Israel vs North Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Israel
North Korea
Legal
Banned
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.
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
25-50%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
ISA (Israel Securities Authority), ITA (Israel Tax Authority), CTMFA
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; ISA exploring digital asset framework
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
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 civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians