Kuwait vs Oman
Crypto regulation comparison
Kuwait
Oman
Kuwait has taken a restrictive approach to cryptocurrency. The Central Bank of Kuwait and the Capital Markets Authority have prohibited banks and financial institutions from processing crypto transactions. There is no licensing framework for crypto exchanges. However, owning crypto is not explicitly illegal, and there is no personal income tax in Kuwait, so no crypto-specific tax applies.
Oman has moved to regulate cryptocurrency with the Capital Market Authority issuing a Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework in 2023. VASP licensing is being implemented, and Oman has attracted crypto mining operations due to its energy resources. There is no personal income or capital gains tax in Oman.
Key Points
- CBK prohibits banks and financial institutions from dealing in virtual currencies
- No licensing framework exists for crypto exchanges or VASPs
- Personal ownership of crypto is not explicitly criminalized
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Kuwait applies to crypto
- CMA has warned investors about the risks of cryptocurrency
Key Points
- CMA issued the Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework in 2023
- VASP licensing regime being implemented under CMA oversight
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Oman
- Oman has attracted large-scale crypto mining operations leveraging its energy sector
- CBO has issued warnings but not banned crypto for individuals