Panama vs Peru
Crypto regulation comparison
Panama
Peru
Legal
Legal
Panama passed Law 129 in 2024 regulating crypto assets, virtual asset service providers, and tokenized securities. Panama has no capital gains tax on foreign-sourced or investment income, making it attractive for crypto investors. The law provides a regulatory framework for exchanges and establishes AML/KYC obligations for VASPs.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Peru but lacks comprehensive regulation. The SBS (Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP) oversees AML requirements. Peru has growing crypto adoption, particularly for remittances. Crypto gains are subject to capital gains tax at 5% for the first 5 UIT and at higher rates for larger amounts.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
5-30%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
SBP (Superintendencia de Bancos de Panamá), SMV
Regulator
SBS, SMV, BCRP (Central Reserve Bank of Peru)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- Law 129 (2024) regulates crypto assets and VASPs in Panama
- No capital gains tax on investment or foreign-sourced income (territorial tax system)
- VASPs must comply with AML/KYC requirements under the new framework
- Crypto payments for commercial transactions are permitted
- Panama's territorial tax system means crypto gains from international trading are untaxed
Key Points
- No specific crypto legislation; general financial laws apply
- Capital gains tax applies to crypto profits (5% for securities, up to 30% for other income)
- SBS requires AML/KYC compliance for entities dealing in crypto
- Growing crypto adoption for remittances and as a store of value
- BCRP has warned about crypto risks but not imposed a ban