Coinbase Secures Approval to Expand Services in Argentina
Crypto giant gains regulatory approval in Argentina

Coinbase has secured regulatory approval to expand its services in Argentina, a move set to reshape the country's crypto landscape. Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV) granted the crypto exchange a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration, allowing it to introduce new services, including peso-based payment methods, according to a Jan. 28 blog post.
The exchange has operated in Argentina since 2019, initially offering crypto-to-crypto conversions and trading. However, this approval enables Coinbase to legally expand its offerings, aligning with the country's regulatory framework for digital assets. A company spokesperson clarified that while Coinbase previously lacked a license, it wasn’t operating illegally. Now, with official recognition, the platform can offer more financial products in the local currency.
This development follows Binance’s VASP approval in Argentina last October, marking a significant shift in the country’s crypto industry. As part of its expansion, Coinbase also plans to launch educational initiatives to promote crypto literacy. Fabio Plein, Coinbase’s director for the Americas, emphasized that crypto is more than an investment tool for Argentinians—it’s a means of financial empowerment amid economic instability.
Argentina is battling soaring inflation and poverty, with over 50% of the population struggling financially. Reports suggest the country may consider adopting Bitcoin as a national asset, similar to El Salvador. Coinbase’s latest State of Crypto report reveals that 76% of Argentine adults see crypto as a solution to financial challenges, and the country now leads Latin America in crypto inflows, surpassing Brazil with $91 billion in transactions.
With this approval, Coinbase is poised to deepen its presence in Argentina, potentially accelerating crypto adoption in one of the most financially strained economies in the region.