CBE announces new rules for licensing and registration of payment system and service operators
The updated framework is designed to align with the evolving dynamics of electronic payments and is grounded in the provisions of Law No. 194 of 2020 concerning the Central Bank and the banking sector.
The newly introduced rules apply to both domestic and foreign payment institutions offering services to clients within Egypt. They outline comprehensive requirements and procedures for licensing entities that either operate payment systems or deliver payment-related services.
Covered activities include cash deposits and withdrawals, execution of payment and transfer operations, issuance of payment instruments, digital acceptance infrastructure, local remittance processing in Egyptian pounds, payment initiation services, and access to payment account information.
Key elements of the regulations include stipulations on minimum capital thresholds, documentation requirements, financial guarantees, and procedures for modifying existing licenses. The rules also introduce a fee structure for regulatory inspection, review, and oversight.
To facilitate compliance, the CBE has granted a 12-month transitional period to currently operating payment institutions. These entities must submit licensing applications within this timeframe. They will be allowed to continue their operations during the interim, pending the Central Bank's decision on whether they meet the updated regulatory standards.
Importantly, the framework also opens the door for international payment service providers to legally operate in Egypt, provided they are licensed in their home jurisdictions by equivalent regulatory authorities. The rules include detailed conditions to ensure that foreign entities operate under clear governance and oversight while serving Egyptian customers.
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