President Javier Milei issued Executive Order 475/2026 exempting virtual asset service providers registered in Argentina from the 'cheque tax,' a debt and credit tax that affected crypto exchange flows since November 2021. The measure aims to increase crypto exchange inclusion in Argentina's financial products market by leveling the playing field with traditional institutions. Former President Alberto Fernández's Executive Order 796/2021 had included traditional banks in tax exemptions but explicitly excluded operations involving crypto assets.
Argentina Exempts Registered Crypto Exchanges From Cheque Tax
The debt and credit tax, commonly known as 'cheque' in Spanish, affected flows going in and out of crypto exchanges since November 2021. Executive Order 475/2026 extends exemptions to VASPs, stating that it was necessary to "adapt the regulations applicable to certain actors in light of technological advances and the resulting new regulatory framework, and, on the other hand, to equalize the conditions of entities that---while carrying out activities of a similar nature---are subject to different tax treatment."
Cuba Passes 176 Reforms Allowing Private Banks and Real Estate Investment
On Thursday, the National Assembly of Cuba passed a set of 176 reforms to liberalize the Cuban economy and open several sectors, including the financial sector, to private capital. The changes would allow private investment to enter real estate development on the island, enabling the state to sell part of its properties to national and foreign individuals and institutions. The existence of private banks, overseen by the state, would be allowed under these new rules, as would the rise of businesses in Cuba with over 100 employees.
El Salvador Bitcoin Reserve Reaches 7,687 BTC
El Salvador added to its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, continuing a routine that has become a defining feature of President Nayib Bukele's economic policy. The country's reserve now stands at 7,687 BTC, valued at more than $510 million. Between January and April, authorities added more than 1,600 coins, consistent with a policy of acquiring one bitcoin per day.
FAQ
What did Argentina's Executive Order 475/2026 do for crypto exchanges?
Executive Order 475/2026 exempted virtual asset service providers registered in Argentina from the 'cheque tax,' a debt and credit tax that had affected crypto exchange flows since November 2021. The measure aims to equalize tax treatment between crypto exchanges and traditional financial institutions.
How many reforms did Cuba's National Assembly pass on Thursday?
The National Assembly of Cuba passed 176 reforms to liberalize the Cuban economy, allowing private banks overseen by the state and enabling private investment in real estate development. The reforms also permit businesses with over 100 employees.
How much bitcoin does El Salvador's reserve currently hold?
El Salvador's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve stands at 7,687 BTC, valued at more than $510 million. Between January and April, authorities added more than 1,600 coins following a policy of acquiring one bitcoin per day.
