Bahrain vs Cameroon
Crypto regulation comparison
Bahrain
Cameroon
Legal
Restricted
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.
Cameroon has no specific national cryptocurrency legislation. As a CEMAC member, COBAC issued a 2022 directive banning financial institutions from facilitating crypto transactions. BEAC opposes crypto regulation and does not recognize cryptocurrencies. Individual ownership is not explicitly banned but access via formal banking is restricted.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)
Regulator
BEAC (Bank of Central African States), COBAC
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under CBB crypto-asset module; stablecoin issuance requires CBB licensing
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — COBAC bans financial institutions from crypto transactions
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
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- COBAC 2022 directive bans banks and payment providers from facilitating crypto transactions
- BEAC firmly opposes cryptocurrency regulation in the CEMAC region
- Part of the CEMAC monetary zone with the CFA franc
- Nearly 900,000 crypto users in Cameroon despite restrictive banking environment