This Communist country will regulate and recognise cryptocurrencies as demand grows for the digital currency

As the popularity of cryptocurrency continues to gain speed in across the world, Cuba says that it will officially recognise and regulate crypto payments.

The central bank says that it will set rules and determine how to license providers in the space. The state cited “reasons of socioeconomic interest” are behind the decision.

The move could help the Communist nation circumvent American sanctions which were enacted by former president Trump.

The decision to recognise crypto marks a historic moment

“It’s historic that they are embracing it,” Boaz Sobrado told CNBC. Sobrado is a London-based fintech data analyst, who spent four years working in crypto in Cuba.

“This is a conservative government still set in traditional Marxist ways. In fact, the communist Cuban central bank was founded by Che Guevara. The fact that they are cautiously regulating shows they are interested in what it can bring them,” Boaz said.

US-Cuba relations

Current US president Joe Biden is yet to reverse the restrictions, despite expectations that he would normalise relations with the country.

Instead, Biden has cracked down even further following government retaliation to protests in Cuba.

The state has assured that it will be keeping a tight control of crypto transactions within its borders. It also has explicitly outlined that crypto will not be used to facilitate illegal activity.

Want to find out more about Crypto? Hear the latest from our resident experts on Ticker Crypto