Lebanon vs Taiwan
Crypto regulation comparison
Lebanon
Taiwan
Lebanon has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Banque du Liban issued a 2014 circular warning financial institutions against dealing with digital currencies, but crypto itself is not banned. Amid the severe economic crisis and banking collapse since 2019, crypto adoption has surged as citizens seek alternatives to the devalued Lebanese pound.
Taiwan regulates cryptocurrency under FSC guidance. In 2023, the FSC was designated as the primary regulator for virtual assets. VASPs must register and comply with AML regulations. Taiwan has a vibrant crypto community and several compliant exchanges. Crypto income is subject to income tax at progressive rates.
Key Points
- BDL Circular 318 (2014) warned banks against dealing in crypto but did not ban it outright
- No dedicated crypto regulatory framework or licensing regime
- Severe banking crisis and capital controls have driven crypto adoption
- Crypto used as a store of value and remittance channel during economic collapse
- No specific crypto taxation rules in place
Key Points
- FSC designated as primary crypto regulator in 2023
- VASPs must comply with AML/CFT rules and register with the FSC
- Self-regulatory guidelines issued for VASP industry (2023-2024)
- Crypto income taxed at progressive rates (5-40%)
- Major exchanges include MaiCoin/MAX, BitoEX/BitoPro