Afghanistan vs Bahrain
Crypto regulation comparison
Afghanistan
Bahrain
Banned
Legal
Afghanistan effectively banned cryptocurrency in August 2022 under Taliban rule, declaring crypto 'haram' (forbidden). Authorities shut down 16 crypto exchanges in Herat and arrested traders. In 2024, enforcement intensified with provincial bans and public denouncements. Underground P2P trading persists despite the crackdown.
Bahrain is one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the Middle East. The Central Bank of Bahrain introduced a comprehensive crypto-asset regulatory framework in 2019, and there is no personal income or capital gains tax. Several major exchanges including Binance have obtained licenses.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Da Afghanistan Bank (Taliban administration)
Regulator
CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under CBB crypto-asset module; stablecoin issuance requires CBB licensing
Key Points
- Taliban banned crypto in August 2022, declaring it haram (forbidden)
- 16 crypto exchanges shut down in Herat; traders arrested
- 2024 provincial bans with public loudspeaker campaigns against crypto
- Crypto was used during the 2021 transition period for fund transfers
- Underground P2P trading persists for remittances despite ban
Key Points
- CBB Crypto-Asset Module provides a full regulatory framework for exchanges, custodians, and brokers
- No personal income tax or capital gains tax in Bahrain
- Licensed exchanges include Binance (CoinMENA), Rain, and others
- VASPs must meet AML/CFT requirements and obtain CBB licensing
- Bahrain positions itself as a regional fintech and crypto hub