World map of crypto-asset rules
A simplified overview of the jurisdictions we cover. Select a region to open its brief, or use the comparison table below.
Regions on the map
- European Union
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Japan
- United Arab Emirates
- International standards
Comparison in words
A one-line summary per region. Each brief explains the details and links to official sources.
| Region | Main framework | Supervisor | Status (as of 20 October 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | MiCA plus transfer-of-funds and AML rules | National authorities, with ESMA and the EBA | Fully applicable since 30 December 2024; transitional periods for existing firms ended no later than 1 July 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Financial promotion rules and Money Laundering Regulations; wider regime legislated in stages | Financial Conduct Authority (HM Treasury sets policy) | Promotions and AML registration in force; broader authorisation regime being phased in |
| United States | Existing securities, commodities, AML and state laws; federal stablecoin statute (2025) | SEC, CFTC, FinCEN, state regulators | No single comprehensive framework; further federal legislation debated |
| Switzerland | DLT Act (2021) adapting existing financial market, civil and insolvency law | FINMA (plus AML self-regulatory organisations) | In force; technology-neutral approach; further adjustments discussed |
| Singapore | Payment Services Act 2019; Financial Services and Markets Act 2022; MAS stablecoin framework | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) | In force; licence required; strict limits on marketing to the public |
| Japan | Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act | Financial Services Agency (FSA), with the JVCEA as self-regulatory body | In force since 2017 and amended several times; further reform under review |
| United Arab Emirates | Several frameworks: VARA in Dubai, federal SCA and Central Bank rules, ADGM and DIFC regimes | VARA, SCA, Central Bank of the UAE, FSRA (ADGM), DFSA (DIFC) | In force; the applicable regulator depends on the emirate and zone |
| International standards | Global standards — binding only once adopted in national law | FATF, Basel Committee, FSB, IOSCO, OECD | Adopted; national implementation uneven and monitored |
What this overview does not show
The map and the table compare legal frameworks in words. They do not rank jurisdictions as "better" or "worse", and they say nothing about whether any crypto-asset or provider is suitable for anyone. Many countries are not covered yet; their absence does not mean they have no rules.
Regulation changes often. The status column reflects our last review, and every brief links to the official sources that take precedence over our summary.
Overview for education, not legal advice. Rules change — check the official sources. Last reviewed 20 October 2026.