Argentina vs Nicaragua
Crypto regulation comparison
Argentina
Nicaragua
Legal
Legal
Cryptocurrency is legal in Argentina and widely adopted due to persistent inflation and currency controls. The CNV regulates crypto service providers under a 2024 registration framework. Argentina has one of the highest crypto adoption rates globally, with stablecoins used as a hedge against peso devaluation.
Nicaragua regulates virtual assets under Law 1072 (2021) and BCN resolution CD-BCN-XXV-1-22 (2022). VASPs must be licensed by BCN. Crypto gains taxed at 15% capital gains rate.
Tax Type
Income
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
5% (peso-denominated) / 15% (foreign currency)
Tax Rate
15%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CNV (Comisión Nacional de Valores), BCRA
Regulator
Banco Central de Nicaragua (BCN)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; USD-pegged stablecoins widely used informally
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- CNV registered as the regulatory authority for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) under FATF guidelines
- Crypto gains taxed as income under the income tax law at progressive rates
- High adoption driven by inflation and capital controls on the Argentine peso
- Exchanges must register with the CNV and comply with AML/KYC requirements
- No legal tender status for crypto; the peso remains the only legal tender
Key Points
- Law 1072 (2021) defines virtual assets and regulates VASPs
- BCN is designated as the licensing and supervisory authority
- Banks are legally permitted to offer virtual asset services
- Capital gains taxed at 15% on crypto profits
- Government monitors virtual transactions exceeding ,000 since 2025