Jordan Draft AML Law Expands Crypto Oversight and Asset Recovery Powers

Jordan has published a draft amendment to its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Law, proposing changes to 29 articles of the existing 2021 legislation. The amendments cover virtual assets, asset recovery, beneficial ownership, financial investigations, and the supervision of reporting entities.

The draft was published for public consultation on September 20, 2026, with comments invited until September 30. The proposed measures would update Jordan’s existing AML/CFT framework if adopted.

Virtual assets brought into the AML framework

A significant proposal would formally bring virtual asset and crypto service providers within the reporting-entity framework.

Under the draft, these businesses would be subject to AML/CFT obligations including customer due diligence and risk assessment. The move would extend preventive controls to virtual-asset activity and address risks associated with cross-border transfers and the movement of illicit funds.

Stronger asset recovery powers

The draft proposes a comprehensive framework covering the identification, tracing, valuation, freezing, seizure, and confiscation of criminal assets.

Public prosecutors would receive expanded powers to investigate suspected illicit funds and assets, including property whose value appears disproportionate to a person’s legitimate income. Courts could also order confiscation of unexplained wealth connected to criminal conduct, subject to the conditions established under the proposed law.

Expanded financial crime investigations

The proposed amendments would permit specialized investigative techniques, including undercover operations, interception of communications, access to computer systems, and controlled deliveries, where authorized through written judicial orders.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) would also receive enhanced powers, including the ability to temporarily halt suspicious transactions for up to 10 business days and access national databases through formal cooperation arrangements.

Cash restrictions and wider AML controls

The draft would allow the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing to recommend limits on cash payments for specified goods and services or require electronic payments, subject to Cabinet approval. The proposal does not establish a universal cash-payment threshold.

It would also introduce stronger beneficial-ownership transparency and risk-based supervision for certain nonprofit organizations, alongside measures addressing terrorist-financing risks.

What the proposed changes mean for compliance teams

If adopted, the amendments could affect virtual asset providers and other reporting entities operating in Jordan. Compliance teams should monitor the consultation process and assess controls covering CDD, risk assessment, beneficial ownership, transaction monitoring, suspicious transaction reporting, and asset tracing.

As the legislation remains in draft form, businesses should distinguish between requirements currently in force and measures that could apply if the amendments are enacted.

Jordan’s proposed reforms indicate a broader focus on bringing virtual assets within the AML/CFT perimeter while strengthening financial intelligence, investigative capabilities, and the recovery of criminal proceeds.