NBE Issues Public Warning Against Unauthorized Money Transfer Operators

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued a fresh public warning against the use of unlicensed Money Transfer Agents (MTAs) and illegal Hawala networks, naming seventeen operators that are not authorised to provide remittance services to Ethiopia. In a public notice dated 28 August 2026, the central bank cautioned all customers, members of the Ethiopian diaspora, and the general public to exercise vigilance and use only authorised remittance channels when sending or receiving funds. The NBE emphasised that transacting through unauthorised money transfer agents and illegal Hawala operators may result in financial loss, delays in payment, account restrictions, and legal and regulatory action against both senders and recipients, including family members receiving funds. The NBE has explicitly stated that funds transferred through such channels are at risk of confiscation on money laundering grounds.

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