Crypto Regulations by Country: What’s Legal, Banned, or Restricted Around the World

When it comes to crypto regulations by country, the rules governing cryptocurrency use, trading, and ownership differ dramatically from one nation to another. Also known as digital asset laws, these rules decide whether you can buy Bitcoin, use a decentralized exchange, or even hold crypto at all. There’s no global standard—what’s legal in Germany might be a crime in China, and what’s allowed in India comes with strict reporting rules.

Take China, a country that banned all crypto exchanges and mining operations in 2021. Also known as Chinese cryptocurrency restrictions, this move forced traders to turn to peer-to-peer platforms and decentralized tools like Uniswap on Polygon to stay active. Meanwhile, India, requires all crypto exchanges to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Also known as FIU India compliance, this means you can trade—but only on approved platforms that track your transactions. Then there’s Germany, which licenses crypto exchanges under BaFin and treats them like banks. Also known as MiCAR Germany, this gives users more protection but adds layers of paperwork.

It’s not just about who allows crypto—it’s about who blocks it. OFAC sanctions, run by the U.S. Treasury, prevent Iranian citizens from using major exchanges like Binance or Coinbase. Also known as blockchain analytics enforcement, these sanctions force users to rely on non-KYC DEXs or privacy-focused wallets. And it’s not just Iran—countries like Nigeria, Russia, and Vietnam face similar pressure from global financial watchdogs. The Travel Rule, enforced by FATF, now requires exchanges to share user data across borders for transactions over $3,000, making anonymity harder everywhere.

These rules aren’t just background noise—they directly impact your wallet, your trades, and your access to crypto. If you’re in Iran, you’re not just fighting high fees—you’re fighting legal barriers. If you’re in Germany, you’re dealing with taxes and audits, not just market swings. And if you’re anywhere else, you need to know if your favorite exchange is even allowed to operate where you live. The posts below dig into the real-world effects of these rules: which exchanges are banned where, how to trade under restrictions, and what compliance actually looks like on the ground. You’ll find clear guides on China’s ban, India’s FIU list, Germany’s licensing, and how OFAC blocks users without ever touching their accounts. No theory. No fluff. Just what you need to know to trade safely where you are.