Egypt vs Oman
Crypto regulation comparison
Egypt
Oman
Egypt heavily restricts cryptocurrency. The Central Bank of Egypt prohibits banks from dealing in or facilitating crypto transactions, and a 2018 Dar al-Ifta fatwa declared crypto trading haram. However, Egypt's 2020 banking law created a framework that could eventually allow regulated crypto under CBE licensing.
Oman has moved to regulate cryptocurrency with the Capital Market Authority issuing a Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework in 2023. VASP licensing is being implemented, and Oman has attracted crypto mining operations due to its energy resources. There is no personal income or capital gains tax in Oman.
Key Points
- CBE prohibits banks and financial institutions from dealing in cryptocurrency
- Dar al-Ifta issued a 2018 religious ruling (fatwa) against crypto trading
- 2020 Central Bank and Banking Sector Law requires CBE approval for any crypto activity
- Creating or operating a crypto platform without CBE license is illegal
- Despite restrictions, Egypt has significant peer-to-peer crypto activity
Key Points
- CMA issued the Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework in 2023
- VASP licensing regime being implemented under CMA oversight
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Oman
- Oman has attracted large-scale crypto mining operations leveraging its energy sector
- CBO has issued warnings but not banned crypto for individuals