China vs Netherlands
Crypto regulation comparison
China
Netherlands
Banned
Legal
China has imposed a comprehensive ban on cryptocurrency activities. In September 2021, the PBOC and ten other agencies jointly declared all cryptocurrency transactions illegal, and the State Council banned crypto mining. China is instead promoting the digital yuan (e-CNY) CBDC.
The Netherlands has one of Europe's strictest crypto regulatory regimes. DNB has overseen VASP registration since 2020 under the Dutch AML/CFT Act (Wwft), and many applications have been rejected. The Netherlands does not tax realized capital gains directly; instead, crypto holdings are taxed under the Box 3 wealth tax based on a deemed return on net assets. The AFM oversees market conduct. MiCA is now the governing framework.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Wealth
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
~1.2-1.6% (deemed return)
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
PBOC (People's Bank of China), CBIRC, CSRC
Regulator
DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank), AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten)
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable; all crypto activities are banned
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework; DNB oversight
Key Points
- All crypto transactions declared illegal by PBOC and 10 agencies in September 2021
- Crypto mining banned by the State Council in 2021 after a series of provincial crackdowns
- Financial institutions and payment companies prohibited from facilitating crypto services
- China actively developing and piloting the digital yuan (e-CNY) CBDC
- Despite the ban, some Chinese citizens reportedly access crypto via VPNs and OTC desks
Key Points
- DNB requires VASP registration under the Wwft (AML Act); rigorous approval process
- Only a limited number of VASPs have obtained DNB registration (many rejected or withdrawn)
- Crypto taxed under Box 3 wealth tax: deemed return on net assets taxed at ~31-36% (effective ~1.2-1.6%)
- AFM regulates crypto advertising and market conduct; banned crypto ads targeting retail in 2022
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024, transitioning from national DNB regime