Hong Kong vs Maldives
Crypto regulation comparison
Hong Kong
Maldives
Legal
Restricted
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 Maldives Monetary Authority has warned against cryptocurrency and does not recognize it as legal tender. No specific legislation exists but the MMA discourages crypto activities.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
SFC (Securities and Futures Commission), HKMA
Regulator
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)
Stablecoin Rules
HKMA developing a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers under a 2024 bill
Stablecoin Rules
No 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
- MMA has warned against cryptocurrency use
- Crypto not recognized as legal tender
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Financial institutions discouraged from dealing in crypto
- Limited crypto adoption