Cuba vs Iran
Crypto regulation comparison
Cuba
Iran
Legal
Restricted
Cuba's Central Bank issued Resolution 215/2021 recognizing virtual assets and establishing a licensing framework for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The BCC evaluates and grants one-year licenses to VASPs. US sanctions limit access to international platforms but domestic crypto use is formally regulated.
Iran has a complex stance on cryptocurrency. Crypto mining is legal and licensed by the Ministry of Industry, but using crypto for domestic payments is banned by the CBI. The government has explored using crypto for international trade to circumvent sanctions. Mining operations are periodically shut down during energy shortages.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Banco Central de Cuba (BCC)
Regulator
CBI (Central Bank of Iran), Ministry of Industry
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable; crypto payments and trading domestically restricted
Key Points
- Resolution 215 (2021) allows central bank to license virtual asset service providers
- Central Bank licenses virtual asset service providers under Resolution 215
- VASPs must comply with AML/KYC requirements and report to the central bank
- US sanctions significantly limit access to international crypto platforms
- Government agencies may not use virtual assets without BCC authorization
Key Points
- Crypto mining is legal and licensed by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade
- CBI bans using crypto as a domestic payment method
- Licensed miners must sell mined crypto to the CBI or authorized exporters
- Government has explored crypto for sanctions evasion in international trade
- Mining farms periodically shut down during summer/winter energy demand peaks