Mauritius vs Eswatini
Crypto regulation comparison
Mauritius
Eswatini
Mauritius has developed a regulatory framework for virtual assets through the Financial Services Commission. The Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services Act 2021 (VAITOS Act) provides licensing for VASPs. Mauritius positions itself as a fintech-friendly jurisdiction in Africa with a flat 15% income tax rate applicable to crypto income.
Eswatini has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. The central bank has cautioned about crypto risks but has not banned it.
Key Points
- VAITOS Act 2021 provides comprehensive licensing for VASPs
- FSC issues Class M (custodian), Class O (exchange), Class R (advisory) licenses
- Flat 15% income tax rate applies to crypto income
- No separate capital gains tax; gains may be treated as income
- Mauritius is a member of FATF and complies with international AML standards
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