Ghana Admits 11 Firms to New Regulatory Sandbox
Ghana’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved 11 crypto trading platforms for its new regulatory sandbox, establishing a formal pathway for digital asset businesses to operate legally. The decision activates the country's Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act, which passed in December to bring regulatory clarity to the sector. The selected companies include Africoin, Blu Penguin, Goldbod, Hanypay, Hyro Exchange, and others who will now pilot their products under the SEC's direct oversight.
The program is structured to last 12 months, allowing firms to test their services in a controlled environment while adhering to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) standards. Companies that successfully demonstrate market-ready products and full regulatory compliance can earn a full operational license in as little as six months. This framework is designed to foster innovation while ensuring robust consumer protection as the country develops its formal crypto policies.
Move Follows 52% Rise in Regional Crypto Volume
This regulatory milestone coincides with significant growth in the region's digital asset market. According to a September report from Chainalysis, crypto value received across Sub-Saharan Africa increased 52% year-over-year to more than $205 billion between July 2024 and June 2025. While Nigeria remains the dominant market, receiving over $92 billion in that period, Ghana is positioned as a key emerging hub alongside South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
The increasing regulatory clarity is attracting international players. Just this week, Blockchain.com announced its expansion into Ghana, citing plans to integrate with the country's widely used mobile money ecosystem. This trend underscores a broader movement by global crypto firms to establish a presence in Africa, drawn by high adoption rates for transactions under $1,000 and a growing appetite for digital financial services.
