Hong Kong vs Norway
Crypto regulation comparison
Hong Kong
Norway
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.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Norway and regulated by Finanstilsynet. Norway taxes crypto capital gains at 22% and includes crypto holdings in the annual wealth tax calculation (net wealth above NOK 1.7M taxed at ~1.1%). VASPs must register with Finanstilsynet. Norway is an EEA member and aligning with MiCA through the EEA agreement.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
Wealth and capital gains
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
22% (gains) + 1.1% (wealth)
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
SFC (Securities and Futures Commission), HKMA
Regulator
Finanstilsynet (Financial Supervisory Authority)
Stablecoin Rules
HKMA developing a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers under a 2024 bill
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; general financial rules apply
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
- Crypto capital gains taxed at 22% flat rate
- Crypto included in wealth tax base (~1.1% on net wealth above threshold)
- VASPs must register with Finanstilsynet and comply with AML/CFT requirements
- Norway is a major crypto mining hub due to cheap hydroelectric power
- EEA member; MiCA implementation expected through EEA Agreement adaptation