Australia vs Belarus
Crypto regulation comparison
Australia
Belarus
Cryptocurrency is legal and well-regulated in Australia. AUSTRAC oversees AML/CTF compliance for exchanges, ASIC handles consumer protection, and the ATO treats crypto as property for tax purposes. Australia has been developing a comprehensive licensing framework for digital asset platforms.
Belarus legalized cryptocurrency through Decree No. 8 (2017), creating a favorable environment in the Hi-Tech Park special economic zone. As of 2025, crypto transactions via HTP residents remain tax-exempt, while transactions on foreign platforms are taxed at 13%. A crypto bank framework was introduced in 2026.
Key Points
- Digital currency exchanges must register with AUSTRAC and comply with AML/CTF Act
- ATO treats cryptocurrency as a CGT asset; holding for 12+ months qualifies for 50% discount
- ASIC regulates crypto products that qualify as financial products under the Corporations Act
- Treasury released a token mapping consultation in 2023 to classify digital assets
- Proposed licensing regime for digital asset platforms under development
Key Points
- Decree No. 8 'On the Development of the Digital Economy' legalized crypto in 2017
- Income from crypto via HTP residents and mining remains tax-exempt; 13% tax on foreign platform transactions since 2025
- Crypto exchanges and businesses must operate through Hi-Tech Park residency
- Mining is legal and considered a business activity
- HTP preferential regime extended until 2049; crypto bank framework introduced in 2026