Afghanistan bans crypto nationwide; Taliban arrest 13 and close 20+ firms in Herat

Afghanistan’s central bank has imposed a nationwide crypto ban, with Taliban authorities reportedly arresting 13 people and shutting over 20 crypto businesses in Herat. The move underscores ongoing regulatory and enforcement risks in emerging markets, likely reducing local on/off-ramp activity and liquidity. While Afghanistan is not systemically important to global crypto flows, the headline reinforces policy uncertainty and compliance concerns.