Cambodia vs Laos
Crypto regulation comparison
Cambodia
Laos
Restricted
Legal
Cambodia has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. The National Bank of Cambodia prohibits banks and financial institutions from dealing in crypto, and unlicensed crypto businesses are illegal. However, the government has shown interest in blockchain technology and launched Bakong, a CBDC-like payment system.
Laos authorized cryptocurrency mining and trading through a 2021 pilot program (PM Notification No. 1158). Six companies were initially licensed, growing to 15+ by 2023. Mining operations must be 100% Lao-owned and use at least 10MW from Électricité du Laos. Two crypto exchanges (LDX, Bitqik) registered with Bank of Lao PDR.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
15% on transaction fees
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), SERC
Regulator
Ministry of Technology and Communications, Bank of the Lao PDR
Stablecoin Rules
Bakong (CBDC) promoted as alternative; private stablecoins not specifically regulated
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; pilot covers BTC, ETH, LTC
Key Points
- NBC issued a 2018 directive prohibiting banks from dealing in cryptocurrency
- Unlicensed crypto exchanges and trading platforms are banned
- Bakong digital payment system launched in 2020 using blockchain technology
- SERC (Securities and Exchange Regulator) has discussed regulating crypto as digital assets
- Despite restrictions, peer-to-peer crypto usage remains significant
Key Points
- PM Notification No. 1158 (2021) authorized pilot crypto mining and trading
- Two licensed exchanges: LDX and Bitqik, registered with Bank of Lao PDR
- Mining leverages surplus hydroelectric power from Électricité du Laos
- Mining must be 100% Lao-owned; trading platforms require 51% Lao ownership
- 15% tax on transaction fees; M security deposit required for exchanges