---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "asia_pacific", "apg", "restricted"]
aliases: ["PG", "PNG"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--papua-new-guinea]]"]
sources:
  - name: "https://www.bankpng.gov.pg"
    url: "https://www.bankpng.gov.pg"
    type: "official"
---

#  Papua New Guinea (PG) — Crypto Regulation

> Papua New Guinea has no specific cryptocurrency or virtual asset regulation. The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) does not license VASPs and has warned citizens against crypto involvement. Crypto is not prohibited but lacks legal tender status. BPNG issued a CBDC proof-of-concept in January 2025 (Digital Kina, with Soramitsu/Japan) but no rollout decision made. PNG was added to the FATF grey list on 13 February 2026.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Restricted |
| Risk Score | 67/100 (High Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate |
| Region | [[domain--asia-pacific|asia pacific]] |
| Currency | [[entity--pgk|PGK]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 0% - no CGT |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 30% CIT |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | Unclear |
| Airdrop Tax | Unclear |

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | No |
| Regulator | [[entity--bpng|BPNG]] |
| Framework | No crypto-specific legislation |
| Ease | very_complex |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | No |
| Travel Rule | No |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | grey_list |

## DeFi

**Status:** unregulated

## Stablecoins

**Status:** unregulated

## NFTs

**Status:** unregulated

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.18/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 15% |
| Climate | tropical |
| Infrastructure | fair |

Electricity costs are relatively high; infrastructure is developing but limited for large-scale mining operations.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | moderate |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 31/100 |
| Ease of Business | difficult |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC Status: proof_of_concept_completed

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea has no specific cryptocurrency or virtual asset regulation. The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) does not license VASPs and has warned citizens against crypto involvement. Crypto is not prohibited but lacks legal tender status. BPNG issued a CBDC proof-of-concept in January 2025 (Digital Kina, with Soramitsu/Japan) but no rollout decision made. PNG was added to the FATF grey list on 13 February 2026.

### What is the FATF status of Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea is classified by FATF as: grey_list.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Papua New Guinea?

KYC is not universally mandated.

---

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

**Sources:**
- [https://www.bankpng.gov.pg](https://www.bankpng.gov.pg)