Argentina vs Laos
Crypto regulation comparison
Argentina
Laos
Legal
Legal
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.
Laos authorized cryptocurrency mining and trading through a 2021 pilot program (PM Notification No. 1158). Six companies were initially licensed, growing to 15+ by 2023. Mining operations must be 100% Lao-owned and use at least 10MW from Électricité du Laos. Two crypto exchanges (LDX, Bitqik) registered with Bank of Lao PDR.
Tax Type
Income
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
5% (peso-denominated) / 15% (foreign currency)
Tax Rate
15% on transaction fees
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CNV (Comisión Nacional de Valores), BCRA
Regulator
Ministry of Technology and Communications, Bank of the Lao PDR
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; USD-pegged stablecoins widely used informally
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; pilot covers BTC, ETH, LTC
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
- PM Notification No. 1158 (2021) authorized pilot crypto mining and trading
- Two licensed exchanges: LDX and Bitqik, registered with Bank of Lao PDR
- Mining leverages surplus hydroelectric power from Électricité du Laos
- Mining must be 100% Lao-owned; trading platforms require 51% Lao ownership
- 15% tax on transaction fees; M security deposit required for exchanges