Canada vs Kuwait
Crypto regulation comparison
Canada
Kuwait
Legal
Restricted
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.
Kuwait has taken a restrictive approach to cryptocurrency. The Central Bank of Kuwait and the Capital Markets Authority have prohibited banks and financial institutions from processing crypto transactions. There is no licensing framework for crypto exchanges. However, owning crypto is not explicitly illegal, and there is no personal income tax in Kuwait, so no crypto-specific tax applies.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0-26.76%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CSA, FINTRAC, OSC, AMF
Regulator
CBK (Central Bank of Kuwait), CMA
Stablecoin Rules
CSA guidance requires stablecoins to maintain adequate reserves; value-referenced crypto assets regulated
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- CBK prohibits banks and financial institutions from dealing in virtual currencies
- No licensing framework exists for crypto exchanges or VASPs
- Personal ownership of crypto is not explicitly criminalized
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Kuwait applies to crypto
- CMA has warned investors about the risks of cryptocurrency