Casablanca – Morocco is taking a significant step toward modernizing its currency-exchange sector by allowing accredited operators to accept international bank cards for foreign-currency transactions. The Office des Changes, the national authority overseeing foreign-exchange operations, recently issued a circular introducing a new set of facilities aimed at streamlining services, enhancing security, and aligning the country’s exchange practices with international standards.

Under the new rules, authorized currency-exchange operators can now use Electronic Payment Terminals (EPTs) to carry out foreign-currency purchase operations with international bank cards. This enables customers—ranging from tourists and foreign visitors to members of Morocco’s diaspora—to exchange foreign currencies for Moroccan dirhams directly at exchange offices, without the need to withdraw cash beforehand. In addition, operators are permitted to provide clients with prepaid payment cards loaded with dirhams, ready for immediate use.

The Office des Changes emphasized that the new measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen the operational and technical framework of Morocco’s currency-exchange market. By adopting electronic and card-based solutions, the authority seeks to transition away from purely cash-based operations and toward more modern, secure, and traceable mechanisms. This move reflects the global trend of digital payments and demonstrates Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its financial services sector.

The initiative also addresses regulatory and compliance considerations. The circular specifically underlines adherence to anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) rules, in line with Recommendation 17 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Office des Changes stresses the importance of working with third-party partners who are subject to the same regulatory obligations and ensuring full traceability of all transactions carried out on behalf of clients. This regulatory focus aims to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes while maintaining public confidence in the exchange system.

For tourists, expatriates, and other foreign visitors, the changes simplify the process of obtaining local currency. Previously, exchanging foreign currencies often required withdrawing cash from banks or ATMs before approaching an exchange office. With the new system, international bank cards can be used directly at accredited exchange offices, reducing steps, saving time, and improving convenience. Moreover, the ability to issue prepaid dirham cards allows customers to carry digital funds safely, without the risks associated with cash.

The reforms are also expected to stimulate the currency-exchange sector itself. By introducing modern electronic payment options and expanding services to include prepaid card solutions, operators can attract a wider range of clients and offer more flexible and innovative financial services. This modernization is part of a larger trend within Morocco’s financial ecosystem, where authorities are promoting digital solutions and integrating the latest technological advancements into everyday financial operations.

From a strategic perspective, the Office des Changes’ initiative aligns with the country’s broader goals of financial transparency, operational efficiency, and secure transactions. By facilitating digital currency exchanges, Morocco strengthens its national compliance framework and supports the adoption of internationally recognized payment standards. The reforms also complement other ongoing efforts to digitize financial services, reduce reliance on cash, and make financial operations more transparent and accountable.

Morocco’s recent authorization for currency-exchange operators to accept international bank cards marks a milestone in the modernization of the sector. By combining regulatory compliance, secure electronic payments, and innovative service offerings such as prepaid dirham cards, the initiative benefits both consumers and financial operators. Tourists, expatriates, and local residents can now access currency-exchange services more conveniently and securely, while the national financial system gains in transparency, efficiency, and alignment with global best practices.