Albania vs Belgium
Crypto regulation comparison
Albania
Belgium
Albania adopted Law No. 66/2020 on Financial Markets Based on Distributed Ledger Technology, establishing a comprehensive licensing framework for crypto activities. The AMF and AKSHI jointly supervise. A 2022 licensing regime allows five types of DLT licenses. Crypto profits taxed at 15% capital gains; mining income taxed at 0-23%.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Belgium and regulated under the EU's MiCA framework. Tax treatment depends on whether gains are considered normal management of private assets (tax-free), speculative (33% misc income), or professional income (progressive rates). The FSMA has banned distribution of crypto derivatives to consumers.
Key Points
- Law on Financial Markets Based on DLT adopted in 2020
- Five types of DLT licenses: exchange, agent, custody, collective investment, innovative service
- Crypto profits taxed at 15% capital gains; mining at 0-23% income rates
- AML/KYC requirements apply to crypto service providers
- Albania remains on FATF grey list for AML/CFT monitoring
Key Points
- Tax treatment depends on classification: normal portfolio management (0%), speculation (33%), or professional (up to 50%)
- FSMA banned advertising of crypto derivatives and certain crypto products to consumers in 2022
- VASPs must register with FSMA and comply with AML/KYC requirements
- MiCA regulation fully applicable from December 2024
- Belgium has a relatively active crypto community and blockchain ecosystem