The General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council have officially issued the "Regulations on Integrity in Professional Practice for State-Owned Enterprise Leaders," establishing a stricter framework for corporate governance. This new directive explicitly prohibits executives within state-owned enterprises (SOEs) from accepting or soliciting various forms of property, specifically including virtual currency. The move represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to regulate the intersection of digital assets and public office, ensuring that leaders remain free from financial influence or corruption related to the blockchain sector.
New Legal Restrictions on Digital Asset Transfers
According to a report by the People's Daily on March 24, 2026, Article 7 of the newly released regulations details the specific prohibitions regarding the abuse of power for personal gain. The mandate prohibits leaders from accepting assets from affiliated enterprises, business partners, or entities under their direct management. The scope of prohibited property includes:
- Cash and traditional securities
- Virtual currency (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins)
- Gifts and other tangible or intangible property
- Promises of future property transfers post-retirement
By specifically naming virtual currency alongside traditional cash and securities, the Chinese authorities are acknowledging the increasing role of digital tokens as a medium for value transfer. This policy ensures that the anonymity or borderless nature of certain cryptocurrencies cannot be utilized to bypass existing anti-corruption measures within the state-owned enterprise sector.
Maintaining Integrity and Post-Retirement Compliance
The regulations extend beyond active service, closing potential loopholes regarding deferred compensation. Leaders are barred from agreeing to receive virtual assets or other financial benefits after leaving their positions or entering retirement. This comprehensive approach aims to prevent "revolving door" influence-peddling where favors granted during a leader's tenure are rewarded with digital assets at a later date.
"Leaders of state-owned enterprises shall not seek personal gain by abusing their power or position, including not accepting or soliciting gifts, cash, securities, virtual currency, or other property", the regulation states.
The inclusion of blockchain-based assets in these integrity regulations highlights a growing global trend where governments are updating legal frameworks to keep pace with financial technology. For the cryptocurrency market, this reinforces a strict regulatory environment in China, where the focus remains on preventing the use of decentralized finance (DeFi) tools for illicit activities or the subversion of institutional transparency. This policy update is expected to further standardize the behavior of SOE officials and clarify the legal boundaries regarding digital asset possession for individuals in high-ranking public positions.
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