Philippines tightens crypto rules — UAE expats take note

Stricter oversight, OECD tax rules on crypto investments in Philippines: What it means

Last updated: June 20, 2025 | 08:08

2 MIN READ

After the EU removed the Philippines from its “high-risk” money‑laundering list, the Anti‑Money Laundering Council (AMLC)—led by the Bangko Sentral—keeps a close eye on crypto and gaming platforms.

Dubai: The Philippines is stepping up regulation on cryptocurrency platforms and online gambling, and here’s why it matters—especially if you're a Filipino expat in the UAE:

1. Stronger checks to fight fraud

2. Crypto firms must be fully licensed

Since May 30, any crypto service provider aiming to operate in the Philippines must:

Register as a Philippine corporation with at least 100 million pesos ($1.8  million) paid-in capital
Apply for a license from the Philippines SEC
Submit a risk-assessment plan and business disclosures

That means no more anonymous crypto startups—you’ll only deal with officially approved, heavily vetted service providers.

3. Global tax rules coming soon

By 2028, the Philippines will adopt the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), joining over 67 countries. This requires exchange of crypto-tax data internationally—ensuring all users, local or abroad, are fully declared and taxed above board.

Why it matters for UAE Filipinos

Using PH‑licensed platforms: If you use Binance, Coins.ph, or similar, they’ll need to be on the SEC’s approved list.
Crypto profits matter now: Gains and transactions will be detected internationally, including in the UAE.
Avoiding shady platforms: Unregistered crypto or gambling apps could get seized—and you risk getting blocked or losing funds.

Key takeaways

Choose licensed apps in the Philippines—look for official SEC approval
Track and declare crypto gains if required—tax season in PH is changing.
Steer clear of gambling and unregulated platforms – they’re the focus of new rules.

The Philippines is making crypto and online gambling safer and more transparent, with big moves on licensing, tax tracking, and anti-money laundering. For UAE-based Filipinos, this means clearer, more secure platforms—but also greater legal responsibilities when trading or transferring digital assets.

Justin VargheseYour Money Editor

Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

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