When it comes to SAMA crypto rules, the regulatory framework set by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to oversee cryptocurrency activities in Saudi Arabia. Also known as Saudi crypto regulation, it’s one of the most tightly controlled systems in the Middle East, requiring full licensing, strict KYC, and real-time transaction monitoring for any crypto service operating in the country. Unlike places where crypto is loosely tolerated, SAMA doesn’t just watch—it enforces. If you’re running a crypto exchange, wallet, or even a token sale in Saudi Arabia, you need SAMA’s explicit approval. No exceptions.
These rules don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re closely tied to KYC crypto, the mandatory process of verifying user identities before allowing crypto transactions. Also known as Know Your Customer, it’s the backbone of SAMA’s approach. Every user must provide government ID, proof of address, and biometric data. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s a legal requirement backed by fines and criminal penalties. The same goes for AML crypto, anti-money laundering systems that track suspicious flows between wallets and exchanges. SAMA requires all licensed platforms to flag unusual activity and report it directly to regulators, mirroring global standards like the FATF Travel Rule.
Why does this matter if you’re not in Saudi Arabia? Because SAMA’s rules are becoming a model. When Upbit faced $34 billion in fines for failing KYC, or when Canada seized $40 million from TradeOgre for operating without oversight, they were enforcing the same principles SAMA built into its system from day one. Countries watching Saudi Arabia’s success with enforcement are now copying its structure: centralized control, zero tolerance for anonymity, and real-time compliance tracking. If you’re trading on any global exchange, chances are they’ve upgraded their systems to meet SAMA-level standards—just to keep doing business.
And if you’re holding crypto in Saudi Arabia? You’re not just a user—you’re under direct regulatory scrutiny. No anonymous wallets. No unlicensed DeFi protocols. No privacy coins like Monero without heavy reporting. Even airdrops or token sales need SAMA’s green light. That’s why fake projects like CovidToken or HyperGraph (HGT) don’t stand a chance there—they can’t pass the basic checks. The system is built to shut them down before they even launch.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a map of how crypto regulation is changing worldwide—and how SAMA’s rules are pushing the entire industry toward tighter control. From exchange shutdowns to airdrop scams, every post here connects back to one truth: if you don’t follow the rules, you don’t get to play.
Saudi Arabia bans financial institutions from dealing with crypto, but allows blockchain innovation. Learn why banks can't touch Bitcoin, how individuals still trade it, and what the future holds for digital finance in the Kingdom.