Singapore was among the first jurisdictions where the regulation of cryptocurrencies was adopted at the state level. In general, this country is considered favorable for the activities of cryptocurrency exchanges and crypto start-ups.
Cryptocurrency companies are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The main documents regulating the crypto sphere in the country are the Securities and Futures Act (SAF) of 2001 and the Payment Service Act 2019, which came into force at the beginning of 2020. The last one introduces the concept of a “digital payment token” (DPT) and those who want to provide any related services must obtain a license of a payment institution (Small Payment Institution or Major Payment Institution). It is important to note that a cryptocurrencies exchange license is required only for crypto exchanges that are going to act as intermediaries in trading operations with tokens that are subject to securities legislation.
MAS pays much attention to decentralized finance and takes an active position regarding the regulation of the crypto industry in Singapore. In 2022, several recommendations and consultation papers were issued to mitigate the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing through digital assets. Further changes to the regulatory framework are expected throughout 2023.
The Singapore Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry Association (CBIA) actively supports small and medium-sized businesses in this industry.
Estonia is one of the first jurisdictions in the European Union where public authorities began issuing appropriate licenses to cryptocurrency companies. This happened in 2017. Today, mining, ownership and storage of digital currencies, initial coin offering (ICO), purchase, exchange and sale of cryptocurrencies are allowed in this country. Estonia is considered a country friendly to the crypto industry, but the state tightly controls the work in this area.
The main regulatory body in the field of cryptocurrency activities is the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Estonian Financial Supervisory Authority (EFSA), and the Money Laundering Data Bureau are in charge of the operation of crypto companies in the country.
Over the past decade, the Czech Republic has evolved into a country with a well-developed and sophisticated financial system as well as transparent legislation. The crypto regulation in the Czech Republic enables to conduct reliable businesses that clients are willing to trust. One of the standards is to obtain the crypto licence that allows a company to provide virtual assets services to its clients.
The main supervisory authority responsible for regulating virtual assets is the Financial Analytical Office (FAU).
Registering a crypto company in the Czech Republic provides many opportunities for conducting a successful international business. This licence entitles a company to do business throughout the European Union, making its services available almost all over the world.
The Czech Republic has the advantage of relatively low labour costs, transparency of the tax system and proximity to the CIS countries, both mentally and geographically.
Over the past few years Lithuania has evolved into a country with a well-developed and sophisticated financial system as well as transparent legislation. The crypto regulation in Lithuania allows to conduct reliable businesses that clients are willing to trust. One of the standards is to obtain the cryptolicense that allows a company to provide virtual assets services to its clients.
Registering a crypto company in Lithuania opens up many new prospects for international business development. This license allows to conduct business throughout the Eurozone, which means that a company has the potential to promote its services or products almost all over the world.