Guatemala vs Kyrgyzstan
Crypto regulation comparison
Guatemala
Kyrgyzstan
Guatemala has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. The Banco de Guatemala has stated that crypto is not legal tender and not backed by the central bank, but has not banned its use. Crypto usage exists primarily for remittances from the US-based diaspora.
Kyrgyzstan adopted the Law on Virtual Assets in 2022 requiring licensing for exchanges, mining, and VASPs. Over 120 licensed VASPs operate. Crypto turnover exceeded traditional securities market in 2024.
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation exists
- Banguat has warned that crypto is not legal tender and not government-backed
- Crypto is neither explicitly legal nor illegal for private use
- Remittance use case is significant given large diaspora in the US
- Tax treatment of crypto gains is unclear
Key Points
- Law on Virtual Assets adopted in 2022 with licensing framework
- Over 120 licensed VASPs active by late 2024
- Three license types: trading operator, currency exchanger, mining operator
- Crypto sector contributed 800M KGS in taxes in 2024
- Virtual assets not recognized as legal tender but circulate under special regime