Australia vs Vanuatu
Crypto regulation comparison
Australia
Vanuatu
Legal
Legal
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.
Vanuatu has become a popular jurisdiction for crypto businesses due to its tax-free environment. The VFSC has developed a regulatory framework for digital assets.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0-45%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
ASIC, AUSTRAC, ATO
Regulator
Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Stablecoin Rules
Stablecoins to be regulated under proposed payments framework legislation
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- VFSC regulates digital asset businesses
- No income, corporate, or capital gains tax
- Popular jurisdiction for crypto business registration
- Citizenship by investment program exists
- Developing digital asset regulatory framework