Congo (Democratic Republic) vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Congo (Democratic Republic)
El Salvador
The BCC has explicitly banned cryptocurrencies in the DRC. Bitcoin and all virtual currencies are neither regulated nor authorized. The BCC has warned against pyramid schemes using crypto.
El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender through the Bitcoin Law. However, under a January 2025 IMF agreement (Decreto 199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles. There is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin. The CNAD regulates digital assets.
Key Points
- BCC explicitly prohibits all cryptocurrency activity
- Virtual currencies are neither regulated nor authorized to operate
- BCC warns of high risks of cybercrime and money laundering
- Unauthorized crypto investment schemes have been shut down
- No licensing framework exists for crypto service providers
Key Points
- First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 via the Bitcoin Law
- Government developed the Chivo wallet for citizens, offering $30 USD in BTC incentive
- January 2025 Decreto 199 made merchant Bitcoin acceptance voluntary (IMF condition)
- No capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions for individuals
- Government has been accumulating Bitcoin reserves and launched Bitcoin-backed bonds