Philippines vs São Tomé and Príncipe
Crypto regulation comparison
Philippines
São Tomé and Príncipe
Legal
No Regulation
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.
São Tomé and Príncipe has no specific cryptocurrency regulation.
Tax Type
Income
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0-35%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC Philippines
Regulator
Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe
Stablecoin Rules
BSP regulates virtual asset service providers including stablecoin operations
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
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
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has not addressed crypto
- Very limited financial infrastructure
- Minimal crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto services