Hong Kong vs Palau
Crypto regulation comparison
Hong Kong
Palau
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.
Palau has explored blockchain technology and launched a stablecoin program in partnership with Ripple. 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
Financial Institutions Commission
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
- Exploring national stablecoin in partnership with Ripple
- No income or capital gains tax
- Uses the US dollar as official currency
- Small but forward-looking approach to digital assets
- Limited domestic crypto infrastructure