Hong Kong vs Rwanda
Crypto regulation comparison
Hong Kong
Rwanda
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.
Rwanda is developing a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework. The NBR and Capital Markets Authority are drafting a law requiring VASPs to obtain CMA licenses. The draft law prohibits crypto as legal tender, bans mining and crypto ATMs, and imposes fines up to 30M RWF and imprisonment for unlicensed operators.
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
National Bank of Rwanda (NBR), Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
Stablecoin Rules
HKMA developing a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers under a 2024 bill
Stablecoin Rules
Draft law prohibits crypto as payment; mining and crypto ATMs banned
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
- Draft law requires VASPs to obtain licenses from Capital Markets Authority
- Crypto prohibited as legal tender or payment method under draft law
- Crypto mining, crypto ATMs, and mixer/tumbler services banned
- Penalties include fines up to 30M RWF and up to 5 years imprisonment
- Framework driven by FATF compliance on AML requirements