Brunei vs Hong Kong
Crypto regulation comparison
Brunei
Hong Kong
Restricted
Legal
Brunei has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The BDCB (formerly AMBD) stated in 2017 that crypto is not legal tender and not regulated, warning the public about risks. Crypto is not banned but has no legal protection. No tax guidelines address crypto specifically.
Hong Kong has positioned itself as a major crypto hub in Asia with a comprehensive licensing regime. The SFC implemented a mandatory licensing framework for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) effective June 2023. Hong Kong has no capital gains tax, making it attractive for crypto investors and businesses.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB, formerly AMBD)
Regulator
SFC (Securities and Futures Commission), HKMA
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
HKMA developing a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers under a 2024 bill
Key Points
- BDCB stated in 2017 that crypto is not legal tender and not regulated
- Crypto not recognized as legal tender
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Financial institutions discouraged from dealing in crypto
- No tax guidelines specifically address cryptocurrency
Key Points
- Mandatory VATP licensing regime under the AMLO effective June 1, 2023
- No capital gains tax in Hong Kong; profits tax applies only to business profits
- SFC approved spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs for retail investors in April 2024
- HKMA consulting on stablecoin issuer licensing under a dedicated bill
- Hong Kong actively competes with Singapore as Asia's leading crypto hub