Argentina weighs allowing domestic banks to offer crypto services

Argentina is considering allowing domestic banks to trade digital assets and offer crypto-related services, a move that could accelerate crypto adoption in the country.

The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) is working on changes to its existing rule, which currently prohibits banking institutions from engaging in digital asset-related activities, local news outlet La Nacion reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

While sources declined to disclose details or timeline, an unnamed major crypto exchange operating in Argentina told La Nacion that the changes could be approved as early as April 2026.

The Block has reached out to BCRA for comment.

Local experts and exchanges reportedly said that allowing local banks to access cryptocurrencies and offer digital asset services would ignite a new era of mass adoption in the region.

According to an October report from Chainalysis, Argentina saw $93.9 billion in crypto transaction volume between July 2022 and June 2025, the second-largest total in Latin America.

Meanwhile, Brazil — Latin America's leading country by crypto volume — recently expanded its financial regulations to cover the digital asset industry. The new rules mandate that crypto service providers obtain central bank authorization to operate.

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