Hong Kong vs Nigeria
Crypto regulation comparison
Hong Kong
Nigeria
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.
Nigeria has the highest crypto adoption rate in Africa and among the highest globally. After the CBN banned banks from servicing crypto exchanges in 2021 (driving activity to P2P), the ban was lifted in December 2023. The SEC Nigeria now regulates digital asset exchanges and issuances under its Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP). Nigeria's progressive rates up to 25% applies to crypto disposals.
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
- CBN lifted the 2021 banking ban on crypto in December 2023
- SEC Nigeria oversees VASPs under the Investments and Securities Act and ARIP
- Progressive rates up to 25% applies to profits from crypto asset disposals according to Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (eff. Jan 2026)
- Nigeria ranks among the top 5 globally for crypto adoption (Chainalysis index)
- P2P trading dominates the market; Binance and other platforms face regulatory scrutiny