Canada vs Central African Republic
Crypto regulation comparison
Canada
Central African Republic
Canada has a well-developed regulatory framework for cryptocurrency. Crypto trading platforms must register with provincial securities regulators through the CSA, and all crypto businesses must register as money services businesses (MSBs) with FINTRAC. Canada approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2021, ahead of most other countries.
The Central African Republic briefly adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2022 under the 'Sango' project, but this was struck down by the Constitutional Court. Crypto remains legal but the legal tender status was reversed.
Key Points
- Crypto trading platforms must register with CSA provincial regulators
- All crypto dealers must register as MSBs with FINTRAC for AML/KYC compliance
- 50% of capital gains are taxable; business income from crypto is fully taxable
- Canada approved spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in 2021, the first major country to do so
- CSA issued Staff Notice 21-327 on obligations for crypto trading platforms
Key Points
- Bitcoin was briefly adopted as legal tender in 2022 via the Sango Act
- Constitutional Court struck down the legal tender provision
- Crypto trading and holding remain legal
- BEAC opposed the Bitcoin legal tender move
- Sango crypto hub project launched but has faced significant challenges