Lebanon vs Uganda
Crypto regulation comparison
Lebanon
Uganda
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.
Uganda restricts cryptocurrency. The Bank of Uganda issued a 2022 circular (NPSD 306) barring licensed payment service providers from facilitating crypto transactions. A 2023 High Court ruling upheld the circular, declaring cryptocurrencies illegal under the National Payment Systems Act 2020. No crypto exchanges are licensed to operate. Informal P2P crypto activity exists despite restrictions.
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
- BOU Circular NPSD 306 (April 2022) bars licensed entities from facilitating crypto
- 2023 High Court ruled cryptocurrencies illegal under National Payment Systems Act 2020
- Growing crypto adoption, particularly for cross-border transactions
- No specific crypto taxation rules
- Financial Intelligence Authority requires VASPs to comply with AML laws