Bolivia Now Has Digital Asset Regulations
Arsac Criptofinanzas
August, 13, 2025
3 min.
On July 4th, the Financial System Supervision Authority (ASFI) quietly published new regulations that for the first time govern the operation of companies linked to digital assets in Bolivia. What’s interesting is that this section—one of the most anticipated by the crypto and fintech ecosystem—is found at the end of the official document, starting on page 181, and contains a series of provisions that have gone unnoticed by the general public.
In this analysis, we summarize the most relevant aspects of the new regulatory framework, clarify what changes for users and companies, and answer the question many are asking: Are platforms like Binance, Airtm, or Hapi required to leave the country?
Not a Prohibition, But Not Total Legalization Either
Contrary to what some expected, the regulation does not prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies or related services. It also doesn’t legalize them as legal tender or allow their use as an official means of payment within the Bolivian financial system.
What it does is establish clear rules for companies that want to formally operate with digital assets within the country. And when we talk about digital assets, the concept covers practically everything: cryptocurrencies, tokens, trading platforms, wallets, custody services, tokenization of real assets, crypto remittances, and any financial product or service based on blockchain technology.
Who Does This Regulation Apply To?
The regulation is clear: any company that offers services related to digital assets and has a presence in Bolivia is required to comply with the following:
- Register with ASFI
- Have legal domicile in Bolivian territory
- Designate a legal representative in the country
- Implement cybersecurity policies, customer service, and anti-money laundering prevention
- Accredit minimum capital that will be defined case by case
This directly applies to fintechs that already operate legally in Bolivia, such as Meru, Takenos, Peyo, Kovan, and potentially to new interested parties like Wallbit, LemonCash, or Cocos Capital, if they decided to enter the national market with formal representation.
What About Binance, Airtm, Hapi, or RedotPay?
This is the point that has generated the most questions. Are these platforms required to leave the country? Must they register? Will they close our accounts?
The answer is no. Or at least, not for now.
ASFI, despite its authority within the national financial system, has no legal jurisdiction over foreign companies that have no formal presence in Bolivia. Binance, for example, has no office, tax ID, or legal representative in the country. The same applies to Hapi, Airtm, Bybit, MEXC, and other widely used platforms.
Therefore, not being registered locally, these companies are not under ASFI’s direct jurisdiction.
Does That Mean Nothing Can Happen?
Not exactly. ASFI can issue public warnings or even pressure the banking system not to facilitate operations linked to these platforms. This has happened before with restrictions on card purchases on exchanges, and it could happen again.
Is it likely to happen soon? In the current context, it’s unlikely. We are just over a month away from general elections, and decisions of this type with direct impact on thousands of users are usually avoided in pre-electoral times. In any case, if something changes, it would most likely be a decision by the next government.
Furthermore, as long as these platforms continue operating from abroad, the new regulation does not force them to close or stop serving Bolivian users. It also doesn’t require them to block accounts or share information with the State, unless they voluntarily decide to do so to avoid legal complications, as happened with Wise at the time.
The Warning Is on the Table: The User Assumes the Risk
One of the most important points this regulation introduces is that now, the use of unregulated platforms is officially under the user’s responsibility.
This is not new, but now it’s clearly established in the regulation. If a user loses funds on a platform that is not registered in Bolivia, they cannot claim from the State or any local entity. In practice, this also allows banks to avoid responsibilities regarding crypto operations, washing their hands under the protection of the legal framework.
What Really Changes?
In practical terms, nothing changes for the average user. People can continue using Binance, Airtm, Hapi, RedotPay, Bybit, or any other platform as before.
What does change is the legal framework for Bolivian companies that want to operate transparently and comply with the law. Now they have a regulated path to offer cryptocurrency-related services, and this can open doors to more competition, innovation, and trust in the local ecosystem.
Meanwhile, foreign platforms will continue operating on their own, outside the direct supervision of the Bolivian State, which offers freedom but also implies certain risks.
A Threat or an Opportunity?
In summary, this is not a law that prohibits Binance or forces Airtm to withdraw. It’s rather a first step—late, but necessary—to begin giving legal shape to the crypto and fintech ecosystem in Bolivia.
Although its scope is still limited, it represents a clear signal that the country is beginning to take sector regulation seriously. And if applied with judgment and without persecution, it could become a useful tool to promote innovation without putting users at risk.
Time will tell if this regulation marks a before and after, or if it will remain as another document that only a few read completely. For now, the message is clear: whoever wants to operate in Bolivia with digital assets must accept the rules or stay on the sidelines.
And whoever wants to continue using unregulated platforms should do so with their eyes wide open.
Arsac – Tiktok @Arsac944 – Youtube Cripto Arsac
Creador de Contenido de Economía y Finanzas
Ingeniero Químico
