Kazakhstan vs São Tomé and Príncipe
Crypto regulation comparison
Kazakhstan
São Tomé and Príncipe
Legal
No Regulation
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.
São Tomé and Príncipe has no specific cryptocurrency regulation.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
10%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Regulator
Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe
Stablecoin Rules
AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
Stablecoin Rules
No 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
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has not addressed crypto
- Very limited financial infrastructure
- Minimal crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto services