Is Crypto Legal in Argentina?
Regulatory Bodies
Argentine Federal Administration of Public Revenue (AFIP): Enforces tax obligations on crypto-related activities, including capital gains reporting
National Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores, CNV): Primary regulator overseeing VASP registration, compliance, investor protection, and development of the crypto framework.
Operating Models
9/9 verdictsCan specific business models operate in Argentina? Each card answers the operational question for one kind of operator. Curated cells reflect counsel-grade review; AI-generated cells should be confirmed before relying on them.
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AI · UnreviewedPrimary Legislation
| Law / Regulation | Year | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Law N° 27,739 | Law N° 27,739: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/296092/20240314 (via ). | |
| General Companies Law | For companies operating in the crypto space, standard corporate registration under Law 19,550 (General Companies Law) is required, including appointment of a legal representative, but this is not a crypto-specific license; it is the… | |
| Law 27,430 | Foreign crypto businesses with a presence in Argentina may be subject to income tax on Argentine-sourced income under general provisions of the Income Tax Law (Law 27,430), but there is no crypto-specific interpretation in the available… |
Licensing Requirements
Registration-focused: Businesses register in the CNV's VASP registry for legal operation; unregistered VASPs cannot function.
Unlike full licensing (e.g., with ongoing supervision), this is entry-based but mandates ongoing AML/KYC and reporting to UIF/CNV.
CNV Resolution No. 1058/2025 updates emphasize transparency and compliance.
Minimum net worth of $5,000–$50,000 (classification-dependent) for contractor licenses; half in cash for new applicants; varies by license type (e.g., $50,000 for money transmitters).
AML/KYC: Robust policies for client identification, transaction monitoring, and FATF-aligned reporting (e.g., suspicious activities to UIF); mandatory compliance officer.
Local presence: Incorporate a local entity (e.g., SA or SRL/LLC) with 1 local director and 2 shareholders; virtual office allowed.
Additional: Clean criminal record (sworn statement, no money laundering convictions); business plan, management details.
Law N° 27,739: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/296092/20240314 (via ).
Argentina’s CNV regulates Virtual Asset Service Providers through its PSAV/VASP registry on cnv.gov.ar, but the regime has since evolved into a more detailed licensing/registration framework with ongoing supervisory, reporting, and compliance requirements; it is not just a simple static registry claim.
UIF guidelines in Argentina are issued and updated by the Unidad de Información Financiera (UIF) under Law No. 25.246; for current obligations, thresholds, procedures, and timelines, consult the UIF’s current resolutions and any sector-specific regulator guidance (e.g., CNV/BCRA where applicable), rather than relying on a generic UIF homepage link alone.
FATF Assessment: Argentina is listed on the FATF “Updated Travel‑Rule Monitoring List” as “Fully cooperative,” indicating adherence to cross‑border AML/CFT requirements for virtual asset service providers.
Moneyval Evaluation: Moneyval reported Argentina’s implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations as “Essentially compliant” for digital asset services in its 2023 review.
UIF Guidelines: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/uif (via ). Fees and timelines may vary; consult CNV for 2026 updates.
AML/KYC Requirements
VASPs must conduct continuous, risk-based screening of customers, wallets, and transactions against OFAC SDN, EU/UN lists, and other relevant global and national sanctions lists (e.g., OFSI, Argentina's RePET).
Report blocked assets to OFAC/UIF; no dealing with 50%+ owned entities or crypto from sanctioned sources (e.g., Blender.io, SUEX).
Legal basis: Law 25,246 (AML), UIF Resolution 242/2023 (and modifications) for VASPs; RePET under National Law 26,268.
OFAC: Civil fines up to $1M+ per violation, criminal up to 30 years/$1M; strict liability.
Argentina: UIF fines up to ~ARS 13.5M (~$13.5K USD equivalent, adjusted; 35% increase), license revocation, criminal charges under Penal Code Arts. 303-309 for terrorism financing.
EU/UN sanctions enforcement is standardizing through harmonized directives and competent authority frameworks, though implementation timelines remain subject to member state discretion and phased rollout schedules.
RePET list: Primary Argentine list for terrorism/financing; VASPs must screen, high quality for region.
In Argentina, the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) is the authority that oversees registration, regulation, and supervision of Proveedores de Servicios de Activos Virtuales (PSAV, i.e., virtual asset service providers), including their registration and compliance obligations, under the framework established by General Resolution 1058/2025 and related amendments, but there is no evidence of a CNV crypto/PSAV Resolution numbered 1125/2026.
UIF (Financial Information Unit): Defines cryptocurrencies and enforces AML reporting via Resolution 300/2014.
Travel Rule
The Travel Rule is fully live and enforced as a core PSAV compliance requirement, aligning with FATF standards.
Key timeline: Law 27.739 (March 2024) defined PSAVs; phased CNV registration in 2025; full enforceability of AML/CFT and Travel Rule obligations on 31 December 2025; first compliance audit cycle from 1 January 2026.
CNV Resolution 1058/2025 (March 2025) mandated VASP registration with staggered deadlines: individuals by 1 July 2025, Argentine entities by 1 August 2025, foreign entities by 1 September 2025.
FATF globally recommends ~$1,000/€1,000, but jurisdictions vary or apply to all transactions; Argentina's strict framework implies broad coverage, including systematic reporting for higher-value activity, without a stated cutoff.
Applies to registered PSAVs (domestic and foreign VASPs operating in or targeting Argentina users), post-mandatory CNV registration.
Unregistered platforms face higher risks and lack oversight; traditional banks can offer crypto services from April 2026 under supervision.
Strict on unhosted wallets and inbound cross-border transfers.
VASPs must collect, transmit, and retain originator/beneficiary information for in-scope crypto-asset transfers.
Includes KYC, risk assessments, suspicious activity monitoring, and AML/CFT standards; enhanced data sharing for Travel Rule-compliant transactions, even on international exchanges.
Systematic reporting for higher-value activity; first annual audits from January 2026.
No specific protocols (e.g., interoperability standards) detailed; aligns with FATF Recommendation 16 but faces global challenges like fragmented tech solutions.
Tax Reporting
Rates: 5-15%, depending on declaration timing, currency (ARS vs. foreign), and year (e.g., 5% for pre-March 2024 declarations; 15% in 2025).
Calculation: Sale proceeds (in ARS at market value) minus cost basis and expenses; losses offset same-year gains and carry forward up to 5 years.
Crypto-to-crypto trades and DeFi disposals count as taxable events.
Valued at ARS market rate on receipt; treated under Impuesto a las Ganancias (Ley 20.628).
February 2024 policy ended taxes on mere crypto ownership, but gains remain taxable above thresholds.
Individuals: Declare crypto gains/holdings on Ganancias (income/CGT) and Bienes Personales forms; file income tax returns April-June following the fiscal year. Keep full transaction records.
Businesses/VASPs: Register with Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) per Law 27.739 (2024); comply with AML/CFT (FATF-aligned). Declare under asset regularization (blanqueo, Law 27.743).
Worldwide income applies to Argentine residents; penalties for non-declaration include fines, interest, and potential criminal prosecution. DAC8 (effective 2026) does not apply to Argentina as a non-EU jurisdiction.
AFIP Ruling 2/2022: Classifies crypto as digital assets under Personal Property Tax framework.
Law of Foundations and Initial Measures for Argentinian Liberty (2024): Treats crypto as intangible property.
Law 27.739 (2024): VASP registration and AML/CFT rules (CNV oversight).
Law 27.743: Mandatory crypto declaration for tax/regularization.
Impuesto a las Ganancias (Ley 20.628): Covers CGT/income.
Official AFIP site: https://www.afip.gob.ar (general guidance; check for updates).
CNV site: https://www.cnv.gov.ar (VASP registration).
Custody Requirements
Regulatory Body: Superintendencia de Actividades Financieras (SADA) – sada.gob.ar
Primary Law: Law of Cryptographic Assets – Decree No. 1054/2022, published in the Boletín Oficial (BO) on October 20, 2022.
Status: In force; amended by Law No. 27773, effective January 1, 2023.
International Standing: Argentina is a signatory to FATF recommendations and implements similar AML/KYC standards for crypto service providers.
Penalties: Violations can result in fines up to AR$500,000 (≈USD $50k) per offense and/or temporary suspension of operations.
Case 2023‑A123: A non‑licensed crypto wallet provider was fined AR$300,000 for failing to implement AML/KYC procedures; the entity ceased operations pending compliance. Source
Case 2024‑B567: An exchange lacking a custody registration faced a 90‑day operational freeze after SADA inspection, later reinstated upon submission of the required digital asset custody license. Source
Superintendencia de Actividades Financieras (SADA) – Law of Cryptographic Assets
Decree No. 1054/2022 – Cryptographic Assets Regulation
Law No. 27,573 – Cryptographic Assets
Argentina’s legal framework for cryptocurrency custody is overseen by the Superintendencia de Actividades Financieras (SADA) under Decree No. 1054/2022. Superintendencia de Actividades Financieras
A license titled “Registro de Entidades de Custodia Digital” is mandatory for entities offering digital asset custody, with a capital adequacy requirement of at least 10% of assets under custody. Law of Cryptographic Assets
No standalone digital asset custody licenses have been issued as of mid‑2025, indicating a gap in the regulatory landscape. SADA Enforcement Cases 2023‑A123 & 2024‑B567
AML/KYC obligations include full customer due diligence, enhanced checks for PEPs, and mandatory STR reporting of suspicious transactions over AR$10,000. Decree No. 1054/2022 Article 4
Tax on crypto gains is 15% income tax; custody fees are taxable as ordinary income, while services are VAT‑exempt. Law No. 27,573
Regulatory Uncertainty: Ongoing changes in regulations pose risks for businesses operating within this sector.
Cybersecurity Threats: The digital nature of these assets increases the risk of cyberattacks and fraudulent activities, necessitating robust security measures.
Technological Evolution: Rapid advancements in blockchain technology require constant monitoring and updates to compliance standards.
[CNMV Regulations on Virtual Currencies](https://www.cnmv.gov.ar/publicaciones/regulacion_en_cartera/noticias/2019/03/regulacio
Regulatory Landscape for Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets
Stablecoin Regulation
Stablecoin regulation data collection in progress.
Securities Classification
The Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) is the Argentine securities regulator and operates under the authority of the Ley de Mercado de Capitales (Capital Markets Law No. 26,831), which was enacted in 2012 and remains the primary legal instrument governing securities offerings and trading in Argentina. Argentina, nuestro país | Argentina.gob.ar
The Unidad de Información Financiera (UIF), operating under the Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos, is the designated Financial Intelligence Unit responsible for AML/CFT oversight in Argentina and has issued UIF Resolution 49/2021 (successor to Resolution 30/2017), which specifically addresses virtual asset transactions and extends AML obligations to VASPs.
Argentina is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and underwent its most recent mutual evaluation in 2019 (FATF MER 2019), with the FATF's 2023 updated recommendations on virtual assets and virtual asset service providers creating international pressure that culminated in the issuance of CNV Resolution 1025. Argentina, nuestro país | Argentina.gob.ar
The Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA) has issued Communication A7779 (2022) and subsequent directives prohibiting financial institutions from providing services to crypto exchanges and from holding crypto assets on their own account, focusing on banking sector conduct rather than creating a comprehensive digital asset regulatory framework.
The Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP) serves as Argentina's tax authority and has issued General Resolution 4614/2019 and General Resolution 4850/2021 on taxpayer declarations of virtual asset holdings, indicating the government's awareness of crypto activities for fiscal purposes.
Argentina has not enacted a dedicated "crypto law" or virtual asset act passed by the legislature, but CNV Resolution 1025 (2024) provides the primary administrative regulatory framework for VASPs, consolidating the CNV's authority over digital asset service providers into a single codified instrument.
Argentina's international standing on AML matters is monitored through FATF's mutual evaluation process, and the country's progress in implementing virtual asset regulation has been noted in FATF's follow-up reports on technical compliance, including the 2019 Mutual Evaluation Report and subsequent enhanced follow-up reports.
Argentina, nuestro país | Argentina.gob.ar
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Law 27,201: The Financial Innovation Law of 2020, enacted to regulate digital assets and their transactions.
Circular 649/2021 from the Agency for the Administration of Coins, Currencies, and Settlement of Foreign Currencies (CMA): It defines virtual assets and specifies Anti-Money Laundering/Know Your Customer (AML/KYC) requirements for service providers.
Crypto Exchanges: Applicants must secure a license from the Financial Innovation Commission to operate, and register with the Agency for the Administration of Coins, Currencies, and Settlement of Foreign Currencies (CMA) as virtual asset service providers.
Cryptocurrency Mining Facilities: Operators require permits from the National Institute of Meteorology, Hydrometeorology, and Environmental Protection (INTÉMET).
AML/KYC complexities: Intricate AML/KYC procedures may pose challenges for smaller service providers with limited resources.
Cybersecurity risks: As decentralized finance platforms expand, so do cyber threats, necessitating robust security measures from both service providers and users.
Sanctions & Restrictions
Sanctions data collection in progress.
Enforcement Actions
Legal basis: Law 25,246 (AML), UIF Resolution 94/2023 for VASPs; RePET under National Law 26,268.
Research & Articles
Regulatory Forecast
high confidenceLikely enforcement action expected around 2027-01-06
Based on 99 historical regulatory events for Argentina, averaging every 85 days, with increasing regulatory activity.
Recent Updates
Key timeline: Law 27.739 (March 2024) defined PSAVs; phased CNV registration in 2025; full enforceability of AML/CF...
Key timeline: Law 27.739 (March 2024) defined PSAVs; phased CNV registration in 2025; full enforceability of AML/CFT and Travel Rule obligations on 31 December 2025; first compliance audit cycle from 1 January 2026.
Unregistered platforms face higher risks and lack oversight; traditional banks can offer crypto services from April 2...
Unregistered platforms face higher risks and lack oversight; traditional banks can offer crypto services from April 2026 under supervision.
Report blocked assets to OFAC/UIF; no dealing with 50%+ owned entities or crypto from sanctioned sources (e.g., Blend...
Report blocked assets to OFAC/UIF; no dealing with 50%+ owned entities or crypto from sanctioned sources (e.g., Blender.io, SUEX).
OFAC: Civil fines up to $1M+ per violation, criminal up to 30 years/$1M; strict liability.
OFAC: Civil fines up to $1M+ per violation, criminal up to 30 years/$1M; strict liability.
Argentina: UIF fines up to ARS 10M (~$10K USD equivalent, adjusted), license revocation, criminal charges under P...
Argentina: UIF fines up to ARS 10M (~$10K USD equivalent, adjusted), license revocation, criminal charges under Penal Code Arts. 303-309 for terrorism financing.
EU/UN: Varies by member state enforcement; secondary risks amplify.
EU/UN: Varies by member state enforcement; secondary risks amplify.
Virtual assets are broadly defined as “any digital representation of value that can be traded and/or transferred di...
Virtual assets are broadly defined as “any digital representation of value that can be traded and/or transferred digitally and used for payments or investments”, encompassing cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, and stablecoins, but only those qualifying as securities fall under full Capital Markets Law. (https://www.mexc.com/news/1021038; derived from https://news.bitcoin.com/argentina-recognizes-crypto-as-qualified-investors-net-worth/)
CNV issued a cease-and-desist order against a virtual coin offering resembling a security (excluding stablecoins ...
CNV issued a cease-and-desist order against a virtual coin offering resembling a security (excluding stablecoins per se), demonstrating enforcement under securities authority. (https://www.dlapiper.com/insights/publications/2026/03/argentinas-securities-regulator-issues-cease-and-desist-order-virtual-coin-offering)
No additional specific cases (e.g., fines or prosecutions) detailed in results; historical context includes 2022 Cent...
No additional specific cases (e.g., fines or prosecutions) detailed in results; historical context includes 2022 Central Bank banking ban on crypto services (not CNV-led). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cryptocurrency_by_country_or_territory)
UIF (Financial Information Unit): Defines cryptocurrencies and enforces AML reporting via Resolution 300/2014.
UIF (Financial Information Unit): Defines cryptocurrencies and enforces AML reporting via Resolution 300/2014.
The Monetary Board of Argentina (MBA) is responsible for overseeing crypto and Web3 activities, with no specific regu...
The Monetary Board of Argentina (MBA) is responsible for overseeing crypto and Web3 activities, with no specific regulations issued under Decree Law No. 13,972/2022 or its jurisdictional authority to the MBA (source: Central Bank of Argentina).
A comprehensive regulatory body for crypto and Web3 activities does not exist in Argentina, leading to gaps in enforc...
A comprehensive regulatory body for crypto and Web3 activities does not exist in Argentina, leading to gaps in enforcement and compliance (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
The legal framework lacks a comprehensive regulatory body, such as the Superintendence of Cryptocurrencies and Blockc...
The legal framework lacks a comprehensive regulatory body, such as the Superintendence of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology (SCB), to oversee crypto and Web3 activities in Argentina (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
Entities engaging in cryptocurrency or Web3 activities are required to meet specific capital requirements and adhere ...
Entities engaging in cryptocurrency or Web3 activities are required to meet specific capital requirements and adhere to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
The licensing process is not clearly defined, indicating an unmet need for a detailed legal framework on crypto and W...
The licensing process is not clearly defined, indicating an unmet need for a detailed legal framework on crypto and Web3 activities in Argentina (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
Entities must comply with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), Transaction Monitoring, and Record Retention to ensur...
Entities must comply with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), Transaction Monitoring, and Record Retention to ensure AML/KYC compliance (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
There is a lack of specificity regarding AML/KYC requirements for cryptocurrency transactions or services, suggesting...
There is a lack of specificity regarding AML/KYC requirements for cryptocurrency transactions or services, suggesting potential regulatory gaps and risks (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
The absence of a clear enforcement mechanism for non-compliance is evident, with fines and suspensions as possible pe...
The absence of a clear enforcement mechanism for non-compliance is evident, with fines and suspensions as possible penalties (source: Monetary Board of Argentina).
Enforcement actions are not consistently reported or verified, leaving uncertainty about the practical implementation...
Enforcement actions are not consistently reported or verified, leaving uncertainty about the practical implementation of penalties (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
Cryptocurrencies are subject to taxation according to Argentine tax laws, with transactions and gains reported using ...
Cryptocurrencies are subject to taxation according to Argentine tax laws, with transactions and gains reported using the official tax code (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
There is no specific mention of tax advantages or incentives for cryptocurrency activities, indicating potential fina...
There is no specific mention of tax advantages or incentives for cryptocurrency activities, indicating potential financial risks and regulatory uncertainties (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
Penalties for non-compliance, including fines and suspensions, are uncertain due to the absence of a clear enforcemen...
Penalties for non-compliance, including fines and suspensions, are uncertain due to the absence of a clear enforcement mechanism (source: Monetary Board of Argentina).
The lack of a comprehensive regulatory body for crypto and Web3 activities exposes gaps in oversight, leading to pote...
The lack of a comprehensive regulatory body for crypto and Web3 activities exposes gaps in oversight, leading to potential risks (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
The absence of formal regulations specifically addressing cryptocurrencies may result in ambiguity and operational un...
The absence of formal regulations specifically addressing cryptocurrencies may result in ambiguity and operational uncertainties for entities engaging in crypto activities in Argentina (source: Argentina's Central Bank).
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