Argentina has taken a major step in regulated asset tokenization. The country’s securities watchdog, the CNV, approved General Resolution 1081, expanding its existing tokenization regime to include domestic and foreign stocks. The move positions Argentina among the first jurisdictions in Latin America to formally recognize stock tokenization within an official securities framework.
Stocks Added to the Tokenization Framework
Under the new rules, stocks can now join other instruments such as financial trusts and closed-end mutual fund shares in being digitally represented through decentralized technologies, including blockchain. The framework follows a public consultation process launched in April and allows these assets to be issued, settled, and traded using decentralized platforms while retaining legal recognition from both public and private institutions.
The CNV also made clear that tokenized shares will not constitute new issuance. Instead, tokenization will serve as an additional digital representation of securities that already exist. This distinction is important because it supports innovation without altering the underlying capital structure or creating extra share supply outside the established market framework.
VASPs to Handle Custody and Compliance
Implementation will rely heavily on virtual asset service providers, or VASPs. According to the resolution, these entities will act as custodians of the tokenized securities, operate as trading venues, and enforce anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. That structure suggests Argentina is aiming to integrate blockchain-based securities activity into a compliance model that remains connected to traditional financial oversight.
The new functionality will operate inside a regulatory sandbox currently set to run until August 21, although that deadline may change depending on the results. CNV President Roberto E. Silva described the measure as an innovative and pioneering development for both Argentina and the broader region, underscoring its significance for the country’s capital market modernization efforts.