Honduras vs Malta
Crypto regulation comparison
Honduras
Malta
Honduras has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Central Bank and CNBS have issued warnings about crypto risks but have not banned it. The Special Economic Zone of Prospera on Roatán island adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in its jurisdiction, though this is a unique local arrangement.
Malta positioned itself as the 'Blockchain Island' with the 2018 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, one of the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks. The MFSA licenses VFA service providers and oversees ICOs. Long-term crypto holdings are generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals, while trading profits may be taxed as income.
Key Points
- No national cryptocurrency legislation exists
- BCH and CNBS issued warnings about risks but no formal ban
- Prospera (ZEDE on Roatán) recognized Bitcoin as legal tender locally
- Crypto use exists primarily through peer-to-peer channels
- No specific tax guidance for cryptocurrency gains
Key Points
- Virtual Financial Assets Act (2018) provides a comprehensive licensing framework
- MFSA licenses VFA exchanges, brokers, custodians, and portfolio managers
- Long-term crypto holdings generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals
- Day trading profits may be taxed as business income at progressive rates up to 35%
- Transitioning to EU MiCA framework from December 2024