Israel vs Zimbabwe
Crypto regulation comparison
Israel
Zimbabwe
Legal
Restricted
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.
Zimbabwe has restricted cryptocurrency through its central bank. The RBZ banned financial institutions from processing crypto transactions in 2018. However, in a unique move, the RBZ issued gold-backed digital tokens (ZiG tokens) in 2023 as a store of value. Zimbabwe has a history of currency instability (hyperinflation, currency collapses) which drives informal crypto adoption for hedging and remittances.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
25-50%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
ISA (Israel Securities Authority), ITA (Israel Tax Authority), CTMFA
Regulator
RBZ (Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; ISA exploring digital asset framework
Stablecoin Rules
No private stablecoin regulation; RBZ introduced gold-backed ZiG digital token as state currency
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
- RBZ banned banks and financial institutions from servicing crypto in 2018
- RBZ issued gold-backed digital tokens (ZiG) in 2023 as a CBDC-like instrument
- No licensing framework for crypto exchanges
- Informal crypto adoption driven by currency instability and remittance needs
- Crypto ownership itself is not explicitly criminalized for individuals