OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework Set to Boost Global Tax Transparency

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has developed an international standard called the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), aimed at ensuring the automatic exchange of information on crypto-assets across national borders.

CARF requires certain crypto service providers to record customer information and transaction data, then report it to tax authorities. These authorities will share this information with other countries where the individuals concerned are domiciled, promoting uniform tax transparency for crypto transactions.

The CARF applies to digital representations of assets based on cryptographically secured distributed ledger technology or similar systems, used for payment or investment purposes. This includes cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether, as well as stablecoins pegged to the US dollar or tokenised debt instruments or fund units.

Switzerland has decided to integrate CARF into its national law but has delayed its introduction by at least a year, originally planned for 1 January 2026. The SBA welcomes transitional rules on staggered introduction but takes a critical view of veto rights granted to some states, which could create additional uncertainty.