Crypto Regulation Philippines: What You Need to Know About Trading and Compliance

When it comes to crypto regulation Philippines, the rules set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that define which crypto activities are legal, which require licenses, and who can operate. Also known as Philippine cryptocurrency laws, these rules shape how millions of Filipinos buy, trade, and use digital assets every day. Unlike outright bans in some countries, the Philippines takes a licensed-exchange model — meaning you can trade crypto legally, but only through platforms approved by the central bank.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the central bank that issues licenses to crypto businesses and enforces anti-money laundering rules for digital assets. Also known as Philippine central bank, it requires all exchanges to register as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), submit KYC data, and keep reserves in local banks. This isn’t just paperwork — it’s a barrier. Only a handful of exchanges like Coins.ph and PDAX have passed the 150-day review process. Others? They’re operating in the gray. And if you’re using an unlicensed platform, you’re not just risking your money — you’re breaking the law.

What about individuals? Can you just hold Bitcoin or send USDT to a friend? Yes. The BSP doesn’t ban personal use. But if you’re running a business — even a small one — like accepting crypto for goods or running a local trading group, you need to be registered. That’s why you see so many Filipino traders using foreign exchanges like Binance or Kraken. They’re not illegal to use, but they’re not protected either. If the platform freezes your funds, the BSP can’t help you. That’s the trade-off: freedom without safety.

And it’s not just about exchanges. The BSP is watching DeFi, NFTs, and even crypto lending. In 2024, they warned that unlicensed lending platforms offering 20% APY on crypto deposits are likely illegal. They’ve also cracked down on fake airdrops that ask for your seed phrase — a tactic scammers use to steal from Filipinos who trust the hype. If you’re in the Philippines and you’re new to crypto, you need to know this: crypto regulation Philippines isn’t about stopping innovation — it’s about stopping fraud.

There’s a reason why Thai and Namibian crypto rules show up in our posts — because the Philippines isn’t alone. Countries everywhere are trying to balance control with adoption. But here, it’s personal. For many Filipinos, crypto isn’t speculation — it’s a way to send money home, save against inflation, or earn in a job market that doesn’t pay enough. The rules are evolving, and the people using crypto are adapting faster than the regulators. What you’ll find in the posts below are real cases: which exchanges are licensed, which airdrops are scams, and how to spot a fake crypto platform before you lose everything.