Bahrain vs Bahamas
Crypto regulation comparison
Bahrain
Bahamas
Legal
Legal
Bahrain is one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the Middle East. The Central Bank of Bahrain introduced a comprehensive crypto-asset regulatory framework in 2019, and there is no personal income or capital gains tax. Several major exchanges including Binance have obtained licenses.
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
No tax
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)
Regulator
Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under CBB crypto-asset module; stablecoin issuance requires CBB licensing
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under DARE Act 2024; algorithmic stablecoins banned
Key Points
- CBB Crypto-Asset Module provides a full regulatory framework for exchanges, custodians, and brokers
- No personal income tax or capital gains tax in Bahrain
- Licensed exchanges include Binance (CoinMENA), Rain, and others
- VASPs must meet AML/CFT requirements and obtain CBB licensing
- Bahrain positions itself as a regional fintech and crypto hub
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