Saudi Arabia vs Taiwan
Crypto regulation comparison
Saudi Arabia
Taiwan
Restricted
Legal
Saudi Arabia has an ambiguous but generally restrictive approach to cryptocurrency. SAMA has not licensed any crypto exchanges, and financial institutions are warned against dealing in crypto. However, crypto is not explicitly banned by law, and Saudi Arabia has participated in blockchain initiatives (Project Aber with the UAE central bank). No personal income or capital gains tax exists in Saudi Arabia.
Taiwan regulates cryptocurrency under FSC guidance. In 2023, the FSC was designated as the primary regulator for virtual assets. VASPs must register and comply with AML regulations. Taiwan has a vibrant crypto community and several compliant exchanges. Crypto income is subject to income tax at progressive rates.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
5-40%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority), CMA Saudi Arabia
Regulator
FSC (Financial Supervisory Commission)
Stablecoin Rules
No regulation; crypto trading not authorized
Stablecoin Rules
Under FSC guidance; stablecoins treated as virtual assets
Key Points
- SAMA has not authorized or licensed any cryptocurrency exchanges
- Financial institutions warned against crypto transactions
- Crypto not explicitly banned but not regulated; exists in a legal gray area
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia participated in CBDC experiments (Project Aber with UAE)
Key Points
- FSC designated as primary crypto regulator in 2023
- VASPs must comply with AML/CFT rules and register with the FSC
- Self-regulatory guidelines issued for VASP industry (2023-2024)
- Crypto income taxed at progressive rates (5-40%)
- Major exchanges include MaiCoin/MAX, BitoEX/BitoPro