• Franco Amati criticizes the regulations, claiming they restrict Bitcoin use and compromise user privacy and security.
• Alejandro Estrin highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in Argentina, viewing regulations as protective and innovative.

More than three months after Argentina implemented Bitcoin ecosystem regulations focusing on exchanges and similar platforms, the local crypto community remains divided. While some claim users despise these regulations, others argue they increase interest in these digital assets.

As we pointed out in Crypto News Flash, since March, Argentina’s National Securities Commission was empowered to establish and oversee a registry of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency service providers. This step aligns with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines, aiming to prevent financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing.

Franco Amati, founder of the NGO Bitcoin Argentina, criticized the regulations. He told that these rules, originally imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and continued by the new government, harm the usage of Bitcoin and similar technologies. He expressed disappointment that the cryptocurrency platforms did not vocally resist these measures.

“These regulations are part of an imposition of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with the previous national government, and that the new government let pass either due to ignorance, or due to convenience in its positioning with the organization for future credit negotiations,” said Amati. .

Amati contends that the regulations hinder the development of the Bitcoin environment in Argentina and jeopardize the privacy and security of users on registered exchanges and platforms. Consequently, he noted, Argentine users generally oppose these regulations. He agreed with the analysis firm CoinCub, which ranked Argentina among the most restrictive nations for cryptocurrencies, similar to Nigeria, China, and Russia.

On the other hand, Alejandro Estrin, country manager for OKX Argentina—one of the largest bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges—presented a contrasting viewpoint. Estrin suggested that “solid regulatory frameworks” protect users while fostering innovation. He noted a growing interest in cryptocurrencies in Argentina, despite regulatory uncertainties.

“We see in Argentina a highly educated community eager to explore new technologies. The level of education and adaptability of the users makes the country a key market for the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the region,” she said.

Crypto News Flash described Argentina as a stronghold for cryptocurrency adoption globally, driven by a tech-savvy population and openness to innovation. He highlighted the well-educated and adaptable community eager to explore new technologies, positioning Argentina as a key market for cryptocurrency adoption in the region.

While the perspectives on regulation in Argentina vary, the crypto ecosystem continues to thrive. Beyond trading and negotiating with crypto assets, digital mining and blockchain development are burgeoning, with new projects continually emerging. Additionally, hundreds of businesses across various cities now accept crypto assets as payment, underscoring the market’s presence in Argentina, despite the regulatory law.