Argentina -- Licensing Requirements Regulatory Overview
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Argentina requires Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs, or PASVs), including exchanges, custody providers, and payment processors, to register with the National Securities Commission (CNV) rather than obtain a traditional "license." This registration regime stems from Law N° 27,739 (enacted March 2024), with the full framework effective December 31, 2025, and applications resuming May 26, 2025.[2][3] The CNV oversees the mandatory VASP registry, while the Financial Information Unit (UIF) enforces AML/CTF compliance.[1][2][3]
Licenses for Specific Activities
All VASP activities—exchanges (trading/brokerage), custody (safekeeping), and payment processors (facilitating crypto payments)—fall under the unified CNV VASP registration.[2][3][4] No separate licenses exist; registration covers these services, provided the entity complies with category-specific rules like minimum net worth ($35,000–$150,000 USD equivalent, varying by VASP category).[3][5]
Registration vs. Licensing Regime
- Registration-focused: Businesses register in the CNV's VASP registry for legal operation; unregistered VASPs cannot function.[2][3]
- Unlike full licensing (e.g., with ongoing supervision), this is entry-based but mandates ongoing AML/KYC and reporting to UIF/CNV.[1][2]
- CNV Resolution No. 1058/2025 updates emphasize transparency and compliance.[5]
Key Requirements
- Capital: Minimum net worth of $35,000–$150,000 (category-dependent); confirmation of authorized capital required.[1][3]
- AML/KYC: Robust policies for client identification, transaction monitoring, and FATF-aligned reporting (e.g., suspicious activities to UIF); mandatory compliance officer.[1][2][3][5]
- Local presence: Incorporate a local entity (e.g., SA or SRL/LLC) with 1 local director and 2 shareholders; virtual office allowed.[1][4]
- Additional: Clean criminal record (sworn statement, no money laundering convictions); business plan, management details.[1][3]
Application Process
The process takes 2–4 months total.[1]
| Stage | Description | Key Documents/Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal Entity Registration | Form SA/SRL, register in public registry. | Founding documents (2–3 weeks).[1] |
| 2. Document Preparation | Develop AML/KYC, business plan, etc. | Policies, plan, passports/resumes of directors/beneficiaries (2–4 weeks); appoint compliance officer.[1] |
| 3. Submission | File with CNV, pay fees (10,000–30,000 ARS). | Full package (1–2 weeks); due diligence.[1][3] |
| 4. Review/Interaction | Respond to CNV/UIF queries. | As needed (2–6 weeks).[1] |
| 5. Approval | Enter VASP registry. | 1 week post-approval.[1] |
Regulatory References (official sources not directly in results; based on cited pages):
- Law N° 27,739: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/296092/20240314 (via [2][3]).
- CNV VASP Registry: https://www.cnv.gov.ar/ (via [2][3][5]).
- UIF Guidelines: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/uif (via [2]). Fees and timelines may vary; consult CNV for 2026 updates.[1][3]
Source Data
**Registration-focused**: Businesses register in the CNV's VASP registry for legal operation; unregistered VASPs cannot function.[2][3]
Unlike full licensing (e.g., with ongoing supervision), this is entry-based but mandates ongoing AML/KYC and reporting to UIF/CNV.[1][2]
CNV Resolution No. 1058/2025 updates emphasize transparency and compliance.[5]
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.[1][2][3][5]
Law N° 27,739: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/296092/20240314 (via [2][3]).
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.
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