7 December 2025

Central Bank of Argentina Considers Allowing Banks to Offer Cryptocurrency Services
The Central Bank of Argentina is contemplating a significant shift in its regulatory approach by drafting a proposal that would enable private banks to provide cryptocurrency trading and custody services. This potential move could transform the country s crypto landscape and make it a pioneer in Latin America.
According to Julian Colombo, Bitso s manager for South America, the implementation of this measure
would encourage many more people to invest in crypto, by providing the ease and confidence of doing so through their bank.
This sentiment is echoed by members of the Argentine cryptocurrency industry, who believe that allowing banks to engage in crypto activities would broaden access to alternatives like bitcoin and stablecoins for the general public.
Argentina is already one of the leading countries in crypto adoption, largely due to the use of stablecoins as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. In 2022, Banco Galicia became the first local bank to offer cryptocurrency trading services, allowing customers to trade BTC, ETH, USDC, and XRP. However, this initiative was short-lived as the central bank swiftly imposed a ban on such services under a previous administration.
If the Central Bank of Argentina decides to proceed with this new measure, it would not only reinstate banking involvement in the crypto sector but also position Argentina ahead of other Latin American countries like Bolivia and Venezuela, which have considered similar steps but have yet to act.
While no specific timeline has been announced, industry insiders anticipate that this measure could be implemented by April 2026. If realized, it would mark a significant milestone for Argentina s crypto ecosystem and provide citizens with new avenues for savings and investment through their banks.