Philippines vs Timor-Leste
Crypto regulation comparison
Philippines
Timor-Leste
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.
Timor-Leste has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. Uses the US dollar as its official currency.
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 Timor-Leste
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
- Uses the US dollar as official currency
- Central bank has not addressed crypto regulation
- Very limited financial infrastructure
- Minimal crypto adoption