Bolivia vs North Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Bolivia
North Korea
Bolivia reversed its 2014 cryptocurrency ban in June 2024, when the Central Bank issued a resolution allowing the use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets through authorized financial channels. The move was driven by the need for alternative payment mechanisms amid dollar shortages.
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Key Points
- Bolivia banned crypto in 2014 via BCB Resolution 044/2014
- Ban was lifted in June 2024 via new BCB resolution permitting crypto transactions
- Reversal motivated by acute US dollar shortages in the country
- Regulatory framework for VASPs is still being developed
- Tax treatment of crypto remains largely unclear under Bolivian tax law
Key Points
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians