THE LEGAL REGULATION OF DIGITAL CURRENCIES AND ITS IMPACT ON COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ALGERIA, EGYPT, TUNISIA, AND SAUDI ARABIA

  • Walid Terki Dr., Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Badji Mokhtar – Annaba
Keywords: Digital Currencies, Legal Regulation, Commercial Law, Comparative Analysis, Algeria; Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study presents a comparative legal analysis of digital currency regulations and their implications for commercial activities in Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. By examining the distinct regulatory approaches adopted by these nations, the research aims to elucidate how legal frameworks influence the integration of digital currencies into commercial sectors such as e-commerce, investment, and financial transactions. Employing a doctrinal legal methodology complemented by comparative analysis, the study scrutinizes pertinent legislation, regulatory policies, and economic data to assess the effectiveness of existing legal structures in balancing innovation, consumer protection, and financial stability. The findings reveal significant disparities in regulatory stances, ranging from outright prohibitions to cautious endorsement, each bearing unique impacts on commercial operations. By synthesizing these diverse experiences, the study offers insights and policy recommendations aimed at guiding legislators and stakeholders in formulating balanced regulatory frameworks that foster economic development while mitigating associated risks.

References

African Union. (2023). African Union digital transformation strategy for Africa (2020-2030). https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38507-doc-dts-english.pdf

ADGM. (2018). ADGM launches crypto asset regulatory framework. https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-launches-crypto-asset-regulatory-framework

Arner, D. W., Buckley, R. P., & Zetzsche, D. A. (2020). The evolution of fintech: A new post-crisis paradigm? University of New South Wales Law Journal, 43(4), 1271–1319.

BIS. (2021). Central bank digital currencies: Financial stability implications. Bank for International Settlements. https://www.bis.org/publ/othp42.htm

Central Bank of Egypt. (2022, September 12). Warning statement. https://www.cbe.org.eg/en/news-publications/news/2022/09/12/warning-statement

Central Bank of Egypt. (2022). Law No. 194 of 2020. https://www.cbe.org.eg

Cointelegraph. (2024, April 22). An overview of crypto regulations in Egypt. https://cointelegraph.com/learn/articles/crypto-regulations-in-egypt

Cointelegraph. (2024). Egypt's Central Bank Warns Against Cryptocurrency Investments. https://cointelegraph.com

Cryptocurrency.law. (2024). Tunisia’s approach to cryptocurrency legislation in 2024: An in-depth look. https://cryptocurrency.law/tunisias-approach-to-cryptocurrency-legislation-in-2024-an-in-depth-look/

Cryptocurrency.law. (2024). Tunisia's Regulatory Approach to Cryptocurrencies. https://cryptocurrency.law

European Commission. (2023). Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R1114

Freeman Law. (n.d.). Algeria and cryptocurrency. https://freemanlaw.com/cryptocurrency/algeria/

GSMA. (2022). State of the industry report on mobile money 2022. https://www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GSMA_SOTIR_2022_Digital.pdf

Ledger Insights. (2024). Egypt targets CBDC by 2030 to head off crypto. https://www.ledgerinsights.com/egypt-targets-cbdc-by-2030-to-head-off-crypto/

Law Library of Congress. (2021). Regulation of cryptocurrency around the world: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium. Washington, D.C.: The Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Directorate. https://www.loc.gov/item/2021687419/

Managers. (2024, March 18). Les Tunisiens peuvent désormais détenir et échanger des cryptomonnaies. https://managers.tn/2024/03/18/code-des-changes-les-tunisiens-peuvent-desormais-detenir-et-echanger-des-cryptomonnaies/

New Saudi Arabia. (2024). Saudi Arabia's Stance on Cryptocurrencies. https://newsaudiarabia.com

Reuters. (2024, June 5). Saudi Arabia Joins mBridge Project for CBDC. https://www.reuters.com

Reuters. (2024, November 26). Morocco preparing law to allow cryptocurrencies, central bank chief says. https://www.reuters.com/technology/morocco-preparing-law-allow-cryptocurrencies-central-bank-chief-says-2024-11-26/

Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA). (2019, August 21). A statement by MOF regarding dealing in Virtual Currencies, including cryptocurrencies. https://www.sama.gov.sa/en-US/News/Pages/news21082019.aspx

Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA). (2024, June 5). SAMA joins mBridge project as MVP platform participant. https://www.sama.gov.sa/en-us/news/pages/news-1029.aspx

Taxir.xyz. (2024, March 17). Tunisia moves towards legalizing crypto assets. https://taxir.xyz/2024/03/17/tunisia-crypto-legalization-en/

Traders Union. (2025). Cryptocurrency regulation and taxes in Algeria. https://tradersunion.com/interesting-articles/what-is-cryptocurrency/crypto-regulation/in-algeria/

Traders Union. (2025). Cryptocurrency Trading in Algeria. https://tradersunion.com

Troudi, M. (2023). La crypto monnaie en Algérie : entre les barrières et les motivations. https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/downArticle/494/8/1/220782

VARA. (2022). Law No. (4) of 2022 Regulating Virtual Assets in the Emirate of Dubai. https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2022/Law%20No.%20%284%29%20of%202022%20Regulating%20Virtual%20Assets.html

Wikipedia. (2024). History of Central Bank Digital Currencies by Country. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_central_bank_digital_currencies_by_country

Views:

641

Downloads:

593

Published
2025-05-15
Citations
How to Cite
Walid Terki. (2025). THE LEGAL REGULATION OF DIGITAL CURRENCIES AND ITS IMPACT ON COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ALGERIA, EGYPT, TUNISIA, AND SAUDI ARABIA. International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science, (2(46). https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(46).2025.3339