Philippines vs Singapore
Crypto regulation comparison
Philippines
Singapore
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.
Singapore is a leading global crypto hub with a comprehensive regulatory framework under the Payment Services Act (PSA) 2019, amended in 2022. MAS licenses Digital Payment Token (DPT) service providers for AML/KYC compliance and consumer protection. Singapore has no capital gains tax, making it attractive for crypto businesses and investors. However, MAS has progressively tightened retail investor protections, restricting crypto advertising and requiring risk warnings. Short term trading gains is considered income and taxed as such.
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
Key Points
- Payment Services Act (PSA) 2019 provides licensing for Digital Payment Token (DPT) services
- MAS issues Major Payment Institution (MPI) and Standard Payment Institution (SPI) licenses for crypto
- No capital gains tax on crypto for individuals; trading profits may be taxed if deemed business income
- MAS introduced stablecoin regulatory framework in August 2023 for SG$-pegged stablecoins
- Strict retail investor protection: crypto advertising restricted, no incentives for trading
Sources
- MAS - Guidelines on Licensing for DTSPs
- MAS - DPT Services Regulated in Singapore
- IRAS - Income Tax Treatment of Digital Tokens
- MAS - Strengthens Regulatory Measures for DPT
- MAS - Expands Scope of Regulated Payment Services
- MAS - Measures to Reduce Risks from Crypto Trading
- MAS - Regulatory Regime for Digital Token Service Providers