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United Kingdom vs Iceland

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | United Kingdom | Iceland
United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Iceland

Iceland

Legal
Legal

The UK has an evolving and increasingly comprehensive crypto regulatory framework. The FCA registers crypto firms for AML/CFT compliance and has imposed strict financial promotion rules requiring risk warnings and banning incentives. HMRC treats crypto as property subject to Capital Gains Tax (10% basic rate, 20% higher rate, with £3,000 annual exemption from 2024/25). The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 brought crypto assets into the UK regulatory perimeter, and HM Treasury is developing rules for a full crypto regime including exchange licensing, stablecoin regulation, and a potential UK CBDC ('Britcoin').

Cryptocurrency is legal in Iceland and subject to a 22% capital gains tax. Iceland is a major crypto mining destination due to abundant geothermal and hydroelectric energy. As an EEA member, Iceland follows EU financial regulations including MiCA through EEA incorporation.

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 18-24%
Tax Rate 22%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), HMRC, Bank of England
Regulator FME (Fjármálaeftirlitið / Financial Supervisory Authority), Central Bank of Iceland
Stablecoin Rules Stablecoin regulation under Financial Services and Markets Act 2023; fiat-backed stablecoins to be regulated by FCA
Stablecoin Rules No specific stablecoin regulation; follows EEA guidelines
Key Points
  • FCA AML registration required for all crypto firms operating in the UK
  • Capital Gains Tax: 10% (basic rate) or 20% (higher rate); £3,000 annual exempt amount (2024/25)
  • Financial promotions regime (2023): strict rules on crypto advertising, risk warnings mandatory
  • Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 brings crypto into regulatory perimeter
  • HM Treasury developing comprehensive crypto regulatory regime (exchange licensing, conduct rules)
Key Points
  • 22% capital gains tax on crypto profits
  • Iceland is one of the world's largest crypto mining locations due to cheap renewable energy
  • FME supervises crypto businesses under AML/KYC regulations
  • As an EEA member, Iceland incorporates EU financial regulations including MiCA
  • Capital controls (imposed 2008-2017) originally complicated crypto usage but have been lifted
Sources
Sources