Cambodia vs Rwanda
Crypto regulation comparison
Cambodia
Rwanda
Restricted
Restricted
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.
Rwanda is developing a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework. The NBR and Capital Markets Authority are drafting a law requiring VASPs to obtain CMA licenses. The draft law prohibits crypto as legal tender, bans mining and crypto ATMs, and imposes fines up to 30M RWF and imprisonment for unlicensed operators.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), SERC
Regulator
National Bank of Rwanda (NBR), Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
Stablecoin Rules
Bakong (CBDC) promoted as alternative; private stablecoins not specifically regulated
Stablecoin Rules
Draft law prohibits crypto as payment; mining and crypto ATMs banned
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
- Draft law requires VASPs to obtain licenses from Capital Markets Authority
- Crypto prohibited as legal tender or payment method under draft law
- Crypto mining, crypto ATMs, and mixer/tumbler services banned
- Penalties include fines up to 30M RWF and up to 5 years imprisonment
- Framework driven by FATF compliance on AML requirements