Brunei vs Netherlands
Crypto regulation comparison
Brunei
Netherlands
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.
The Netherlands has one of Europe's strictest crypto regulatory regimes. DNB has overseen VASP registration since 2020 under the Dutch AML/CFT Act (Wwft), and many applications have been rejected. The Netherlands does not tax realized capital gains directly; instead, crypto holdings are taxed under the Box 3 wealth tax based on a deemed return on net assets. The AFM oversees market conduct. MiCA is now the governing framework.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Wealth
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
~1.2-1.6% (deemed return)
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB, formerly AMBD)
Regulator
DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank), AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten)
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework; DNB oversight
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
- DNB requires VASP registration under the Wwft (AML Act); rigorous approval process
- Only a limited number of VASPs have obtained DNB registration (many rejected or withdrawn)
- Crypto taxed under Box 3 wealth tax: deemed return on net assets taxed at ~31-36% (effective ~1.2-1.6%)
- AFM regulates crypto advertising and market conduct; banned crypto ads targeting retail in 2022
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024, transitioning from national DNB regime