Belgium vs Bahamas
Crypto regulation comparison
Belgium
Bahamas
Legal
Legal
Cryptocurrency is legal in Belgium and regulated under the EU's MiCA framework. Tax treatment depends on whether gains are considered normal management of private assets (tax-free), speculative (33% misc income), or professional income (progressive rates). The FSMA has banned distribution of crypto derivatives to consumers.
The Bahamas enacted the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges (DARE) Act in 2020, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework. The SCB oversees digital asset businesses. The Bahamas also launched the Sand Dollar CBDC.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0-33%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Authority)
Regulator
Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under DARE Act 2024; algorithmic stablecoins banned
Key Points
- Tax treatment depends on classification: normal portfolio management (0%), speculation (33%), or professional (up to 50%)
- FSMA banned advertising of crypto derivatives and certain crypto products to consumers in 2022
- VASPs must register with FSMA and comply with AML/KYC requirements
- MiCA regulation fully applicable from December 2024
- Belgium has a relatively active crypto community and blockchain ecosystem
Key Points
- DARE Act (2020) provides comprehensive regulation for digital assets and exchanges
- Securities Commission of the Bahamas licenses and supervises digital asset businesses
- No income tax, capital gains tax, or crypto-specific taxes
- Sand Dollar CBDC launched in 2020 as one of the world's first
- FTX collapse in 2022 led to enhanced scrutiny and regulatory updates