Malaysia
Bitcoin Countries
Malaysia has developed a clear regulatory framework for Bitcoin and digital assets under the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), classifying Bitcoin as a digital asset under the Capital Markets and Services Act. Major licensed exchanges including Luno, MX Global, and Tokenize operate under SC oversight. Bursa Malaysia (the national stock exchange) has approved digital asset ETPs, and Malaysia's young, digitally connected population of 33 million has driven strong adoption. Mining is legal and taxed as business income.
Details
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Status
- regulated
- Notable
- Licensed exchanges: Luno, MX Global, Tokenize; Bursa Malaysia digital asset ETPs approved; Bitcoin classified under Capital Markets Act
- Legal Status
- legal (digital asset)
- Mining Legal
- Yes
- Notable Policy
- Malaysia allows Bitcoin trading on approved exchanges; Luno is a prominent local exchange; payments in crypto prohibited by Bank Negara
- Regulatory Body
- Securities Commission Malaysia
- Btc Etf Approved
- No
- Regulatory Stance
- cautious_restrictive
- Population Millions
- 33
- Bitcoin Legal Status
- Legal as investment; crypto payments banned; Securities Commission Malaysia regulates
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El Salvador
El Salvador made history on June 9, 2021, as the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender under President Nayib Bukele. The government continues to buy approximately 1 BTC per day, with its national treasury holding approximately 7,565 BTC as of February 2026. El Salvador built the state-sponsored Chivo wallet, launched volcanic geothermal Bitcoin mining operations, and proposed Bitcoin City — a special economic zone powered by a volcano. In 2025, El Salvador reached an IMF agreement that modified Bitcoin's legal tender status while maintaining its Bitcoin treasury strategy.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most Bitcoin-friendly countries in the world, with the canton of Zug (dubbed "Crypto Valley") accepting Bitcoin for government services since 2016. Several Swiss cantons accept Bitcoin for tax payments, the country has clear digital asset property rights, and Switzerland is home to dozens of major Bitcoin and blockchain companies. Swiss banks like SEBA and Sygnum Bank offer institutional Bitcoin services, and the Swiss National Bank has explored digital asset frameworks.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a global hub for Bitcoin and crypto businesses, with dedicated regulatory regimes in Dubai (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — VARA) and Abu Dhabi (ADGM). Abu Dhabi holds Bitcoin through the Phoenix Group, a publicly listed Bitcoin mining company. Major crypto exchanges including Binance have received licenses to operate in the UAE. The country's zero income tax, strategic location, and regulatory clarity have attracted significant Bitcoin institutional and mining infrastructure.
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