Cuba vs Malta
Crypto regulation comparison
Cuba
Malta
Legal
Legal
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.
Malta positioned itself as the 'Blockchain Island' with the 2018 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, one of the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks. The MFSA licenses VFA service providers and oversees ICOs. Long-term crypto holdings are generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals, while trading profits may be taxed as income.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
0-35%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Banco Central de Cuba (BCC)
Regulator
MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority)
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MFSA VFA framework and EU MiCA
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
- Virtual Financial Assets Act (2018) provides a comprehensive licensing framework
- MFSA licenses VFA exchanges, brokers, custodians, and portfolio managers
- Long-term crypto holdings generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals
- Day trading profits may be taxed as business income at progressive rates up to 35%
- Transitioning to EU MiCA framework from December 2024