Centralized exchange in Argentina

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.

Law N° 27,739: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/296092/20240314 (via ).

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.

Mandatory registration for crypto businesses with monthly volumes exceeding 35,000 UVA (approximately $29,246)

Compliance with CNV Resolution 994/2024, which established the VASP registration framework

Implementation of strict Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and continuous transaction monitoring

Reporting of suspicious activities to the Financial Information Unit (UIF) within 150 days

Financial Information Unit (UIF): AML/CFT authority; stablecoin service providers are classified as Sujetos Obligados (mandatory reporters)

Law 27,739 (2024): Establishes the VASP registry under CNV oversight and amends AML laws to include VASPs.

CNV General Resolution 994/2024: Defines VASPs and requires CNV registration for legal operations.

UIF Resolution 49/2024: Mandates VASP registration with UIF for AML compliance.

Anti-Money Laundering Law No. 25,246: Core law preventing money laundering, now extended to VASPs.

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).

RePET list: Primary Argentine list for terrorism/financing; VASPs must screen, high quality for region.

Fully enforceable since 31 December 2025, with the first annual compliance audit cycle starting 1 January 2026; obligations are live and enforced in 2026.

Applies to registered PSAVs with Argentina's CNV (Comisión Nacional de Valores), including domestic and foreign entities targeting Argentine users.

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.

VASPs must collect, transmit, and retain originator/beneficiary information for in-scope crypto-asset transfers.

Systematic reporting for higher-value activity; first annual audits from January 2026.

Strict on unhosted wallets and inbound cross-border transfers.

Entity Targeted: Polymarket (crypto-powered prediction platform). Violation Type: Operating as an unlicensed online betting service without identity or age verification. Penalty: Nationwide access block; directed ISPs to restrict access; Google and Apple instructed to remove mobile applications. Outcome: Platform blocked countrywide.

Entity Targeted: President Javier Milei (for promoting $LIBRA cryptocurrency). Violation Type: Market manipulation; alleged rug pull scam. Penalty Amount: $251 million in investor losses documented. Outcome: Over 100 criminal complaints filed; judicial investigation launched; described as "Cryptogate" and The Economist called it the "first big scandal" of Milei's presidency.

Entity Targeted: CoinX crypto platform. Violation Type: Operating without authorization; operating similar to a Ponzi scheme. Outcome: Platform banned; thousands of investors affected with millions in losses.

Violation Type: Regulatory compliance requirements; FATF-aligned VASP oversight. Outcome: Coinbase suspended ARS-to-USDC trading operations after less than one year in the market.