Bahrain vs Moldova
Crypto regulation comparison
Bahrain
Moldova
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.
Moldova currently has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The National Bank warns that virtual currencies are unregulated and user funds are not protected. Ownership and trading are legal but use as payment is prohibited. Moldova plans to introduce its first crypto law by 2026, aligned with EU MiCA regulation, including a 12% tax on crypto profits.
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
- Virtual currencies not regulated; user funds not protected per NBM warning
- Ownership and trading legal; use as payment prohibited
- First crypto law planned by 2026, aligned with EU MiCA regulation
- Planned 12% tax on crypto transaction profits
- Law being drafted jointly by Finance Ministry, NBM, and AML authority