Argentina vs Sri Lanka
Crypto regulation comparison
Argentina
Sri Lanka
Legal
Restricted
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.
Sri Lanka has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The CBSL has issued multiple warnings (2018, 2021, 2022, 2023) about crypto risks and has not authorized any entity to operate crypto exchanges, mining, or advisory services. Use of debit/credit cards for crypto is prohibited under the Foreign Exchange Act. The SEC has been discussed as a potential future regulator.
Tax Type
Income
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
5% (peso-denominated) / 15% (foreign currency)
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CNV (Comisión Nacional de Valores), BCRA
Regulator
Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Securities and Exchange Commission
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; USD-pegged stablecoins widely used informally
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
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
- CBSL has issued repeated warnings about crypto risks (2018, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- No entity authorized to operate crypto exchanges, mining, or advisory services
- Use of debit/credit cards for crypto prohibited under Foreign Exchange Act
- CBSL requested criminal proceedings against crypto pyramid schemes
- SEC discussed as potential future regulatory authority for digital assets