Israel vs Jamaica
Crypto regulation comparison
Israel
Jamaica
Cryptocurrency is legal in Israel and treated as a taxable asset. The Israel Tax Authority classifies crypto as property, subject to 25% capital gains tax (or up to 50% for significant shareholders or high earners). Israel has a vibrant blockchain ecosystem with many startups and R&D centers.
Jamaica has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Bank of Jamaica does not regulate or endorse crypto but has not banned it. Jamaica launched its own CBDC, JAM-DEX, in 2022 through the National Commercial Bank. Crypto exists in a legal gray area with no dedicated framework.
Key Points
- Capital gains tax of 25% on crypto profits (up to 50% including surtax for high earners)
- Israel Tax Authority classifies cryptocurrency as property, not currency
- ISA is developing a regulatory framework for digital asset trading platforms
- AML/KYC requirements apply to crypto service providers under CTMFA supervision
- Israel has one of the highest densities of blockchain startups globally
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation or regulatory framework
- BOJ does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not banned it
- Jamaica launched the JAM-DEX CBDC in 2022
- FSC Jamaica has not issued specific guidance on crypto asset regulation
- Tax treatment of crypto gains is unclear due to lack of specific guidance