Moldova Plans First Comprehensive Cryptocurrency Law by 2026

Moldova plans to introduce its first full-scale cryptocurrency legislation by the end of 2026, aligning its regulatory approach with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Andrian Gavrilita during an interview on state-owned broadcaster TVR Moldova.

Citizens to Be Allowed to Hold and Trade Crypto

According to Gavrilita, the proposed legal framework will allow Moldovan citizens to hold and trade cryptocurrencies, while stopping short of recognizing digital assets as a legal means of payment. He emphasized that outright prohibition is not an option, citing Moldova’s commitments to the European Union.

Regulation Seen as an Obligation, Not an Endorsement

Gavrilita stressed that regulation does not equal promotion, but rather responsibility. He noted that while timelines remain uncertain, regulating cryptocurrencies is part of Moldova’s broader European integration process.

Move Follows EU-Wide MiCA Implementation

The announcement comes more than a year after the EU fully implemented MiCA, the bloc’s first comprehensive crypto regulatory framework, which came into force for crypto-asset service providers on Dec. 30, 2024. Moldova’s initiative would represent its first formal crypto law.

Central Bank Has Long Warned of Crypto Risks

Moldova’s central bank has repeatedly cautioned the public about cryptocurrencies, highlighting concerns around volatility, consumer protection, and money laundering risks associated with digital assets.

Draft Law to Be Developed by Multiple Authorities

The proposed legislation will be drafted jointly by the Finance Ministry, the National Bank of Moldova, the country’s financial markets regulator, and its Anti-Money Laundering authority. This coordinated approach aims to balance innovation with financial oversight.

Crypto Payments to Remain Illegal

While the law is expected to legalize holding and transacting cryptocurrencies, it will not permit their use as a payment method within Moldova. Gavrilita confirmed that digital assets will remain outside the country’s official payment system.

Finance Minister Labels Crypto as Speculative

During the interview, Gavrilita repeatedly described cryptocurrencies as speculative instruments rather than investments. He said he avoids calling them investments, while still recognizing citizens’ right to engage with them freely.

Estonia Cited as a Legislative Example

Although few details of the bill were disclosed, Gavrilita pointed to Estonia as a model, praising the country’s relatively simple and clear approach to crypto regulation.

European Scrutiny of MiCA Enforcement Intensifies

As Moldova prepares its legislation, other European countries are calling for stricter oversight of crypto firms operating under MiCA. Concerns have grown over potential licensing loopholes across the EU.

France Pushes for Centralized EU Crypto Supervision

In September 2025, France became the third EU country to urge the European Securities and Markets Authority to take direct supervision of major crypto firms, joining Austria and Italy amid criticism of Malta’s crypto licensing practices.

ESMA Criticizes Malta’s Crypto Authorization Process

In July, ESMA released a peer review of Malta’s financial regulator, concluding that its authorization of a crypto service provider only partially met regulatory expectations, further fueling calls for tighter EU-level control.