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Japan vs South Africa

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Japan | South Africa
Japan

Japan

South Africa

South Africa

Legal
Legal

Japan is one of the world's most comprehensively regulated crypto markets. The Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act govern crypto exchanges and tokens. Japan classifies crypto as "crypto-assets" and taxes gains as miscellaneous income at rates up to 55%, though reforms to lower this rate are under active discussion.

South Africa has embraced crypto regulation. In 2022, the FSCA declared crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, requiring crypto service providers to obtain FSCA licenses. SARS taxes crypto gains under capital gains tax (up to 18% effective rate for individuals) or income tax depending on trading frequency. South Africa is the largest crypto market in Africa.

Tax Type Income
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 15-55%
Tax Rate 18% (effective max ~18%)
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining No No
Regulator FSA (Financial Services Agency), JVCEA
Regulator FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority), SARB (South African Reserve Bank)
Stablecoin Rules 2022 stablecoin law requires issuers to be licensed banks, trust companies, or fund transfer agents
Stablecoin Rules Crypto assets declared financial products under FAIS; stablecoins included
Key Points
  • Crypto exchanges must register with the FSA under the Payment Services Act
  • Crypto gains taxed as miscellaneous income at up to 55% (national + local tax)
  • Japan's self-regulatory body JVCEA sets industry standards for exchanges
  • 2022 stablecoin legislation (revised Payment Services Act) regulates stablecoin issuance
  • Government considering tax reform to apply a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto gains
Key Points
  • Crypto declared a financial product under FAIS Act (2022); service providers must be FSCA-licensed
  • FSCA began licensing crypto asset service providers (CASPs) in 2023
  • Capital gains taxed at effective rate up to 18% (45% max marginal rate × 40% inclusion)
  • Frequent trading may be classified as income and taxed at marginal rates (up to 45%)
  • SARB regulates cross-border crypto transactions under exchange control regulations
Sources
Sources