability.
- Law enforcement has taken action against individuals involved in crypto-related fraud, scams, and money laundering.
- Overseas operators serving Jordanian residents are not licensed or recognized by Jordanian authorities and operate in a legal grey zone.
- No registration or licensing pathway exists, creating total regulatory unclarity.
Evidence
This verdict synthesizes the following facts. Each fact links to its primary source(s).
Repeated warnings and clarifications of the prohibition.
Law enforcement action against individuals involved in fraud, scams, or money laundering where crypto is a component.
Directives to financial institutions to not deal with crypto.
Regulator Name: Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ)
December 2021: The CBJ re-emphasized its warning regarding dealing in cryptocurrencies.
Ongoing: The CBJ's official statements and public advisories consistently highlight the risks and prohibition.
Not Legal Tender: Virtual assets (like Bitcoin) are explicitly stated not to be legal tender in Jordan.
Prohibition for Regulated Entities: Financial institutions operating under CBJ supervision (banks, payment service providers, etc.) are generally prohibited from dealing with virtual assets, facilitating transactions involving them, or providing services related to them to customers. This effectively means that regulated financial entities cannot offer crypto services.
Warnings to the Public: The CBJ has consistently warned the public about the high risks associated with dealing in virtual assets, including price volatility, lack of consumer protection, cybersecurity risks, and potential use in illicit activities.
No Specific Licenses Exist: There are no prescribed licenses for these activities because the CBJ has not opened the market for them.
Implied Prohibition: Any entity seeking to operate these services within Jordan and deal with Jordanian residents or financial institutions would likely run afoul of CBJ directives.
Neither is in place for VASPs: Jordan currently operates neither a registration-only regime nor a comprehensive licensing regime specifically for virtual asset service providers. The approach is more restrictive.
Entity Targeted: General public, financial institutions, and anyone contemplating dealing in cryptocurrencies. Violation Type: Dealing in, trading, or promoting cryptocurrencies within the Jordanian financial system is prohibited and deemed risky. The CBJ considers cryptocurrencies to carry high risks due to their volatile nature, lack of regulatory oversight, potential for money laundering and terrorist financing, and cyber risks. Penalty Amount: Not applicable to a general warning/prohibition. However, engaging in prohibited activities could lead to legal repercussions under existing financial and anti-money laundering laws, though specific penalties for crypto dealing outside of fraud aren't often publicized for individuals. Licensed financial institutions found violating CBJ directives could face regulatory penalties. Outcome: Maintenance of a strict prohibitory environment, discouraging financial institutions from engaging in crypto-related activities and warning the public against associated risks.
Outcome: Maintenance of a strict prohibitory environment, discouraging financial institutions from engaging in crypto-related activities and warning the public against associated risks.
Verdict Attribution
- Source:
- AI-Generated · Unreviewed
- AI synthesized:
- 2026-07-13 (deepseek-chat)
- Last updated:
- 2026-07-13
- Confidence:
- high
This verdict was produced by an AI model from the underlying facts. Confirm with counsel before relying on it for material decisions.
No — Crypto ATM/kiosk operation is prohibited in Jordan; the CBJ has repeatedly banned crypto dealing, issued no VASP licenses, and directed financial institutions not to facilitate crypto transactions, with no lawful pathway to operate.
Questions this verdict aims to answer
- What money-transmitter / kiosk-specific license is required?
- What cash-transaction reporting thresholds apply?
- What enhanced-KYC obligations attach to cash-in / cash-out?