Kazakhstan vs Syria
Crypto regulation comparison
Kazakhstan
Syria
Legal
Banned
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.
Syria has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency compounded by international sanctions. The Central Bank has not authorized crypto activities. International sanctions make access to crypto platforms extremely difficult.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
10%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Regulator
Central Bank of Syria
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
- Central Bank has not authorized cryptocurrency activities
- International sanctions severely restrict crypto access
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Limited internet infrastructure hampers crypto use
- Informal crypto usage exists despite restrictions