PSAV (Crypto) Registration in Argentina
Argentina’s PSAV (Proveedor de Servicios de Activos Virtuales) licence, issued by the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) under Resolución General 994/2024, is the mandatory regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers offering crypto-asset exchange, custody, brokerage, and intermediation services to Argentine clients.
The PSAV regime is distinct from the separate UIF VASP registration: the CNV oversees capital markets and investor protection aspects of virtual asset services, while the UIF (Unidad de Información Financiera) governs AML/CFT obligations. PSAVs are sujetos obligados under UIF Resolución 49/2024 — mandating risk-based AML programmes, KYC verification, transaction monitoring, and ongoing suspicious activity reporting.
Key practical parameters: a minimum capital (patrimonio neto mínimo) of ARS 10 million, a resident compliance officer registered with the CNV, and annual compliance reviews. The CNV applies strict deadlines — missed filings can result in website blocking or registration cancellation. Annual compliance costs including external AML audits typically run USD 20,000–30,000. Banking access remains challenging: most PSAVs rely on fintech PSPs or offshore accounts.
A ready-made PSAV-registered entity compresses the typical 4–6 month registration timeline. The acquisition process involves SPA, CNV change-of-control notification, and UIF programme realignment.
Legasset assists clients with both ready-made PSAV acquisitions and new CNV registrations — regulatory filings, AML programme setup, and local compliance officer onboarding.
Related LatAm crypto licences and resources
Key Takeaways for PSAV (Crypto) Registration in Argentina
- Mandatory CNV registration now governs PSAV activity; individuals under UVA 35,000/month are exempt, but others must register before operating. Foreign triggers include .ar use, local funds, ads to residents, or >20% local business. Legacy files migrate by Jul 1/Aug 1/Sep 1, 2025; full enforcement is Dec 31, 2025.
- Patrimony: USD 150k (cats 1,2,4), USD 75k (cat 3), USD 35k (cat 5); the figure halves if transaction/custody volume stays below USD 2.5m in 12 months. Individuals may only register for categories 1–2.
- Local presence and roles: provide domicilio operativo y legal, site/app, and appoint a Responsable de Cumplimiento and Relaciones con el Público. File an idóneo informático report and publish risk disclosures on your site/app.
- AML/CTF: PSAVs are Sujetos Obligados under UIF Resolución 49/2024 and must implement risk-based KYC, travel-rule controls, SARs, and external reviews. Missed AIF filings or deadlines can cancel registration; CNV may ask courts to block URLs of unregistered PSAVs.
- Costs and taxes: the 2025 tasa de fiscalización is ARS 10,000,000 (companies) or ARS 4,000,000 (individuals), payable after Oct 1 or upon adequacy; registrants by Oct 15 pay Nov 3–7. Corporate Income Tax applies at 25–35%, and distributions carry 7% on dividends and branch remittances.
- How we help: we can provide a ready-made PSAV-registered entity or prepare a new TAD filing, then build your UIF program and AIF reporting so you launch on firm footing.
What You Need to Know About the PSAV (Crypto) Registration in Argentina
Table of Contents
Argentina’s “crypto license” is mandatory registration for Proveedores de Servicios de Activos Virtuales (PSAV) with the Comisión Nacional de Valores. It enables lawful exchange, transfer, and custody of virtual assets when serving Argentine residents. Foreign firms must register through a local company under art. 123 of Ley 19.550 or as a branch under art. 118.
Who needs it: any operator that targets Argentina through a .ar domain, local funds collection, ads to residents, or when 20% or more of business is local. Individuals are exempt below 35,000 UVA per month. Unregistered PSAVs must not operate. CNV can even request URL blocking for non-registered providers.
Key limits you should weigh now. AML/CTF duties as Sujetos Obligados apply under UIF Resolución 49/2024. Registration and cancellation are filed in TAD; ongoing disclosures are made through AIF using forms such as PSAV_014 and PSAV_015. Entities from high-risk or no-cooperating tax jurisdictions cannot register. From December 31, 2025, the updated rulebook becomes fully enforceable.
Regulatory authorities, rules and taxes for PSAV in Argentina
Governing body: CNV maintains the PSAV registry established by Resolución General 994/2024 and rewritten by Resolución General 1058/2025. The CNV registry is public and currently lists 0 entries. UIF sets the AML program and reporting standards.
What this means in practice. Your file must cover ownership, governance, chosen PSAV categorías, technology controls, and disclosure of risks. AIF reporting is defined in the rulebook, including operational and incident forms. New filings moved to TAD on May 26, 2025, and CNV suspended new registrations until the resolution’s entry into force 45 days after its publication. Deadlines for existing entries are July 1, August 1, and September 1, 2025, depending on applicant type.
Tax context. Corporate income tax applies at progressive brackets up to 35% for fiscal years beginning in 2025, per AFIP tables. Dividends and branch remittances have additional 7% charges under current law.
You can buy a ready-made PSAV-registered entity or file a new PSAV registration. Our team handles eligibility checks, CNV filings in TAD, UIF program design, and AIF setup so you launch with realistic obligations and dates. Next, we detail eligibility and documentary requirements step by step.
Eligibility Requirements for Obtaining a PSAV Registration
Who can apply and legal form
Persons and companies can register as Proveedores de Servicios de Activos Virtuales (PSAV). Local entities must be a sociedad anónima or sociedad de responsabilidad limitada under Ley 19.550. Foreign providers must register via an Argentine company under art. 123 or as a branch under art. 118 when they target residents. Individuals are exempt if activity stays under UVA 35,000/month. Unregistered operators must abstain from PSAV activities.
Financial and capital requirements
CNV sets Patrimonio Neto Mínimo by activity: USD 150,000 for categories 1, 2, and 4; USD 75,000 for category 3; USD 35,000 for category 5. If transaction or custody volumes are under USD 2,500,000 in the last 12 months, the patrimony requirement drops by 50%. Evidence must be certified by an independent accountant in USD terms per BCRA method.
Local presence and compliance oversight
Applicants must provide domicilio operativo and domicilio legal in Argentina and identify a corporate website or app; companies list a .ar domain if they have one. They must appoint a Responsable de Cumplimiento Regulatorio y Control Interno and a Responsable de Relaciones con el Público. Foreign providers trigger registration if they use a .ar domain, collect funds locally, target residents, run ads to residents, or exceed 20% of global business in Argentina.
Required documentation and submission process
New registrations and cancellations are filed in TAD; ongoing reporting uses AIF. Core items include corporate constitutive documents, shareholder and director details, criminal record certificates, AML declarations, patrimony certification, selection of PSAV categorías, and—where applicable—custody and systems disclosures plus an idóneo informático report. CNV lists the required fields in Article 6 for persons and companies.
Approval timelines, fees, and hidden costs
CNV rules set deadlines for existing registrants in 2025 and make the new framework fully enforceable from December 31, 2025. They do not fix a processing timeline for new files. PSAVs are AML obliged subjects under UIF Resolución 49/2024 and must run a risk-based program with reporting to UIF. CNV’s tasa de fiscalización y control for 2025 is payable after October 1, 2025 or after adequacy. Banking onboarding often involves enhanced diligence beyond registration.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Plan for .ar domain and marketing rules if you target residents. Structure foreign participation early to meet art. 118 or 123 requirements. Prepare auditable patrimony evidence and AIF reporting from day one; failure to update on time can lead to cancellation. Legasset helps calibrate activity categories, file via TAD, and build a UIF-ready compliance stack before launch.
Pros & Cons of Acquiring a PSAV (Crypto) Registration in Argentina
+ Transparent regulatory basis. The PSAV regime is codified in Resolución General 994/2024 and amended by 1058/2025, giving applicants a clear legal path instead of operating in a grey area.
+ Scaled patrimony requirements. Minimum net worth varies from USD 35,000 to USD 150,000 depending on activity, and firms below USD 2.5 million in annual volume qualify for a 50% reduction, easing entry for smaller providers.
+ Accessible filing system. Registrations and cancellations are handled through Trámites a Distancia (TAD) with no upfront CNV application fee, reducing initial state costs compared to European jurisdictions with EUR 10,000–20,000 fees.
+ Foreign participation allowed. Non-Argentine companies can register via art. 118 (branch) or art. 123 (subsidiary) of Ley 19.550, offering global firms a defined route to local compliance.
– Heavy recurring fees. From 2025, companies must pay an annual tasa de fiscalización y control of ARS 10,000,000 and individuals ARS 4,000,000, a significant cost in addition to tax liabilities.
– Strict AML/CTF regime. Under UIF Resolución 49/2024, PSAVs are sujetos obligados with duties including risk self-assessments, suspicious activity reporting, and external compliance reviews, adding continuous operational overhead.
– Challenging banking access. Argentine banks apply enhanced due diligence, and many avoid onboarding crypto clients. Firms often rely on fintech PSPs or foreign accounts, which complicates settlement and liquidity.
– Enforcement and cancellation risks. CNV may block URLs of non-registered providers and cancel registrations if AIF reports are late. Missing the 2025 deadlines (July 1, Aug 1, Sep 1) can result in removal from the registry.
This balance shows that while Argentina now offers legal certainty and market access, compliance and financial obligations are substantial and demand careful planning from operators.
How to Get a PSAV (Crypto) Registration in Argentina
At Legasset, clients may either acquire a ready-made PSAV-registered entity or apply for a new registration. Ready-made entities shorten entry timelines but still require compliance upgrades. Fresh applications allow full customization of governance and categories, though they involve longer review. Our team handles entity formation, capital certification, CNV filings, and UIF program setup in both cases.
- Step 1: Entity Setup or Ready-Made Transfer 3-4 weeks
Register a sociedad anónima (SA) or sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (SRL) under Ley 19.550. SAs provide greater flexibility for foreign shareholders, while SRLs are cheaper but more rigid. Ready-made transfers require notarized share transfer and CNV notification.
Key Documents: bylaws, shareholder registry, UBO disclosures, notarized transfer deeds.
Estimated Cost: USD 3,500–6,000 for new incorporation; USD 15,000–25,000 for ready-made transfer.
Timeline: 5–7 weeks for new entities; 3–4 weeks for ready-made transfers. - Step 2: Capital Certification 3-4 weeks
CNV requires Patrimonio Neto Mínimo: USD 150,000 (categories 1, 2, 4), USD 75,000 (category 3), USD 35,000 (category 5). If annual volume stays below USD 2.5m, the figure is halved. Patrimony must be certified by an independent accountant in USD, but deposited funds are subject to BCRA foreign exchange restrictions — making local banking setup difficult.
Key Documents: audited financials, accountant certification, bank proof of funds.
Estimated Cost: USD 2,000–4,000 for audit and certification.
Timeline: 3–4 weeks for preparation and submission. - Step 3: CNV Filing via TAD 3-5 months
Applications are lodged through Trámites a Distancia (TAD). Firms must select PSAV categories, attach AML policies, governance structure, and IT disclosures reviewed by an idóneo informático. CNV routinely issues observations requiring clarification — each round can extend review by 4–6 weeks.
Key Documents: AML manual, governance chart, criminal record certificates, IT system report.
Estimated Cost: no CNV fee; legal and drafting USD 8,000–12,000.
Timeline: 3–5 months depending on CNV feedback. - Step 4: UIF Program Implementation 1-2 months
Registered PSAVs become sujetos obligados under UIF Resolución 49/2024. They must maintain customer onboarding, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and appoint external auditors approved by UIF. This limits provider options and raises annual compliance costs.
Key Documents: AML risk manual, board resolution, UIF-approved reviewer contract.
Estimated Cost: USD 12,000–20,000 annually for compliance officers and external reviews.
Timeline: 1–2 months for setup; continuous thereafter. - Step 5: AIF Reporting and Supervision Fees monthly/annualy
Ongoing reporting through Autopista de la Información Financiera (AIF) includes PSAV_014 (monthly operations) and PSAV_015 (material changes). Late filings trigger fines, and system downtime does not pause deadlines. From October 2025, CNV imposes a tasa de fiscalización y control: ARS 10,000,000 for companies and ARS 4,000,000 for individuals.
Key Documents: AIF monthly forms, annual audits, UIF suspicious activity reports.
Estimated Cost: ARS 10m (~USD 10,500) per year, plus USD 5,000–10,000 in reporting overhead.
Timeline: monthly and annual cycles; penalties apply for delays.
- Overall: Ready-made acquisition generally completes in 6–8 weeks; new applications take 4–6 months. Both require upfront patrimony, AML readiness, and budgeting for CNV’s annual supervision fee. Access to Argentine banks remains extremely limited, meaning most PSAVs operate with fintech PSPs or offshore accounts while staying compliant locally.
Post-Licensing Compliance Obligations for PSAV Registration in Argentina
Securing CNV approval is only the start. Argentina’s PSAV regime requires constant compliance with both CNV and UIF. Companies that miss filings or fail to adapt to new rules face cancellation of registration, fines, or even judicial blocking of websites used to reach Argentine clients. Many competitor sites stop at the licensing stage, but in practice, post-license obligations are the area where most costs and risks arise.
- AML and monitoring duties. As sujetos obligados under UIF Resolución 49/2024, PSAVs must operate a risk-based AML program. This includes updating customer data, applying enhanced due diligence to high-risk profiles, monitoring transactions, and complying with the travel rule. Each PSAV must submit an annual risk self-assessment and an external compliance review. These filings have hard deadlines, meaning delays quickly escalate to enforcement actions.
- CNV reporting through AIF. Once registered, firms file monthly operational data via PSAV_014 and must submit PSAV_015 for any material change. These filings are not optional: CNV can cancel registrations for late or incomplete submissions. The obligations are fully enforceable from December 31, 2025, giving firms only a short window to automate reporting.
- Taxes, audits, and fees. Corporate profits are taxed up to 35% under AFIP’s scale, with dividends and branch remittances incurring an extra 7% withholding. Annual audits are needed to support patrimony adequacy and CNV filings. From 2025, the tasa de fiscalización y control is mandatory: ARS 10,000,000 for companies and ARS 4,000,000 for individuals, payable after October 1 or after adequacy filings.
Legasset’s support
We help clients build UIF-compliant frameworks, prepare monthly and annual AIF filings, coordinate audits, and structure reporting calendars. By treating compliance as an ongoing project, we help prevent the penalties, cancelled registrations, or banking setbacks that less-prepared operators often face.
Common Pitfalls and Challenges of Operating Under a PSAV Registration in Argentina
Holding a PSAV registration under the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) gives legal certainty, but it also introduces challenges that operators must budget and plan for. Many competitors downplay these realities, yet they are decisive for long-term sustainability.
- Banking and payments. Local banks typically refuse to service PSAVs, citing reputational and risk policies. This forces firms to use fintech PSPs or offshore banking. While workable, it complicates FX management and increases transaction costs.
- Regulatory fluidity. Since Resolución General 994/2024 and 1058/2025 only came into force recently, CNV and Unidad de Información Financiera (UIF) continue issuing new guidelines. Each update can trigger extra filings or system adjustments, which extend compliance overhead.
- Hidden compliance costs. Beyond the minimum patrimony, PSAVs must pay the annual tasa de fiscalización y control (ARS 10m for companies, ARS 4m for individuals), monthly AIF submissions, and external AML audits. Together, these obligations can reach USD 20,000–30,000 annually, excluding staffing.
- Staffing and governance. CNV expects a resident compliance officer and documented governance chart. Recruiting qualified AML professionals in Argentina is challenging, and outsourcing to UIF-registered reviewers raises yearly costs further.
Legasset helps clients anticipate these pitfalls. We guide banking alternatives, monitor CNV/UIF updates, and design lean compliance frameworks that fit local requirements without unnecessary expense. This allows businesses not only to obtain the license but to operate reliably under Argentina’s demanding regime.
FAQ About Purchasing a PSAV (Crypto) Registration in Argentina
What is the Argentina crypto license (PSAV registration) and who regulates it?
The PSAV registration is mandatory for providers of virtual-asset services in Argentina. It is overseen by the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) under Resolución General 994/2024 and its update 1058/2025. Categories include exchange, custody, transfers, and token issuance. This registration makes an operator a recognized subject under CNV supervision.
What does the PSAV registration allow—and what are its limits?
It allows businesses to offer crypto exchange, custody, and transfer services depending on the category selected. Individuals may only apply for Categories 1 and 2. Foreign providers must set up a subsidiary (art. 123, Ley 19.550) or a branch (art. 118). Operators cannot target Argentine residents without registration, and CNV may request URL blocking for non-compliant entities.
How much does the Argentina PSAV license cost to maintain annually?
The tasa de fiscalización y control applies from 2025. Companies must pay ARS 10,000,000, and individuals ARS 4,000,000 each year. This is in addition to corporate tax obligations of up to 35% and external AML review expenses under UIF Resolución 49/2024.
What capital and reporting obligations apply after Argentina crypto license purchase?
Capital adequacy depends on category: USD 150,000 (Categories 1, 2, 4), USD 75,000 (Category 3), or USD 35,000 (Category 5). Requirements drop by 50% if volumes are under USD 2.5m in 12 months. Reporting runs through CNV’s Autopista de la Información Financiera (AIF), with monthly PSAV_014 filings and PSAV_015 for material events.
Is there a renewal or expiry for the Argentina crypto license?
There is no fixed-term renewal. Instead, CNV requires continuous adequacy: registrants must keep data current and file updates on shareholder changes, new services, or governance. Missing reporting deadlines or failing to pay the annual fee can result in cancellation.
How does Legasset support clients with PSAV registration and beyond?
We assist both buyers of ready-made PSAV entities and those applying for a new registration. Our team prepares CNV filings, arranges capital certification, and implements UIF-compliant AML programs.
Additional Links and Resources for PSAV (Crypto) Registration in Argentina
The CNV is Argentina’s securities regulator responsible for maintaining the official PSAV registry. Its site provides access to Resolución General 994/2024 and 1058/2025, supervision fees, and compliance updates.
II. Unidad de Información Financiera (UIF)
The UIF oversees Argentina’s AML/CTF framework. Here you will find Resolución UIF 49/2024, reporting calendars, and technical guidance for PSAVs designated as sujetos obligados.
III. Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina
The official government gazette where new laws, resolutions, and regulatory amendments are published. This is the primary source for updates on CNV and UIF regulations.
IV. Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP)
AFIP is Argentina’s tax authority. Its website provides details on corporate tax brackets, dividend withholding rules, and reporting obligations relevant to PSAV-registered entities.
V. FATF – Argentina Member Profile
The FATF profile outlines Argentina’s commitments under international AML/CTF standards, including how Recommendation 15 on virtual assets applies to PSAVs.
