China enacts sweeping ban on crypto promotion online

China has imposed strict new rules banning online crypto promotion, restricting financial marketing to licensed entities, and targeting influencers. The regulations take effect September 30, 2026, with severe penalties for violations.

China has introduced sweeping new regulations that tighten restrictions on online financial marketing, with a strong focus on banning cryptocurrency promotion. The "Administrative Measures for Online Marketing of Financial Products," signed by eight regulatory bodies including the central bank, will take effect on September 30, 2026. These rules prohibit the promotion, issuance, and trading of virtual currencies, classifying such activities as illegal financial conduct. Only licensed financial institutions and authorized third-party platforms are allowed to market financial products online. The regulations also target financial influencers, banning all forms of crypto advertising and promotional content. Strict penalties, including fines and account bans, will be imposed for violations. These measures reinforce China’s previous bans on cryptocurrency transactions and extend regulatory oversight to digital platforms, intermediaries, and content creators, aiming to eliminate unregulated digital asset promotions.