Qatar vs Senegal
Crypto regulation comparison
Qatar
Senegal
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.
Senegal has no specific national cryptocurrency legislation. As a WAEMU member, the BCEAO does not recognize crypto as legal tender and has issued warnings about risks. Crypto is not illegal but operates without legal protection. BCEAO tightened foreign exchange controls in 2024, and fintech firms now require licenses under BCEAO Instruction 001-01-2024.
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
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- Crypto not illegal but BCEAO has issued warnings about risks
- Part of the WAEMU monetary zone using the CFA franc
- BCEAO tightened foreign exchange controls and AML requirements in 2024
- Fintech firms now require BCEAO licenses under Instruction 001-01-2024