Barbados vs Botswana
Crypto regulation comparison
Barbados
Botswana
Legal
Legal
Barbados has a favorable environment for cryptocurrency. With no income or capital gains tax, crypto activities are not specifically taxed. The Financial Services Commission oversees financial markets. Barbados has been exploring blockchain for government services.
Botswana passed the Virtual Assets Act in 2022, first African country to issue crypto licenses. NBFIRA supervises VASPs. 4 licensed entities as of 2024. Penalties up to P250,000 or 5 years imprisonment.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Central Bank of Barbados, Financial Services Commission
Regulator
Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- No income tax or capital gains tax applies to crypto
- Financial Services Commission provides general oversight of financial markets
- Government has explored blockchain for land registry and identity services
- Crypto businesses operate under general financial services regulations
- Growing fintech sector with interest in digital asset innovation
Key Points
- Virtual Assets Act enacted in 2022, effective Feb 22, 2022
- First African country to issue crypto licenses via NBFIRA
- 4 licensed VASPs as of December 2024
- Bank of Botswana assesses domestic crypto risks as minimal
- Unregistered crypto dealers face fines up to P250,000 or imprisonment