Hong Kong vs Marshall Islands
Crypto regulation comparison
Hong Kong
Marshall Islands
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.
The Marshall Islands passed the Sovereign Currency Act in 2018 to create the SOV, a blockchain-based national digital currency. No income or capital gains tax.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
SFC (Securities and Futures Commission), HKMA
Regulator
Banking Commission of the Marshall Islands
Stablecoin Rules
HKMA developing a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers under a 2024 bill
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- Sovereign Currency Act (2018) created SOV digital currency
- No income or capital gains tax
- Has been a popular jurisdiction for DAO registration
- Banking Commission provides oversight
- Limited domestic crypto adoption