Crypto & PSAV Legal Counsel in Argentina
We counsel exchanges, wallets, DeFi protocols, Web3 companies and fintechs with virtual asset exposure on PSAV registration, CNV compliance, AML/KYC frameworks and regulatory strategy in Argentina.
What we cover
- PSAV registration with CNV: dossier preparation and submission
- AML/CFT compliance program design (UIF standards)
- Compliance officer designation and training
- KYC/AML policies and procedures documentation
- Suspicious transaction reporting frameworks (ROSs)
- Terms of service and user agreements for Argentine market
- Tax analysis of virtual asset transactions in Argentina
- Regulatory monitoring and ongoing compliance support
- Legal opinions on token classifications and DeFi activities
Who we work with
Local and international platforms serving Argentine users — seeking PSAV registration and AML/KYC compliance frameworks.
Protocols with Argentine users, front-end operators, and Web3 companies assessing their regulatory obligations before expanding to the Argentine market.
Payment companies, neobanks and lending platforms adding virtual asset features — needing to understand the additional regulatory layer triggered by crypto activities.
The regulatory landscape in Argentina
The Comisión Nacional de Valores supervises PSAV registration and capital markets activity. Companies offering virtual asset services to the public must register before operating.
Unidad de Información Financiera governs the AML/CFT framework. PSAVs are obligated subjects under UIF regulations — requiring formal AML programs, KYC procedures and suspicious transaction reporting.
Virtual asset gains are taxable in Argentina. Exchanges and brokers with Argentine users have information reporting obligations. Tax planning on virtual asset transactions requires specific analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PSAV in Argentina?
A PSAV (Proveedor de Servicios de Activos Virtuales) is the Argentine regulatory category for virtual asset service providers, as defined by UIF Resolution 49/2023 and subsequent CNV regulations. PSAVs must register with the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) and comply with Argentina's AML/CFT framework. The category covers exchanges, wallets, brokers and other companies that exchange, transfer, safeguard or administer virtual assets on behalf of third parties.
Who needs to register as a PSAV in Argentina?
Any company that, in a habitual and professional manner: (a) exchanges or trades virtual assets for fiat or other crypto; (b) transfers virtual assets; (c) safeguards or administers virtual assets or instruments that provide control over them; or (d) participates in and provides financial services related to an issuer's offering or sale of virtual assets. This covers exchanges, wallets, OTC desks, crypto brokers and some DeFi front-ends with Argentine users.
What are the penalties for operating as a PSAV without CNV registration?
Operating as an unregistered PSAV is a regulatory infraction that can result in fines, public warnings, suspension of operations and referral to criminal authorities for serious AML violations. The CNV has been actively enforcing registration requirements since 2023. Additionally, financial institutions are increasingly blocking transactions with unregistered VASPs — which can effectively freeze a company's operations in Argentina.
How long does PSAV registration in Argentina take?
The PSAV registration process with the CNV involves: preparing the application dossier (corporate documents, AML/KYC policy, compliance officer designation, cybersecurity documentation), submitting through the CNV platform, responding to information requests, and receiving registration confirmation. The process typically takes 2–4 months from a complete application. Preparation of the dossier (policies, procedures, forms) takes 3–6 weeks depending on the company's existing compliance infrastructure.
Can foreign crypto companies offer services in Argentina without local registration?
Argentine regulators have asserted jurisdiction over foreign platforms with Argentine users. While enforcement against pure offshore platforms is limited, the risk profile increases significantly: UIF can classify unregistered foreign platforms as AML risks, and Argentine banks and payment processors increasingly refuse to work with them. Foreign companies with material Argentine user bases should consult on their PSAV obligations regardless of where they are incorporated.
Evaluate your PSAV compliance obligations
Tell us your business model, current user base in Argentina and existing compliance infrastructure — we'll assess your PSAV registration requirements and next steps.
Request your PSAV compliance assessment
Tell us your business model, services offered and current user base in Argentina. We'll assess your regulatory obligations and registration path.