Colombia vs Cambodia
Crypto regulation comparison
Colombia
Cambodia
Cryptocurrency is legal in Colombia but not recognized as legal tender or currency. The SFC has run regulatory sandbox programs for crypto-financial services, and exchanges operate under general business registration. Colombia has high crypto adoption, particularly for remittances and as an inflation hedge.
Cambodia has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. The National Bank of Cambodia prohibits banks and financial institutions from dealing in crypto, and unlicensed crypto businesses are illegal. However, the government has shown interest in blockchain technology and launched Bakong, a CBDC-like payment system.
Key Points
- Crypto is legal but not recognized as currency or legal tender
- SFC operates regulatory sandboxes allowing banks to partner with crypto exchanges
- DIAN (tax authority) requires reporting and taxation of crypto gains as part of general income
- Colombia ranks among the top 20 countries globally in crypto adoption
- No comprehensive crypto-specific legislation yet; regulation evolving
Key Points
- NBC issued a 2018 directive prohibiting banks from dealing in cryptocurrency
- Unlicensed crypto exchanges and trading platforms are banned
- Bakong digital payment system launched in 2020 using blockchain technology
- SERC (Securities and Exchange Regulator) has discussed regulating crypto as digital assets
- Despite restrictions, peer-to-peer crypto usage remains significant