Lithuania vs Malawi
Crypto regulation comparison
Lithuania
Malawi
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Lithuania. The Bank of Lithuania oversees VASPs under AML regulations and has been an early mover in crypto regulation within the EU. Lithuania attracted a large number of VASP registrations due to initially favorable conditions, though it tightened requirements significantly in 2022-2023. The MiCA framework now applies.
Malawi has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. The Reserve Bank of Malawi has issued warnings about crypto risks but has not banned it.
Key Points
- VASPs must register with the Bank of Lithuania under AML/CFT law
- Capital gains from crypto taxed at 15% personal income tax rate
- Lithuania became a major EU hub for crypto companies; over 500 VASPs registered by 2022
- Tightened VASP requirements in 2022-2023, including local substance and capital requirements
- MiCA transition underway from December 2024
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Reserve Bank of Malawi warns about crypto risks
- Crypto not recognized as legal tender
- Limited crypto infrastructure and adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto services