Top 5 Countries Where Crypto Trading Is Illegal

Introduction

As the crypto revolution gains momentum, a lot of digital currency exchange markets have popped up. Cryptocurrencies are still limited in many countries. There are about eight nations in which Bitcoin trading is illegal and nearly 40 countries where virtual tokens are either banned or restricted. In this article, we'll discuss the top five states from the above list (excluding Venezuela).

The number of countries around the world where cryptocurrency trading is illegal is ever increasing. This is due to international regulators finding it challenging to monitor the still relatively new and fast-evolving cryptocurrency market. It can also be because of economic instability or lack of regulation in some areas of the globe.

Crypto Trading is Illegal in China & India

Cryptocurrency is legal in China, but it is illegal to engage in crypto trading. The Chinese government is enforcing this ban through its mobile payment systems. The government has banned the use of mobile payment systems for cryptocurrency transactions.

Cryptocurrencies are legal in India, but they are not considered legal tender. The Indian government has set up a committee to study cryptocurrency regulations. This committee had proposed to ban all private cryptocurrencies and also suggested that the government should develop an official digital currency.

Crypto Trading is Illegal in Morocco &l in Pakistan

Cryptocurrency trading is illegal in Morocco and Pakistan. The Moroccan central bank has issued a notice that all cryptocurrency transactions are illegal, and Pakistani authorities have ordered local banks to shut down the accounts of anyone found using crypto.

Authorities in Morocco have made bitcoin trading illegal, according to an announcement from the country's central bank. The central bank issued a notice claiming that cryptocurrency-related trading is not in line with the country's foreign exchange laws. According to the statement, cryptocurrency ownership or trading is completely banned in Morocco.

The cryptocurrencies concerned are not yet known, but bitcoin will likely be included in this ban. In January 2018, the Central Bank of Morocco issued a statement condemning bitcoin as a risky investment while acknowledging its growing popularity among Moroccans. The institution went so far as to watch over exchanges operating within the country's borders.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a circular prohibiting all banks, payment service providers, and microfinance institutions from dealing in cryptocurrencies, including facilitating any individual or entity in buying or selling cryptocurrencies.

The central bank of Morocco, Bank al-Maghrib, has warned the public against trading in cryptocurrencies. The ban was announced on Monday when the regulatory authority released a statement saying that the use of virtual money such as Bitcoin is not backed by any financial authority and therefore not subject to any regulation.

Crypto Trading is Illegal in Nepal

The central bank of Nepal has issued a directive that prevents financial institutions from dealing in cryptocurrency. The move follows the government's announcement of plans to introduce its digital currency, which it said would address concerns over the 'illegal' nature of crypto trading.

The Himalayan country's central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), has announced a ban on cryptocurrency dealings by financial institutions and payment service providers, according to the Kathmandu Post newspaper.

Financial institutions have been prohibited from "dealing with transactions of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin", NRB said. The move comes after the government reportedly banned crypto trading earlier this year.

The central bank has also directed payment service providers including banks to ensure that they do not facilitate payments with cryptocurrencies.

The public notice issued by NRB last week gives those who currently trade or deal in cryptocurrencies up to 15 days to wind down operations and exit the market. NRB warned that it would initiate strict legal action against individuals caught dealing in cryptocurrencies

The statement by Nepal Rastra Bank is a follow-up to an earlier one published on April 4, which banned all forms of cryptocurrency transactions in the country. However, at the time, the general public was not aware of any such directive from the central bank.

Conclusion

While crypto trading is banned in five countries, it's important to point out that this doesn't mean that trading is illegal from the perspective of private citizens. The use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment is not illegal in any country currently, no matter what the stance of the government may be on crypto trading itself.

Every nation has different rules and laws, and part of the challenge is to stay within these laws. Even though a certain country imposes legal restrictions on local coin exchanges, there are often ways to overcome them. But, even so, you should always be careful while trading coins anywhere in the world.

The majority of countries, 60 percent, maintain a “blanket ban” on all forms of cryptocurrency trading and usage. These nations are typically under the control of a totalitarian regime with little regard for individual privacy and financial freedom.