Macau establishes digital currency as legal tender

New legal regime also introduces a penalty system for refusing notes and coins

Macao city skyline
Stefan Magdalinski

A new law regulating Macau’s currency issuance has come into effect, giving digital currency the same legal status as traditional money in the Chinese special administrative region.

The new legal framework, proposed by the Macau government, became effective on September 1, after being approved by the SAR’s legislative assembly in June. It replaces the old regime set up in 1995, when the territory was still a colony of Portugal.

Authorities have said it was necessary to update the law to

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@centralbanking.com or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.centralbanking.com/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@centralbanking.com to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Central Banking? View our subscription options

Register for Central Banking

All fields are mandatory unless otherwise highlighted

This address will be used to create your account

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Central Banking account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account

.