Ireland vs Morocco
Crypto regulation comparison
Ireland
Morocco
Cryptocurrency is legal in Ireland and subject to a 33% capital gains tax, one of the higher rates in the EU. The Central Bank of Ireland supervises VASPs under AML regulations, and Ireland follows the EU's MiCA framework. Ireland's status as a European tech hub has attracted crypto businesses.
Morocco's central bank (Bank Al-Maghrib) banned cryptocurrency transactions in 2017, making it illegal for financial institutions to process crypto payments. Despite the ban, Morocco has one of the highest crypto adoption rates in Africa. The government has been exploring a potential regulatory framework, with Bank Al-Maghrib reportedly studying a CBDC and reconsidering its crypto stance.
Key Points
- 33% capital gains tax on crypto profits (CGT), with an annual exemption of €1,270
- Income from crypto mining, staking, or airdrops may be treated as income tax
- Central Bank of Ireland registers VASPs under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering) Act
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
- Ireland hosts European headquarters of several major crypto firms
Key Points
- Bank Al-Maghrib banned crypto transactions for financial institutions in 2017
- Crypto ownership is technically in a legal gray area; trading happens via P2P
- Morocco ranks among the top crypto adopters in Africa despite the ban
- Government exploring regulatory framework and potential CBDC
- No crypto taxation framework exists due to the ban