Kazakhstan vs Palau
Crypto regulation comparison
Kazakhstan
Palau
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.
Palau has explored blockchain technology and launched a stablecoin program in partnership with Ripple. No income or capital gains tax.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
10%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Regulator
Financial Institutions Commission
Stablecoin Rules
AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- Exploring national stablecoin in partnership with Ripple
- No income or capital gains tax
- Uses the US dollar as official currency
- Small but forward-looking approach to digital assets
- Limited domestic crypto infrastructure