argentina vasp overview

Argentina VASP Overview

Table of Contents

1. Current Status

  • Total Existing VASP License Holders: 132 entities.
  • Regulatory Freeze: As of May 2025, the Argentina regulator has:
    1. Prohibited new VASP registrations.
    2. Mandated license upgrades for all existing VASP holders.
    3. Threatened revocation of existing licenses if upgrade requirements are not met.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty:
    1. The newly introduced framework remains legally unclear.
    2. No known law firm or crypto company has successfully obtained or upgraded a VASP license under the new regime.

2. Licensing Requirements (Post-May 2025)

RequirementNotes
Legal EntityCorporation or LLC registered in Argentina.
AddressVirtual address acceptable; however, physical address preferred.
Local DirectorFit and proper.
Compliance OfficerFit and proper. Foreign nationals accepted.
Deputy Compliance OfficerFit and proper. Foreign nationals accepted.
Deputy Compliance OfficerAML/CTF Policy, Business Plan, Customer and Compliant Handling Procedure, Cyber Security Policy, Manual Hand book

*Must be translated to Spanish and apostilled
Capital RequirementUSD 20,000 to USD 150,000 in either fiat or stablecoins.
Tax Identification NumberTax registration is mandatory.

Notes:

  • Bank accounts are not required for initial submission. The bank will only open the operational and client funds segregated accounts after the applicant is fully licensed.
  • Although foreign personnel are permitted in key compliance roles, retaining at least one local officer (either Director or Compliance) is strongly recommended for regulatory favorability.

3. Legal Advisors Engaged

Name of the firmNotes
Becca VarelaTop tier local law firm. Handed VASP applications for Binance in Argentina.
Baker McKenzieTop tier local law firm.
MarvalTop tier local law firm.