Moldova charts its roadmap towards the regulation of digital assets by 2026

Moldova has announced a comprehensive cryptocurrency law for 2026, based on the EU's MiCA regulation. Discover how the country aims to regulate the digital sector and ensure financial security.

Moldova's Finance Minister, Andrian Gavrilita, recently confirmed that the government is developing the country's first legal framework to regulate digital assets. The announcement, made during an interview on state television channel TVR Moldova, set a key target date: the end of 2026. With this measure, authorities aim to align Moldova with the financial transparency and security standards promoted by the European Union.

The law in question takes as its reference point the European regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets, known as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets)This decision reflects the Moldovan government's commitment to the European bloc and its recognition that cryptocurrencies are now part of the global financial landscape.

The executive branch believes that the lack of clear regulations has only generated distrust. Therefore, plans are underway to establish clear and defined regulations that will provide stability and confidence to both citizens and financial institutions, in order to encourage the development of a safer and more modern digital environment in the country.

Moldova is preparing to regulate cryptocurrencies under the MiCA Act

The main objective of the new legislation backed by MiCA is to build an environment where owning and exchanging cryptocurrencies is completely legal and regulated. 

According to explained Minister Andrian Gavrilita, the measure seeks officially recognize the right of Moldovan citizens to own cryptocurrenciesThis eliminates the legal uncertainty that has existed until now. However, he clarified that this initiative does not imply that digital currencies will be used as a means of payment within the country.

Even so, with this reform, Moldova is moving in the same direction as the European Union and strengthening user protection against market risks and scams linked to cryptocurrencies. To implement this, the government is working with the National Bank and the anti-money laundering authority. Both institutions are coordinating efforts to ensure that the new system combines transparency, security, and effective control.

According to official projections, the country expects to have a fully operational regulatory framework in place by the end of 2026. This progress will allow companies offering cryptocurrency-related services to obtain licenses under clear rules comparable to those in the Eurozone. With this, Moldova aims to strengthen confidence in its digital economy and attract investments that will drive technological and financial innovation in the region.

From observation to action: following Estonia's digital model

In its quest to establish a more practical and efficient regulatory model, Minister Gavrilita noted that the Moldovan government is closely observing the experiences of other countries in the region. Among the cases analyzed, he highlighted Estonia, considered a benchmark for having simplified its legal framework from the outset of its transformation and for leading Europe in the transition to a reliable and agile digital environment. 

According to the minister, the strategy implemented by this country, based on reducing bureaucracy and the early adoption of technological solutions, allowed Estonia to consolidate an innovative ecosystem and strengthen its digital financial network.

Now, inspired by that approach, Moldova is working on designing modern regulations that foster innovation without hindering the sector's expansion. The proposal seeks to balance the robust structure of the European MiCA regulation with the administrative flexibility that has characterized the Estonian model. 

Gavrilita believes that, although the digital market still exhibits speculative characteristics, the State has an obligation to act with vision and responsibility so as not to fall behind in the modernization of the financial system and in the incorporation of new technologies.