CARF Framework Officially Launched: 48 Countries Participate in Cryptocurrency Asset Tax Information Exchange, Gradually Integrating from 2026 to 2029

【Blockchain Rhythm】The tax transparency of crypto assets has become a global trend. The Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) promoted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) officially took effect on January 1, 2026, covering the first batch of 48 countries and regions.

This framework requires crypto asset service providers to disclose users’ transaction information to local tax authorities, including all categories of activities such as trading, exchanges, and asset transfers, and to submit detailed annual reporting. In other words, every transaction you make on an exchange could be monitored by tax authorities.

CARF is essentially an extension of the existing Common Reporting Standard (CRS) into the digital asset domain — the original CRS framework mainly targets traditional finance and has significant gaps in coverage of crypto assets. The new framework fills this gap by bringing crypto assets under the same level of tax regulation as traditional finance.

The implementation timetable has been clarified: EU member states, the UK, Brazil, the Cayman Islands, and others will participate first, with regular information exchange among member states starting in 2027. Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, the UAE, and other countries are expected to join in 2028, while the US plans to join in 2029.

For holders and traders, this means the space for cross-border tax evasion using crypto assets is rapidly shrinking. The trend toward global tax transparency is set, and personal wealth declaration and compliant taxation will become the new normal.