Qatar vs San Marino
Crypto regulation comparison
Qatar
San Marino
Restricted
Legal
Qatar has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. The Qatar Central Bank banned crypto trading and services in 2018, and the QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre. However, Qatar has shown interest in blockchain technology for non-crypto applications and is exploring a potential CBDC. The Qatar Financial Centre issued a Digital Assets Framework in 2024 focused on tokenized real-world assets, not cryptocurrencies.
San Marino has developed a regulatory framework for blockchain entities. The country has issued licenses for blockchain-based businesses.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
QCB (Qatar Central Bank), QFCRA
Regulator
Central Bank of San Marino, AIF (Financial Information Agency)
Stablecoin Rules
Not permitted under current QCB regulations
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- QFCRA prohibited authorized firms from providing virtual asset services (2019 alert, reaffirmed 2024)
- QFCRA prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre
- QFC introduced a 2024 Digital Assets Framework for tokenized securities (not crypto)
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Qatar (but crypto trading is banned)
- Qatar exploring blockchain and CBDC applications separate from crypto
Key Points
- Delegated Decree on blockchain technology entities issued
- Licenses issued for blockchain-based businesses
- AIF provides regulatory oversight
- Small jurisdiction working to attract blockchain companies
- Developing comprehensive digital asset regulation