Bahrain vs Rwanda
Crypto regulation comparison
Bahrain
Rwanda
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.
Rwanda is developing a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework. The NBR and Capital Markets Authority are drafting a law requiring VASPs to obtain CMA licenses. The draft law prohibits crypto as legal tender, bans mining and crypto ATMs, and imposes fines up to 30M RWF and imprisonment for unlicensed operators.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)
Regulator
National Bank of Rwanda (NBR), Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under CBB crypto-asset module; stablecoin issuance requires CBB licensing
Stablecoin Rules
Draft law prohibits crypto as payment; mining and crypto ATMs 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
- Draft law requires VASPs to obtain licenses from Capital Markets Authority
- Crypto prohibited as legal tender or payment method under draft law
- Crypto mining, crypto ATMs, and mixer/tumbler services banned
- Penalties include fines up to 30M RWF and up to 5 years imprisonment
- Framework driven by FATF compliance on AML requirements