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Malta vs Philippines

Crypto regulation comparison

Malta

Malta

Philippines

Philippines

Legal
Legal

Malta positioned itself as the 'Blockchain Island' with the 2018 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, one of the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks. The MFSA licenses VFA service providers and oversees ICOs. Long-term crypto holdings are generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals, while trading profits may be taxed as income.

The Philippines is one of the largest crypto markets in Southeast Asia. The BSP licenses Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under Circular 1108 (2021), and the SEC regulates crypto as securities where applicable. The Philippines saw massive adoption through play-to-earn games (Axie Infinity) and remittances. Crypto income is taxed at progressive income tax rates.

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type Income
Tax Rate 0-35%
Tax Rate 0-35%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority)
Regulator BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC Philippines
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under MFSA VFA framework and EU MiCA
Stablecoin Rules BSP regulates virtual asset service providers including stablecoin operations
Key Points
  • Virtual Financial Assets Act (2018) provides a comprehensive licensing framework
  • MFSA licenses VFA exchanges, brokers, custodians, and portfolio managers
  • Long-term crypto holdings generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals
  • Day trading profits may be taxed as business income at progressive rates up to 35%
  • Transitioning to EU MiCA framework from December 2024
Key Points
  • BSP Circular 1108 (2021) provides comprehensive VASP licensing framework
  • BSP has licensed major exchanges including Coins.ph and PDAX
  • SEC Philippines regulates crypto securities and has issued warnings on unregistered offerings
  • Crypto income taxed at progressive rates (0-35%); 12% VAT may apply to exchanges
  • Play-to-earn gaming (Axie Infinity) drove massive adoption, especially in rural areas