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XRP $1.41 (+0.08%)
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SOL $83.85 (+3.01%)
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BCH $555.19 (+0.97%)
ADA $0.28 (+1.72%)
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HYPE $29.55 (+3.95%)
XMR $335.26 (+1.72%)
LINK $8.64 (+0.46%)
CC $0.16 (-1.66%)
XLM $0.16 (+1.23%)
RAIN $0.01 (+0.55%)
ZEC $258.15 (+0.90%)
HBAR $0.10 (+1.37%)
LTC $53.68 (+2.02%)
AVAX $9.14 (+3.74%)

Kenya vs Malaysia

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Kenya | Malaysia
Kenya

Kenya

Malaysia

Malaysia

No Regulation
Legal

Kenya has no comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation, though it is one of Africa's leading crypto markets by adoption. The Central Bank has issued warnings but no formal ban. Kenya's 2023 Finance Act introduced a 3% Digital Asset Tax on income from digital asset transfers, signaling growing regulatory attention.

Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Malaysia. The Securities Commission oversees digital asset exchanges (DAX) and initial exchange offerings under the Capital Markets and Services (Prescription of Securities) Order 2019. Only SC-approved exchanges can operate. Malaysia does not impose capital gains tax on crypto for individuals, though frequent trading may be classified as business income.

Tax Type Varies
Tax Type None
Tax Rate 1.5-3% (proposed digital asset tax)
Tax Rate 0%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator CBK (Central Bank of Kenya), CMA (Capital Markets Authority)
Regulator SC (Securities Commission Malaysia), BNM (Bank Negara Malaysia)
Stablecoin Rules No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules Digital assets on approved exchanges only; stablecoins not separately regulated
Key Points
  • No specific cryptocurrency legislation, but the 2023 Finance Act introduced a 3% Digital Asset Tax
  • CBK has issued multiple warnings about crypto but has not imposed a ban
  • CMA considering a framework for digital asset regulation
  • Kenya consistently ranks among the top countries globally for crypto adoption (P2P volume)
  • M-Pesa mobile money dominance shapes how Kenyans access crypto via P2P exchanges
Key Points
  • Digital asset exchanges must be registered and approved by the Securities Commission
  • Only approved tokens can be listed on registered exchanges (e.g., BTC, ETH, XRP on approved list)
  • No capital gains tax for individuals; frequent trading may be treated as business income
  • BNM regulates crypto for AML/CFT purposes under the Anti-Money Laundering Act
  • IEOs must be conducted through SC-approved platforms
Sources
Sources