Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) Bill, marking a major step toward the regulation of virtual assets and digital finance activities in the country.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said the new law establishes a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to govern virtual assets and the operations of Virtual Asset Service Providers in Ghana, with the overarching objective of ensuring investor protection and safeguarding market integrity.

According to the SEC, the passage of the Bill aligns with its statutory mandate to regulate and promote the development of an efficient, fair, and transparent securities market.

SEC emphasised that the growing use of virtual assets makes it necessary to introduce clear rules that protect investors while supporting innovation within the financial system.

Under the new law, regulatory oversight of virtual asset activities will be shared among key institutions, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bank of Ghana, and any other regulatory authority designated by the Minister of Finance.

All individuals and entities engaged in virtual asset activities will be required to obtain licences or be officially registered with either the SEC or the Bank of Ghana, depending on the nature of their operations.

The SEC announced that, in collaboration with the Bank of Ghana, it will issue detailed guidelines and other regulatory instruments to operationalise the Act and provide clarity for market operators.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission stated that it will be responsible for licensing and regulating a wide range of virtual asset services under the Act.

These include virtual asset exchanges, trading platforms, virtual asset issuance and tokenisation, virtual asset exchange‑traded funds (ETFs), virtual asset managers, investment advisers, brokerage services, and advocacy activities related to securities.

The SEC will also oversee virtual asset mining and validation activities related to securities, as well as virtual asset sandbox operations within its regulatory remit.

The Commission reassured the general public and investors of its commitment to maintaining a safe and transparent virtual asset ecosystem.

“The SEC assures the general and investing public of its continued diligence and unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, efficient, fair, and transparent virtual asset ecosystem in which investors are protected, and market integrity is upheld,” the statement said.

The press release was issued pursuant to sections 3 and 208(c) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), as amended, and is dated December 29, 2025.

Members of the public seeking further information have been advised to contact the SEC through its official email, telephone lines, or website.