El Salvador and Paraguay strengthen crypto oversight with new regulatory pact
- El Salvador's CNAD has a leading role in crypto oversight and licensing.
- Paraguay seeks to address concerns over unregulated crypto activities.
- El Salvador previously signed a similar deal with Argentina in December.
El Salvador and Paraguay have taken a significant step toward tightening cryptocurrency regulations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last Friday.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations in monitoring digital asset activities, preventing illicit financial flows, and strengthening financial integrity in the cryptocurrency sector.
The pact, signed by Paraguay’s Secretariat for the Prevention of Money Laundering (SEPRELAD) and El Salvador’s National Digital Assets Commission (CNAD), focuses on mutual information sharing, regulatory oversight, and industry supervision.
This marks the latest in a series of international collaborations by El Salvador, which has positioned itself as a leader in crypto regulation.
El Salvador expands crypto influence
Copy link to sectionEl Salvador has continued to establish itself as a key player in cryptocurrency regulation since becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021.
The CNAD, which oversees all digital asset activities in the country, has implemented one of the most advanced regulatory frameworks for digital assets globally.
It ensures that all crypto firms operating in El Salvador obtain a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) license, setting a precedent for other nations looking to regulate the sector.
The agreement with Paraguay follows a similar deal signed with Argentina’s Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) in December, underscoring El Salvador’s push to create a network of Latin American countries committed to digital asset regulation.
CNAD President Juan Carlos Reyes emphasised that these partnerships aim to promote transparency, mitigate financial crime risks, and support responsible growth within the sector.
By exporting its regulatory expertise, El Salvador is positioning itself as a model for crypto governance.
COMUNICADO | La Superintendencia de Valores informa que las criptomonedas no son registradas ni autorizadas por el BCP. Las mismas no tienen curso legal en el paÃs ni cuentan con respaldo del Estado. Más información: siv.bcp.gov.py/?page_id=171
Paraguay cracks down on illicit crypto activities
Copy link to sectionWhile Paraguay has yet to implement a national cryptocurrency framework, the new agreement signals the country’s intent to ramp up its oversight of the digital asset industry.
SEPRELAD has expressed concerns about the risks associated with unregulated cryptocurrency transactions, particularly about money laundering and other financial crimes.
Paraguay has been a hotspot for crypto mining due to its abundant hydroelectric power, attracting miners looking for low-cost energy.
However, the lack of clear regulations has raised concerns about illicit activities, including unregistered mining operations and the use of crypto for illegal transactions.
By collaborating with El Salvador, Paraguay is expected to gain insights into effective regulatory approaches, which could shape future policies for its crypto sector.
Latin America’s crypto sector
Copy link to sectionThe latest agreement highlights a growing regional shift toward stricter cryptocurrency regulations.
As more Latin American countries explore regulatory frameworks, the collaboration between El Salvador and Paraguay could pave the way for a more harmonised approach to digital asset supervision across the continent.
Reyes has stated that CNAD’s international partnerships aim to support well-regulated industries while also expanding the presence of El Salvador’s licensed crypto firms in global markets.
The agreement could lead to increased cross-border cooperation in tracking and preventing illicit crypto-related activities, strengthening financial integrity in both nations.
As Latin America continues to embrace digital assets, the success of these regulatory partnerships could influence other nations to follow suit.
While it remains unclear whether Paraguay will introduce a licensing system similar to El Salvador’s, the MOU signals the country’s growing interest in developing a more structured approach to crypto regulation.
With El Salvador leading the charge, Latin America may soon see a more coordinated effort to balance crypto innovation with financial security.
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