VASP Registration Argentina: What You Need to Know

When dealing with VASP registration Argentina, the process of obtaining a license to operate as a Virtual Asset Service Provider under Argentine law. Also known as crypto service licensing in Argentina, it sets the legal foundation for any business that wants to offer exchange, wallet, or custodial services in the country.

VASP registration Argentina is not a one‑size‑fits‑all checklist; it ties together several moving parts. First, you must understand what a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is a business that deals with buying, selling, or storing cryptocurrencies for third parties actually does. Then, you need to navigate the local regulator, the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV), Argentina's securities authority that issues the crypto‑service license and monitors ongoing compliance. Finally, international standards like the FATF Travel Rule, a global requirement to share transaction data between VASPs and strong AML/KYC compliance, processes that verify users and prevent money‑laundering shape the entire registration journey.

Key Steps to Register a VASP in Argentina

Step 1: Prepare your corporate structure. Argentine law prefers a locally registered company, so you’ll need a CUIT (tax ID) and a physical office address. Step 2: Draft a detailed compliance manual that covers AML/KYC procedures, transaction monitoring, and record‑keeping. This manual must align with both CNV guidelines and FATF expectations. Step 3: Submit the application to the CNV, attaching the compliance manual, proof of capital, and a risk‑assessment report. The regulator will review your documentation, ask follow‑up questions, and may request a site visit. Step 4: Once approved, you’ll receive a digital certificate that lets you operate as a licensed VASP. But the work doesn’t stop there—ongoing reporting, periodic audits, and updates to your AML/KYC policies are mandatory.

Why does the FATF Travel Rule matter for Argentina? In simple terms, it forces every VASP to exchange sender and receiver details for transactions above a certain threshold. That means your platform must be able to capture, store, and transmit data like names, wallet addresses, and transaction amounts to counterparties. Failing to comply can lead to fines, suspension of the license, or even criminal charges. The CNV has adopted these requirements into its local framework, so any Argentine VASP must have a technical solution—often an API integration with a travel‑rule compliance provider—to satisfy the rule automatically.

On the AML/KYC side, you’ll need to implement identity verification (ID documents, facial recognition), source‑of‑funds checks, and ongoing monitoring for suspicious activity. Tools like blockchain analytics platforms can flag risky wallets, while a solid risk‑scoring model helps you prioritize reviews. Remember, the goal is not just to tick boxes—it’s to protect your business from illicit funds and to keep the regulator happy.

Putting all these pieces together creates a clear picture: VASP registration Argentina encompasses corporate setup, compliance documentation, regulator approval, and continuous oversight. It requires a mix of legal knowledge, technical integration, and risk management. The posts below dive deeper into each of these topics—whether you’re looking for a step‑by‑step guide, a review of compliance tools, or insights into how the FATF travel rule shapes crypto operations in South America.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that break down the process, share real‑world examples, and offer actionable tips to get your crypto service up and running legally in Argentina.