Bahamas vs Laos
Crypto regulation comparison
Bahamas
Laos
Legal
Legal
The Bahamas enacted the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges (DARE) Act in 2020, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework. The SCB oversees digital asset businesses. The Bahamas also launched the Sand Dollar CBDC.
Laos authorized cryptocurrency mining and trading through a 2021 pilot program (PM Notification No. 1158). Six companies were initially licensed, growing to 15+ by 2023. Mining operations must be 100% Lao-owned and use at least 10MW from Électricité du Laos. Two crypto exchanges (LDX, Bitqik) registered with Bank of Lao PDR.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
15% on transaction fees
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB)
Regulator
Ministry of Technology and Communications, Bank of the Lao PDR
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under DARE Act 2024; algorithmic stablecoins banned
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; pilot covers BTC, ETH, LTC
Key Points
- DARE Act (2020) provides comprehensive regulation for digital assets and exchanges
- Securities Commission of the Bahamas licenses and supervises digital asset businesses
- No income tax, capital gains tax, or crypto-specific taxes
- Sand Dollar CBDC launched in 2020 as one of the world's first
- FTX collapse in 2022 led to enhanced scrutiny and regulatory updates
Key Points
- PM Notification No. 1158 (2021) authorized pilot crypto mining and trading
- Two licensed exchanges: LDX and Bitqik, registered with Bank of Lao PDR
- Mining leverages surplus hydroelectric power from Électricité du Laos
- Mining must be 100% Lao-owned; trading platforms require 51% Lao ownership
- 15% tax on transaction fees; M security deposit required for exchanges