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Kazakhstan vs Laos

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Kazakhstan | Laos
Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Laos

Laos

Legal
Legal

Kazakhstan has a dual approach to crypto regulation. The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) operates as a regulated sandbox where licensed crypto exchanges can operate under AFSA supervision. Outside the AIFC, crypto regulation is more restrictive. Kazakhstan became a major mining hub after China's ban but has since tightened mining regulations.

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 Capital gains
Tax Type Unclear
Tax Rate 10%
Tax Rate 15% on transaction fees
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Regulator Ministry of Technology and Communications, Bank of the Lao PDR
Stablecoin Rules AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
Stablecoin Rules No specific stablecoin regulation; pilot covers BTC, ETH, LTC
Key Points
  • AIFC provides a regulatory sandbox for licensed crypto exchanges and businesses
  • Mining is legal and licensed, with a specific tax on electricity consumption for miners
  • Kazakhstan became the world's second-largest Bitcoin mining country after China's 2021 ban
  • 2022 mining crackdown introduced stricter licensing and energy consumption taxes
  • Outside AIFC, domestic crypto payments and exchanges face greater restrictions
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
Sources
Sources