Colombia vs Venezuela
Crypto regulation comparison
Colombia
Venezuela
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.
Venezuela has a unique crypto history. The government launched the Petro (PTR) state cryptocurrency in 2018, backed by oil reserves, though it was widely considered a failure and discontinued. SUNACRIP regulates crypto activities and has licensed mining operations. Venezuelans have high crypto adoption due to hyperinflation, with USDT widely used as a de facto currency. Crypto mining requires a SUNACRIP license.
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
- SUNACRIP regulates crypto exchanges, mining, and service providers
- Government-backed Petro cryptocurrency launched in 2018, largely discontinued
- Crypto mining requires SUNACRIP license and registration
- Very high crypto adoption driven by hyperinflation; USDT widely used
- Income from crypto subject to progressive tax rates up to 34%