Latvia vs Eswatini
Crypto regulation comparison
Latvia
Eswatini
Cryptocurrency is legal in Latvia and regulated under the EU MiCA framework. Since 2023, the financial regulator FKTK merged into Latvijas Banka, which now oversees VASP registration and AML compliance. Capital gains from crypto are taxed at 20%. Latvia has been proactive in implementing EU-wide crypto standards.
Eswatini has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. The central bank has cautioned about crypto risks but has not banned it.
Key Points
- VASPs must register with Latvijas Banka and comply with AML/CFT requirements
- Capital gains from crypto taxed at 20% personal income tax rate
- MiCA framework applies from December 2024, transitioning existing registrations
- Latvia transposed the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive for crypto oversight
- Latvijas Banka absorbed FKTK regulatory functions in January 2023
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has cautioned about crypto risks
- Crypto not recognized as legal tender
- Limited crypto adoption
- Part of the Common Monetary Area with South Africa