In Argentina, banks are prohibited from offering services linked to cryptocurrencies.
The cryptocurrency sector asks for tax flexibility to have equality with banks.
The Argentine financial system could be facing one of its most significant changes in years. And the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) would be evaluating enabling traditional banks to offer the purchase, sale and custody of cryptocurrencies.
Although there is no official communication yet, a cryptocurrency exchange consulted by the local press Indian that approval could be completed in April 2026. This would give banks enough time to adapt their systems and close the necessary operational alliances.
The interest of banking entities in offering cryptocurrencies is not new in Argentina. In 2022, Galicia, Brubank and Ualá launched services for buying and selling digital assets such as bitcoin (BTC), but those tests lasted just three days.
As CriptoNoticias reported, The BCRA then intervened and prohibited any operation linked to crypto assets. within the formal financial system. From 2024, only exchanges registered as virtual asset service providers (PSAV) can provide cryptocurrencies in Argentina.
Carlos Peralta, public affairs leader of the Bitso cryptocurrency platform, told the press that, if the lifting of the ban finally moves forward, banks will have two paths: develop the necessary infrastructure internally or partner with exchanges already registered as PSAV.
The Bitso manager also added that, For the integration to be truly effective, it will be necessary to review the current tax scheme. In particular, he spoke about the check tax, which today directly impacts PSAVs while financial entities such as banks are exempt.
Although this discussion is independent of the authorization analyzed by the BCRA, the Lemon cryptocurrency exchange considers that both changes should advance together to ensure equitable conditions within the financial system.