Chile vs Panama
Crypto regulation comparison
Chile
Panama
Legal
Legal
Chile passed a Fintech Law (Ley 21,521) in January 2023, establishing a regulatory framework for crypto service providers. The CMF is developing implementing regulations for virtual asset platforms. Crypto gains are taxed under general income tax rules.
Panama passed Law 129 in 2024 regulating crypto assets, virtual asset service providers, and tokenized securities. Panama has no capital gains tax on foreign-sourced or investment income, making it attractive for crypto investors. The law provides a regulatory framework for exchanges and establishes AML/KYC obligations for VASPs.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0-40%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CMF (Comisión para el Mercado Financiero)
Regulator
SBP (Superintendencia de Bancos de Panamá), SMV
Stablecoin Rules
To be addressed under the Fintech Law implementing regulations
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- Fintech Law (Ley 21,521) passed in January 2023 covers crypto service providers
- CMF designated as regulator for crypto platforms under the new law
- Crypto exchanges must register and comply with AML/KYC requirements
- Capital gains on crypto taxed under general income tax at progressive rates up to 40%
- Chile has an active crypto market with exchanges like Buda.com operating since 2015
Key Points
- Law 129 (2024) regulates crypto assets and VASPs in Panama
- No capital gains tax on investment or foreign-sourced income (territorial tax system)
- VASPs must comply with AML/KYC requirements under the new framework
- Crypto payments for commercial transactions are permitted
- Panama's territorial tax system means crypto gains from international trading are untaxed