Ghana vs Netherlands
Crypto regulation comparison
Ghana
Netherlands
Ghana has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Bank of Ghana has warned citizens about the risks of crypto but has not imposed an outright ban. SEC Ghana has indicated plans to develop a regulatory framework for digital assets, and the country has one of Africa's growing crypto communities.
The Netherlands has one of Europe's strictest crypto regulatory regimes. DNB has overseen VASP registration since 2020 under the Dutch AML/CFT Act (Wwft), and many applications have been rejected. The Netherlands does not tax realized capital gains directly; instead, crypto holdings are taxed under the Box 3 wealth tax based on a deemed return on net assets. The AFM oversees market conduct. MiCA is now the governing framework.
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation or regulatory framework exists
- Bank of Ghana issued warnings about crypto risks but has not banned it
- SEC Ghana has expressed interest in developing a digital asset framework
- Ghana has high crypto adoption relative to its economy, particularly for P2P trading
- Bank of Ghana has been piloting the e-Cedi CBDC
Key Points
- DNB requires VASP registration under the Wwft (AML Act); rigorous approval process
- Only a limited number of VASPs have obtained DNB registration (many rejected or withdrawn)
- Crypto taxed under Box 3 wealth tax: deemed return on net assets taxed at ~31-36% (effective ~1.2-1.6%)
- AFM regulates crypto advertising and market conduct; banned crypto ads targeting retail in 2022
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024, transitioning from national DNB regime