Estonia vs Trinidad and Tobago
Crypto regulation comparison
Estonia
Trinidad and Tobago
Legal
Restricted
Estonia was an early mover in crypto regulation, offering licenses since 2017. However, a 2022 overhaul significantly tightened requirements, revoking hundreds of licenses and imposing stricter capital and compliance standards. Crypto gains are taxed at 20% (rising to 22% from 2025).
Trinidad and Tobago's crypto sector is largely unregulated. The Central Bank, TTSEC, and FIU jointly warned in 2019 that crypto providers are neither regulated nor supervised. A 2025 Virtual Assets Bill proposes banning crypto transactions until December 2027 with fines up to M TTD. Most banks block crypto purchases.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
20-22%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Finantsinspektsioon (EFSA), Rahapesu Andmebüroo (FIU)
Regulator
Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), TTSEC
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- Estonia issued crypto licenses since 2017 but drastically tightened rules in 2022
- Hundreds of crypto licenses were revoked in 2020-2022 due to AML concerns
- New requirements include higher share capital (€100,000-€250,000) and local management
- Crypto gains taxed at 20% personal income tax (22% from 2025)
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
Key Points
- Joint 2019 advisory: crypto providers neither regulated nor supervised
- Virtual Assets Bill 2025 proposes ban on crypto transactions until December 2027
- Most commercial banks block crypto-related transactions
- Proposed fines up to M TTD for unauthorized virtual asset activities
- TTSEC designated as primary regulator under proposed legislation