Argentina vs North Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Argentina
North Korea
Legal
Banned
Cryptocurrency is legal in Argentina and widely adopted due to persistent inflation and currency controls. The CNV regulates crypto service providers under a 2024 registration framework. Argentina has one of the highest crypto adoption rates globally, with stablecoins used as a hedge against peso devaluation.
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Tax Type
Income
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
5% (peso-denominated) / 15% (foreign currency)
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
CNV (Comisión Nacional de Valores), BCRA
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; USD-pegged stablecoins widely used informally
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Key Points
- CNV registered as the regulatory authority for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) under FATF guidelines
- Crypto gains taxed as income under the income tax law at progressive rates
- High adoption driven by inflation and capital controls on the Argentine peso
- Exchanges must register with the CNV and comply with AML/KYC requirements
- No legal tender status for crypto; the peso remains the only legal tender
Key Points
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians