Hong Kong vs North Macedonia
Crypto regulation comparison
Hong Kong
North Macedonia
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.
North Macedonia has no dedicated cryptocurrency legislation. Crypto is not prohibited and operates in a regulatory gray area. The general flat 10% income tax rate may apply to crypto profits. The government is working toward EU MiCA alignment and plans to license crypto exchanges by 2025-2026.
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
- No dedicated cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has acknowledged crypto without banning it
- General flat 10% personal income tax rate may apply to crypto profits
- Government working toward licensing crypto exchanges by 2025-2026
- Working toward EU candidacy and alignment with MiCA regulation