Guatemala

{
  "analysis_text": "As of December 2025, the regulatory status of retail cryptocurrency trading in Guatemala is \u0027Allowed-UnRegulated\u0027. The country operates under a permissive but cautionary framework where the buying, selling, and holding of digital assets by individuals is not prohibited by law. However, the government has not yet enacted specific legislation to supervise Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), leaving the sector without a formal licensing regime or consumer protection mechanisms.\n\nThe primary stance of the authorities, specifically the Banco de Guatemala (BANGUAT) and the Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB), is one of risk warning rather than prohibition. Through various press releases and circulars, they have emphasized that the Quetzal is the only legal tender and that cryptocurrencies are not backed by the state. Consequently, any citizen investing in crypto does so at their own risk. The SIB has explicitly stated that platforms selling cryptocurrencies are \u0027not under vigilance\u0027 or inspection, distancing the formal financial sector from crypto intermediaries.\n\nA significant legislative development occurred in May 2025 with the introduction of Bill 6538 (Ley de Criptomonedas) to the Congress of the Republic. This bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework that would require crypto exchanges and wallet providers to register with the SIB, implement robust AML/KYC protocols, and ensure cybersecurity standards. The bill also proposes recognizing the voluntary use of crypto as a means of payment, distinct from legal tender. However, as of late 2025, this bill remains in the legislative process and has not yet been enacted.\n\nOperationally, retail traders in Guatemala can access international exchanges and peer-to-peer (P2P) markets. However, the interface with the local banking system poses challenges. Guatemalan banks, acting under SIB guidance to manage risk, do not offer direct crypto services and may occasionally block transactions related to crypto exchanges. Despite this, there is no blanket \u0027bank ban\u0027 on individuals using their funds for these purposes, provided they can navigate the banking sector\u0027s risk appetite. Tax obligations fall under the general \u0027Ley de Actualizaci\u00f3n Tributaria\u0027, where profits from crypto trading are likely treated as capital gains, subject to a 10% tax rate, though enforcement on this specific asset class is not yet systematic.",
  "confidence_level": "High",
  "executive_summary": "Retail cryptocurrency trading is legally permitted in Guatemala but remains unregulated. The Banco de Guatemala (BANGUAT) and Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB) have repeatedly clarified that while cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, their private use and exchange are not prohibited. A specific legislative framework, \u0027Bill 6538\u0027 (Ley de Criptomonedas), was introduced in May 2025 to regulate the sector and establish a licensing regime, but it has not yet been enacted into law. Currently, no specific licenses are required to trade, and activities are conducted at the user\u0027s own risk without consumer protection.",
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      "resolved_url": "https://ariaslaw.com/en/new-detail/2494/1/guatemala-has-taken-a-major-step-toward-crypto-regulation",
      "title": "ariaslaw.com",
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      "resolved_url": "https://blockgt.com/2025/05/28/ley-de-criptomonedas-en-guatemala/",
      "title": "blockgt.com",
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    {
      "resolved_url": "https://guatemala.cuentanos.org/articles/10032201653789",
      "title": "cuentanos.org",
      "url": "https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQE2gkPj3alt6AmfoOOXtbyQi0om-D1vVGRmPn_911gTOaYl02zDasx-Q2fehVatpAVgIeaOZaSF8CTz5aHQqZaxH-ncdzI9iQkzDHqpj9fpwxa-hYeSHGYJ_dK3K5Q9atAkZNiggz1pquzTcejMOSX8zw=="
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      "resolved_url": "https://igcpa.org.gt/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1.-Criptomoneda-un-enfoque-legal-fiscal-y-contable-Dr-Mendoza-y-Lic-Estaymer.pdf",
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      "title": "binance.com",
      "url": "https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGZCqOayQJ-2QdNGRTm0C8egDnBlg00MyY_bDtB7oRM4QVuocNNdVfKOTGvy0rs2LxFYXgV2XiU5GhQog8pO56izDnDGNzt6RG4oZz-xTPcKjQfUatAcDAXLZh07Bvf70AdqfKUit3FVpn2tQ_Ni0krcJuq"
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      "resolved_url": "https://www.fundacionlibertad.com/articulo/cual-es-el-estatus-legal-de-las-criptomonedas-en-guatemala",
      "title": "fundacionlibertad.com",
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      "resolved_url": "https://news.bitcoin.com/cryptocurrency-bill-draft-introduced-in-guatemalan-congress/",
      "title": "bitcoin.com",
      "url": "https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHgd7NeDzcsXB9VMNyIlJcwvrlgcHA7x-_ZxLsRY9hBNCmirzVf3v4-iJuxu18oBye3uM9Ru9fENVztaIspU_Xp3GwjQgTUvEun4Nk3LltA7E84gSV6AKdLRdpnEfTlKYcQ2LfZQEEsEH0q-lcKtUJHn1aY56-9Dwh2EfjKtnQwvQhayiuuWI_6DKte5s9Qszo="
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  ],
  "status": "Allowed-UnRegulated",
  "structured_data": {
    "confidence_level": "High",
    "detailed_analysis": "As of December 2025, the regulatory status of retail cryptocurrency trading in Guatemala is \u0027Allowed-UnRegulated\u0027. The country operates under a permissive but cautionary framework where the buying, selling, and holding of digital assets by individuals is not prohibited by law. However, the government has not yet enacted specific legislation to supervise Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), leaving the sector without a formal licensing regime or consumer protection mechanisms.\n\nThe primary stance of the authorities, specifically the Banco de Guatemala (BANGUAT) and the Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB), is one of risk warning rather than prohibition. Through various press releases and circulars, they have emphasized that the Quetzal is the only legal tender and that cryptocurrencies are not backed by the state. Consequently, any citizen investing in crypto does so at their own risk. The SIB has explicitly stated that platforms selling cryptocurrencies are \u0027not under vigilance\u0027 or inspection, distancing the formal financial sector from crypto intermediaries.\n\nA significant legislative development occurred in May 2025 with the introduction of Bill 6538 (Ley de Criptomonedas) to the Congress of the Republic. This bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework that would require crypto exchanges and wallet providers to register with the SIB, implement robust AML/KYC protocols, and ensure cybersecurity standards. The bill also proposes recognizing the voluntary use of crypto as a means of payment, distinct from legal tender. However, as of late 2025, this bill remains in the legislative process and has not yet been enacted.\n\nOperationally, retail traders in Guatemala can access international exchanges and peer-to-peer (P2P) markets. However, the interface with the local banking system poses challenges. Guatemalan banks, acting under SIB guidance to manage risk, do not offer direct crypto services and may occasionally block transactions related to crypto exchanges. Despite this, there is no blanket \u0027bank ban\u0027 on individuals using their funds for these purposes, provided they can navigate the banking sector\u0027s risk appetite. Tax obligations fall under the general \u0027Ley de Actualizaci\u00f3n Tributaria\u0027, where profits from crypto trading are likely treated as capital gains, subject to a 10% tax rate, though enforcement on this specific asset class is not yet systematic.",
    "executive_summary": "Retail cryptocurrency trading is legally permitted in Guatemala but remains unregulated. The Banco de Guatemala (BANGUAT) and Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB) have repeatedly clarified that while cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, their private use and exchange are not prohibited. A specific legislative framework, \u0027Bill 6538\u0027 (Ley de Criptomonedas), was introduced in May 2025 to regulate the sector and establish a licensing regime, but it has not yet been enacted into law. Currently, no specific licenses are required to trade, and activities are conducted at the user\u0027s own risk without consumer protection.",
    "important_considerations": [
      "No Consumer Protection: The SIB explicitly states that crypto platforms are \u0027not under vigilance,\u0027 meaning users have no recourse in case of fraud or bankruptcy.",
      "Banking Access: Banks are prohibited from holding crypto on their balance sheets and may block transactions to known crypto exchanges due to de-risking policies.",
      "Taxation: While no specific crypto tax law exists, capital gains are generally taxed at 10% under the general tax regime (Ley de Actualizaci\u00f3n Tributaria).",
      "Pending Regulation: The regulatory landscape is in transition with Bill 6538 under consideration; if passed, it would shift the status to \u0027Allowed-Regulated\u0027."
    ],
    "key_regulatory_pillars": [
      "Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB): Primary financial regulator; issues warnings about the lack of consumer protection and supervises the banking sector\u0027s interaction with crypto.",
      "Banco de Guatemala (BANGUAT): Central bank responsible for monetary policy; maintains that the Quetzal is the sole legal tender and crypto assets are not state-backed.",
      "Intendencia de Verificaci\u00f3n Especial (IVE): Likely future AML/CFT supervisor under proposed legislation; currently monitors financial flows for suspicious activity generally."
    ],
    "landmark_legislation": [
      {
        "date_enacted": null,
        "identifier": "Iniciativa de Ley 6538",
        "name": "Bill 6538 (Ley de Criptomonedas)",
        "summary": "Proposed in May 2025 by Deputy Shirley Rivera. Aims to regulate the use, exchange, and storage of crypto assets, requiring platforms to register with the SIB and comply with AML/KYC standards. It would recognize crypto as a valid method of payment if accepted voluntarily.",
        "url": "https://www.congreso.gob.gt"
      },
      {
        "date_enacted": "2002-05-01",
        "identifier": "Decreto No. 17-2002",
        "name": "Monetary Law (Ley Monetaria)",
        "summary": "Establishes the Quetzal as the only legal tender in Guatemala. Articles 1 and 2 are frequently cited by BANGUAT to clarify that cryptocurrencies do not have legal tender status.",
        "url": "https://www.banguat.gob.gt/sites/default/files/banguat/leyes/leymon.pdf"
      }
    ],
    "notes_and_comments": "The regulatory environment is dynamic due to the introduction of Bill 6538 in mid-2025. While currently \u0027Allowed-UnRegulated\u0027, the passage of this bill would rapidly shift the status to \u0027Allowed-Regulated\u0027. Traders should monitor legislative updates closely.",
    "primary_sources": [
      {
        "date": "2021-02-15",
        "key_quote": "Las monedas virtuales no son monedas de curso legal en el pa\u00eds... las plataformas... no se encuentran bajo la vigilancia e inspecci\u00f3n de la Superintendencia de Bancos.",
        "source_type": "regulator",
        "title": "Comunicado de Prensa: Uso de Monedas Virtuales",
        "url": "https://www.sib.gob.gt"
      },
      {
        "date": "2025-01-22",
        "key_quote": "El Quetzal es la \u00fanica moneda de curso legal... las criptomonedas no son respaldadas por el Estado.",
        "source_type": "official_government",
        "title": "Banco de Guatemala Clarification on Cryptocurrency",
        "url": "https://www.banguat.gob.gt"
      },
      {
        "date": "2025-05-12",
        "key_quote": "Propuesta de ley para regular el uso, intercambio y almacenamiento de criptomonedas y activos digitales en Guatemala.",
        "source_type": "official_government",
        "title": "Iniciativa de Ley 6538 (Ley de Criptomonedas)",
        "url": "https://www.congreso.gob.gt"
      }
    ],
    "remaining_uncertainties": [
      "The exact timeline for the approval of Bill 6538 is unknown.",
      "It is unclear if the SIB will issue interim guidelines before the full law is passed.",
      "The specific tax reporting requirements for crypto assets remain undefined by the SAT (Superintendencia de Administraci\u00f3n Tributaria)."
    ],
    "secondary_sources": [
      {
        "date": "2025-05-12",
        "key_quote": "On May 12, 2025, Bill No. 6538 was introduced... proposing the approval of the Cryptocurrency Law in Guatemala.",
        "source_type": "analysis",
        "title": "Guatemala Has Taken a Major Step Toward Crypto Regulation",
        "url": "https://ariaslaw.com/en/newsroom/guatemala-has-taken-a-major-step-toward-crypto-regulation/"
      },
      {
        "date": "2025-06-20",
        "key_quote": "The country of Guatemala is on its way to an official regime of crypto as Bill No. 6538 was presented to the Congress in June of 2025.",
        "source_type": "news",
        "title": "Cryptocurrency Regulation in Guatemala - Coinfomania",
        "url": "https://coinfomania.com/cryptocurrency-regulation-in-guatemala/"
      }
    ],
    "status": "Allowed-UnRegulated"
  }
}