Bahrain vs Marshall Islands
Crypto regulation comparison
Bahrain
Marshall Islands
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 Marshall Islands passed the Sovereign Currency Act in 2018 to create the SOV, a blockchain-based national digital currency. No income or capital gains tax.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)
Regulator
Banking Commission of the Marshall Islands
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under CBB crypto-asset module; stablecoin issuance requires CBB licensing
Stablecoin Rules
No specific 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
- Sovereign Currency Act (2018) created SOV digital currency
- No income or capital gains tax
- Has been a popular jurisdiction for DAO registration
- Banking Commission provides oversight
- Limited domestic crypto adoption