BTC $68,173.00 (+2.38%)
ETH $1,979.27 (+2.69%)
XRP $1.44 (+3.82%)
BNB $631.01 (+4.84%)
SOL $85.33 (+3.98%)
TRX $0.29 (+0.48%)
DOGE $0.10 (+4.11%)
BCH $569.09 (+4.53%)
ADA $0.28 (+4.30%)
LEO $8.65 (-0.66%)
HYPE $29.93 (+4.11%)
LINK $8.93 (+5.27%)
CC $0.16 (+2.64%)
XMR $328.07 (-0.80%)
XLM $0.16 (+3.28%)
RAIN $0.01 (+1.01%)
HBAR $0.10 (+3.19%)
ZEC $258.88 (+1.77%)
LTC $55.28 (+4.57%)
AVAX $9.32 (+4.05%)

Hong Kong vs Kazakhstan

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Hong Kong | Kazakhstan
Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Legal
Legal

Hong Kong has positioned itself as a major crypto hub in Asia with a comprehensive licensing regime. The SFC implemented a mandatory licensing framework for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) effective June 2023. Hong Kong has no capital gains tax, making it attractive for crypto investors and businesses.

Kazakhstan has a dual approach to crypto regulation. The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) operates as a regulated sandbox where licensed crypto exchanges can operate under AFSA supervision. Outside the AIFC, crypto regulation is more restrictive. Kazakhstan became a major mining hub after China's ban but has since tightened mining regulations.

Tax Type No tax
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 0%
Tax Rate 10%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator SFC (Securities and Futures Commission), HKMA
Regulator AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Stablecoin Rules HKMA developing a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers under a 2024 bill
Stablecoin Rules AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
Key Points
  • Mandatory VATP licensing regime under the AMLO effective June 1, 2023
  • No capital gains tax in Hong Kong; profits tax applies only to business profits
  • SFC approved spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs for retail investors in April 2024
  • HKMA consulting on stablecoin issuer licensing under a dedicated bill
  • Hong Kong actively competes with Singapore as Asia's leading crypto hub
Key Points
  • AIFC provides a regulatory sandbox for licensed crypto exchanges and businesses
  • Mining is legal and licensed, with a specific tax on electricity consumption for miners
  • Kazakhstan became the world's second-largest Bitcoin mining country after China's 2021 ban
  • 2022 mining crackdown introduced stricter licensing and energy consumption taxes
  • Outside AIFC, domestic crypto payments and exchanges face greater restrictions
Sources
Sources