In New Zealand, prior to 2024, the regulation of crypto-assets and related services fell under the purview of existing laws rather than specific cryptocurrency legislation. The primary regulatory bodies involved were the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), with...

Namibia, a nation in southwestern Africa, experienced a pivotal shift in its approach to cryptocurrency regulation with the introduction of the Namibia Virtual Assets Act 2023. This act, officially gazetted on July 21, 2023, marked a significant departure from the country’s previous stance, which in 2017 included a ban...

The legislative landscape for cryptocurrencies in Mexico before 2024 presents a complex interplay of regulations, with significant involvement from various financial authorities. The primary legislative framework governing this sector is the Law to Regulate Financial Technology Institutions (the “Fintech Law”), which broadly addresses the main trends in the financial...

Legal Status of Cryptocurrencies As of the period leading up to 2023, the use and trade of cryptocurrencies were legal in the Dominican Republic. However, the Dominican government did not recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender. This lack of recognition meant that cryptocurrencies were not backed by the government and...

Regulatory Overview In the Czech Republic, prior to 2023, cryptocurrencies were largely unregulated and classified as commodities rather than as currencies. This classification meant that cryptocurrencies were not recognized as a monetary unit, thus not an official means of payment under the Czech law. However, cryptocurrencies could still be...

Initial Regulatory Stance As of the period leading up to 2023, Colombia had not implemented specific regulations for cryptoassets. The Central Bank of Colombia and the Financial Superintendency (SFC) did not consider cryptoassets as financial instruments, legal tender, or foreign currency. Therefore, transactions with cryptoassets were not subject to...

Botswana, prior to 2023, made significant strides in the regulation of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets. The introduction of the Virtual Assets Act of 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s approach towards this emerging sector. The Virtual Assets Act of 2022 The Virtual Assets Act of 2022 came...

Bahrain, as part of its ambition to become a leading FinTech hub in the region, implemented comprehensive regulations to govern and license crypto-asset services. This proactive stance towards cryptocurrency regulation was spearheaded by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering a secure and innovative...

In the period leading up to 2023, Armenia’s approach to the regulation of cryptocurrencies was characterized by a lack of specific legal frameworks, yet with an openness to the use and trading of digital currencies. This stance represented a cautious yet non-restrictive approach to an increasingly digital financial world....

Albania, a country in Southeast Europe, has made significant strides in the regulation of cryptocurrencies, establishing a legal framework that positions it as a forward-thinking player in the digital currency space. Before 2023, the country’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation was marked by the introduction of comprehensive laws and planned...