The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) continues to develop the regulatory framework for electronic payments as digital financial services expand across the Egyptian market.
New rules governing the licensing and registration of payment system operators and payment service providers establish clearer requirements for companies operating in the payments sector and for entities seeking to enter the market.
The framework is based on the provisions of Egypt’s Central Bank and Banking System Law No. 194 of 2020 and covers payment services provided within the Egyptian market.
What Services Are Covered?#
The regulatory framework covers a broad range of payment activities, including payment execution and money transfers, deposits and withdrawals from payment accounts, the issuance of payment instruments, electronic acceptance channels, and certain payment initiation and account information services.
The wide scope of the framework reflects the growing role of digital payments in Egypt’s financial and commercial activity.
Licensing and Regulatory Requirements#
The rules establish procedures for obtaining preliminary approval and licenses, along with requirements concerning documentation, minimum capital, financial guarantees, licensing amendments, and regulatory inspection fees.
The CBE is also responsible for licensing payment system operators and payment service providers and monitoring their compliance with regulatory requirements, risks, and potentially harmful practices within the payment ecosystem.
Stronger Governance and Internal Controls#
Regulatory developments have also extended beyond licensing.
In September 2025, the CBE introduced governance and internal control requirements, together with fit-and-proper standards for key officials at payment institutions.
These requirements address the responsibilities of boards of directors and executive management, while strengthening the independence of internal audit, compliance, and risk-management functions.
They also establish standards relating to experience, competence, integrity, and conflicts of interest for key officials.
What Does This Mean for Payment Companies?#
The regulatory framework represents an important development for companies providing electronic payment services or planning to enter Egypt’s digital payments market.
Companies are increasingly required to look beyond technology and payment solutions alone. Regulatory compliance, governance, risk management, data protection, and operational controls are becoming integral parts of the business model.
A clearer licensing and supervisory framework can also contribute to greater confidence among businesses and consumers using digital payment services.
Analytical Perspective#
The significance of these developments goes beyond licensing. They reflect the transition of Egypt’s electronic payments market from a phase primarily focused on technological expansion toward a more mature environment built around regulation, governance, risk management, and oversight.
As digital wallets, electronic payments, and instant payment services become more widely used, protecting customer funds and data while managing operational risks becomes increasingly important to the stability of the financial ecosystem.
At the same time, regulatory development is moving alongside technological infrastructure. In February 2026, the CBE officially launched contactless payment acceptance through smartphones and smart devices using Soft POS technology, allowing compatible devices to function as electronic payment acceptance points.
This creates two parallel tracks for the development of Egypt’s digital payments market: advancing payment technology while strengthening the regulatory and supervisory framework surrounding it.
