Where Crypto Reigns—and Where It’s Crushed

Tax laws, bans, and big gains: The global crypto climate decoded.

Author

Philip Saparov
August 07, 2025

In partnership with

Greetings, thoughtful navigator of shifting fortunes,

Crypto’s no longer fringe. It’s fueling billion-dollar markets, triggering government crackdowns, and rewriting the rules of money.

But where is it thriving—and where is it banned? Who’s cashing in, and who’s cracking down?

In this edition, we reveal the seven countries and policies shaping crypto’s global future. From tax-free havens to digital firewalls, here’s what you need to know—and why it matters for your wallet, your freedom, and your next move.

Let’s dive in.

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Switzerland isn’t just famous for chocolate and banking—it’s also home to one of the world’s most progressive crypto ecosystems. Nicknamed “Crypto Valley,” the region of Zug has built an economy on digital assets, with blockchain firms able to pay taxes in Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The Swiss government treats crypto as a foreign currency for tax purposes, allowing private investors to avoid capital gains taxes—if they qualify as non-professional traders. Combined with a reputation for stability and strong privacy laws, this makes Switzerland an ideal base for crypto wealth preservation.

And it’s not just individuals benefiting—Swiss banks are now offering custody services for Bitcoin, while regulators issue clear guidelines for tokenized securities.

🔎 Curious insight: In 2024, Zug received more crypto startup funding per capita than Silicon Valley.

The U.S. remains a land of contradictions when it comes to crypto. On one hand, it boasts some of the world’s largest exchanges, deepest capital markets, and a consumer base ready to adopt digital wallets. On the other, regulatory clarity is murky at best, with agencies like the SEC and CFTC locked in turf battles.

Taxes? Yes—every crypto trade is a taxable event. And the IRS is now aggressively tracking transactions via exchanges and blockchain analytics. Yet, the absence of comprehensive federal law means innovation is largely driven at the state level.

🗺️ Wyoming and Florida welcome crypto businesses. New York, meanwhile, imposes strict licensing. Investors and entrepreneurs must navigate a patchwork landscape.

📈 Fascinating stat: In 2025, the U.S. accounted for 24% of global crypto trading volume—despite regulatory ambiguity.

When El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, it made global headlines—and split global opinion. Supporters saw bold innovation. Critics warned of economic risk. Today, the country continues its experiment with the “Bitcoin Law.”

Citizens can pay taxes in Bitcoin, and government wallets were distributed nationwide. El Salvador even launched a “Bitcoin Bond” backed by crypto. Yet adoption has been uneven, especially in rural areas where internet access is limited.

Still, for investors and expats, the country offers a 0% capital gains tax on Bitcoin, and a government open to crypto-funded projects and residencies.

🌋 Unexpected twist: El Salvador is building a “Bitcoin City” powered entirely by geothermal energy from a volcano.

Asia is home to both crypto crackdowns and thriving innovation hubs. In 🇨🇳 China, cryptocurrency trading and mining are banned, with authorities citing financial risk and capital flight.

In contrast, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong is now courting crypto firms—offering licenses, clear rules, and ambitions of becoming Asia’s digital asset hub.

🇯🇵 Japan, known for strict regulations post-Mt. Gox, has built one of the safest retail crypto markets, complete with insured exchanges and user protections.

Meanwhile, 🇸🇬 Singapore remains a hotbed for blockchain innovation, though its Monetary Authority has started tightening rules on retail participation.

For crypto entrepreneurs, the difference between opportunity and prison in Asia often comes down to the jurisdiction.

⚖️ Cautionary note: In 2023, over 1,100 people were arrested in China for crypto-related “illegal fundraising.”

Germany doesn’t often shout—but when it comes to crypto, its policies speak volumes. The country offers one of the most favorable tax treatments in the EU: if you hold your crypto for over a year, any gains are tax-free. No wonder Berlin has become a hub for long-term crypto investors.

The German financial authority, BaFin, was also one of the first regulators to classify crypto as a financial instrument. This clarity has drawn institutional investors and fintech startups alike.

And unlike the volatility-chasing attitude of some markets, Germany’s regulatory focus is on security, consumer protection, and transparency.

🏛️ Did you know? Germany now allows institutional funds to allocate up to 20% of their portfolios to crypto assets.

Dubai isn’t just about skyscrapers—it’s emerging as a premier crypto hub. With the creation of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the UAE has positioned itself as a forward-thinking but regulated environment for digital assets.

Crypto gains for individuals? Tax-free. Licensing? Streamlined. And with initiatives like the “Dubai Metaverse Strategy,” the country aims to attract over 1,000 blockchain and metaverse companies by 2030.

This makes the UAE a magnet for crypto nomads and tech entrepreneurs seeking a favorable jurisdiction without sacrificing infrastructure or luxury.

🌐 Surprising projection: The UAE expects its digital economy to contribute over 20% of GDP by 2031—fueled in part by crypto.

As of mid-2025, more than 130 countries are exploring or regulating digital currencies—but the global rules remain fragmented. The 🇪🇺 EU is rolling out MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), aiming to standardize rules across its 27 nations. Meanwhile, the IMF and World Bank warn of rising risks in emerging markets lacking controls.

CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) are gaining ground too—offering governments a controlled alternative to private crypto. Over 90 countries are in pilot stages.

The world’s financial future is being built now—but it’s being built in pieces.

🔮 Bold prediction: By 2030, 60% of global GDP will come from countries with official crypto regulations or CBDCs in active use.

From Swiss stability to Salvadoran experimentation, the crypto landscape is anything but uniform. Some countries are building bridges. Others are raising barriers. But make no mistake—digital currencies are here to stay.

Whether you're considering relocation, retirement, or investment opportunities, understanding where crypto is supported, taxed, or banned could shape your future decisions.

Keep watching the map. The next wave of digital finance may rewrite the rules of wealth, mobility, and freedom.

Warm regards,

Shane Fulmer
Founder, WorldPopulationReview.com

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