Bahrain vs Lesotho
Crypto regulation comparison
Bahrain
Lesotho
Legal
No Regulation
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.
Lesotho has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. The central bank has not issued formal guidance on crypto.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)
Regulator
Central Bank of Lesotho
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under CBB crypto-asset module; stablecoin issuance requires CBB licensing
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
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 cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has not issued formal crypto guidance
- Part of the Common Monetary Area with South Africa
- Limited crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto services