Cameroon vs Singapore
Crypto regulation comparison
Cameroon
Singapore
Cameroon has no specific national cryptocurrency legislation. As a CEMAC member, COBAC issued a 2022 directive banning financial institutions from facilitating crypto transactions. BEAC opposes crypto regulation and does not recognize cryptocurrencies. Individual ownership is not explicitly banned but access via formal banking is restricted.
Singapore is a leading global crypto hub with a comprehensive regulatory framework under the Payment Services Act (PSA) 2019, amended in 2022. MAS licenses Digital Payment Token (DPT) service providers for AML/KYC compliance and consumer protection. Singapore has no capital gains tax, making it attractive for crypto businesses and investors. However, MAS has progressively tightened retail investor protections, restricting crypto advertising and requiring risk warnings. Short term trading gains is considered income and taxed as such.
Key Points
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- COBAC 2022 directive bans banks and payment providers from facilitating crypto transactions
- BEAC firmly opposes cryptocurrency regulation in the CEMAC region
- Part of the CEMAC monetary zone with the CFA franc
- Nearly 900,000 crypto users in Cameroon despite restrictive banking environment
Key Points
- Payment Services Act (PSA) 2019 provides licensing for Digital Payment Token (DPT) services
- MAS issues Major Payment Institution (MPI) and Standard Payment Institution (SPI) licenses for crypto
- No capital gains tax on crypto for individuals; trading profits may be taxed if deemed business income
- MAS introduced stablecoin regulatory framework in August 2023 for SG$-pegged stablecoins
- Strict retail investor protection: crypto advertising restricted, no incentives for trading
Sources
- MAS - Guidelines on Licensing for DTSPs
- MAS - DPT Services Regulated in Singapore
- IRAS - Income Tax Treatment of Digital Tokens
- MAS - Strengthens Regulatory Measures for DPT
- MAS - Expands Scope of Regulated Payment Services
- MAS - Measures to Reduce Risks from Crypto Trading
- MAS - Regulatory Regime for Digital Token Service Providers