Adidome (V/R), March 11, – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a regulatory sandbox programme for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) as part of measures to regulate the fast-growing virtual asset sector while encouraging innovation.
The initiative follows the passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154), which provides the legal framework for supervising and regulating activities involving virtual assets in Ghana.
In a statement issued to the press, the SEC explained that the sandbox would enable selected companies to test their products and services within a controlled regulatory environment under its supervision.
The Commission said the programme would run for 12 months, allowing participating firms to pilot innovative financial technologies while complying with regulatory safeguards designed to protect investors and ensure market integrity.
According to the SEC, companies whose products prove compliant and ready for the market after the first six months of testing may be transitioned into the appropriate licensing or registration framework.
However, firms whose services require further development may continue testing within the sandbox for the remaining six months, subject to further assessment by the Commission.
The SEC indicated that the programme forms part of its broader strategy to support financial innovation while ensuring transparency, investor protection and adherence to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.
It noted that information and experience gathered during the pilot phase would guide the development of detailed regulatory guidelines for the virtual asset industry.
These insights, the Commission said, would help finalise activity-based licensing guidelines provided under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act.
Once the guidelines are completed and published, the SEC will open the licensing and registration process to all eligible Virtual Asset Service Providers operating in the country.
The statement disclosed that a number of companies had already been admitted into the sandbox to help the Commission test and validate draft regulatory guidelines for the different licensing categories under the Act.
Among the firms participating in the programme are HanyPay and Africoin, which will pilot their virtual asset services under the supervision of the Commission.
The SEC said the participation of these companies would help refine the regulatory framework governing virtual asset operations while strengthening safeguards for investors and the financial system.
GHBUSS
March 11, 2026
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