Brunei vs Malaysia
Crypto regulation comparison
Brunei
Malaysia
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.
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Malaysia. The Securities Commission oversees digital asset exchanges (DAX) and initial exchange offerings under the Capital Markets and Services (Prescription of Securities) Order 2019. Only SC-approved exchanges can operate. Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax on crypto for individuals, though frequent trading may be classified as business income.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB, formerly AMBD)
Regulator
SC (Securities Commission Malaysia), BNM (Bank Negara Malaysia)
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Digital assets on approved exchanges only; stablecoins not separately regulated
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
- Digital asset exchanges must be registered and approved by the Securities Commission
- Only approved tokens can be listed on registered exchanges (e.g., BTC, ETH, XRP on approved list)
- No capital gains tax for individuals; frequent trading may be treated as business income
- BNM regulates crypto for AML/CFT purposes under the Anti-Money Laundering Act
- IEOs must be conducted through SC-approved platforms