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United Arab Emirates vs Philippines

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | United Arab Emirates | Philippines
United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Philippines

Philippines

Legal
Legal

The UAE has become a global crypto hub with multiple regulatory frameworks. Dubai's VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), established in 2022, is the world's first dedicated crypto regulator and licenses exchanges, brokers, and other VASPs. Abu Dhabi's ADGM regulates crypto through the FSRA. The federal SCA also oversees crypto at the national level. The UAE has no personal income or capital gains tax. Major global exchanges (Binance, Bybit, OKX, Crypto.com) have obtained UAE licenses.

The Philippines is one of the largest crypto markets in Southeast Asia. The BSP licenses Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under Circular 1108 (2021), and the SEC regulates crypto as securities where applicable. The Philippines saw massive adoption through play-to-earn games (Axie Infinity) and remittances. Crypto income is taxed at progressive income tax rates.

Tax Type None
Tax Type Income
Tax Rate 0%
Tax Rate 0-35%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator VARA (Dubai), ADGM/FSRA (Abu Dhabi), SCA (Federal), CBUAE
Regulator BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC Philippines
Stablecoin Rules VARA regulates stablecoins in Dubai; ADGM has separate framework
Stablecoin Rules BSP regulates virtual asset service providers including stablecoin operations
Key Points
  • VARA (Dubai) — world's first standalone virtual asset regulator; comprehensive licensing framework
  • ADGM/FSRA (Abu Dhabi) — separate regulatory framework for digital assets in the financial free zone
  • No personal income tax or capital gains tax in the UAE
  • 9% corporate tax (from 2023) may apply to crypto businesses but not individual investors
  • Major exchanges licensed: Binance, Bybit, OKX, Crypto.com, BitOasis
Key Points
  • BSP Circular 1108 (2021) provides comprehensive VASP licensing framework
  • BSP has licensed major exchanges including Coins.ph and PDAX
  • SEC Philippines regulates crypto securities and has issued warnings on unregistered offerings
  • Crypto income taxed at progressive rates (0-35%); 12% VAT may apply to exchanges
  • Play-to-earn gaming (Axie Infinity) drove massive adoption, especially in rural areas
Sources
Sources