---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "asia_pacific", "fatf", "legal"]
aliases: ["AS", "ASM"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--american-samoa]]"]
sources:
  - name: "US SEC"
    url: "https://www.sec.gov"
    type: "official"
---

#  American Samoa (AS) — Crypto Regulation

> American Samoa follows U.S. federal regulations for securities and investor protection, with no specific crypto framework established locally. The SEC and CFTC coordinate on market integrity and innovation, but no direct crypto regulations are detailed for American Samoa.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 25/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate |
| Region | [[domain--asia-pacific|asia pacific]] |
| Currency | [[entity--usd|USD]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No specific guidance |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | No specific guidance |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | No specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | No specific guidance |

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | US Federal Regulators (SEC, CFTC, FinCEN) |
| Framework | No crypto framework |
| Ease | N/A |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| [[concept--fatf|FATF]] Member | Yes |
| FATF Status | compliant_via_us |

## DeFi

**Status:** Unclear

No specific DeFi regulation

## Stablecoins

**Status:** federal_framework

The US GENIUS Act (signed July 18, 2025) applies to American Samoa. The Act explicitly classifies stablecoin issuers domiciled in US territories including American Samoa as 'foreign payment stablecoin issuers' unless they qualify as 'permitted payment stablecoin issuers.' Stablecoins must be 1:1 backed by cash/short-term Treasuries and issuers must comply with AML/BSA requirements. No local AS-specific stablecoin rules exist beyond the federal GENIUS Act framework.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No specific NFT regulation

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.2/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 15% |
| Climate | tropical |
| Infrastructure | fair |

Mining is legal but electricity costs are relatively high. Infrastructure is fair with tropical climate affecting cooling costs.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 45/100 |
| Ease of Business | moderate |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | moderate |

## Enforcement

Enforcement focused on unlicensed operators and consumer protection

## CBDC Status: not_planned

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in American Samoa?

American Samoa follows U.S. federal regulations for securities and investor protection, with no specific crypto framework established locally. The SEC and CFTC coordinate on market integrity and innovation, but no direct crypto regulations are detailed for American Samoa.

### What is the FATF status of American Samoa?

American Samoa is classified by FATF as: compliant_via_us.

### Are VASPs licensed in American Samoa?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in American Samoa?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-06-01.*

**Sources:**
- [US SEC](https://www.sec.gov)