Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV) has officially introduced new regulations for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), setting clear guidelines on registration, cybersecurity, custody, and compliance. Published on March 13 under General Resolution No. 1058, the rules aim to bring greater transparency, stability, and user protection to the nation’s crypto ecosystem.
Key Requirements for Crypto Platforms
The new regulations impose strict obligations on cryptocurrency exchanges and other digital asset platforms. These include:
- Mandatory separation of company and client funds
- Annual audits and monthly financial reporting to the CNV
- Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) measures
- Enhanced risk disclosure requirements
According to Argentine tax lawyer Diego Fraga, the rules ensure better oversight and accountability in the rapidly growing crypto sector.
Registration Deadlines and Penalties
Since 2024, VASPs in Argentina have been required to register with the Registry of Virtual Asset Service Providers (PSAV). Under the latest rules, companies failing to comply with registration requirements could face legal action, including court-ordered blocks on their operations.
The CNV has set compliance deadlines for different entities:
- July 1, 2025 – Individuals registered with PSAV must adhere to the new rules
- August 1, 2025 – Companies incorporated in Argentina must comply
- September 1, 2025 – Foreign-incorporated companies must meet the requirements
“Those who do not comply with the established requirements and deadlines will not be able to operate in Argentina,” warned CNV President Roberto E. Silva.
Argentina’s Crypto Boom and Regulatory Response
Argentina’s push for stricter crypto oversight intensified in 2024 after the CNV mandated registration for crypto issuers, bringing them under securities laws. The move came amid skyrocketing crypto adoption, fueled by the rapid depreciation of the Argentine peso.
By mid-2024, stablecoins like Tether’s USDt had become a popular hedge against inflation, driving Argentina to surpass Brazil in crypto inflows. A Chainalysis report in October 2024 estimated that Argentina received roughly $91 billion in crypto transactions between July 2023 and June 2024—the highest in Latin America.
As Argentina tightens its grip on crypto regulation, the industry faces a new era of scrutiny and compliance, reshaping the way digital assets operate in the country.
