Uruguay's BCU regulates digital asset providers

The Central Bank of Uruguay has approved a specific framework for companies that provide digital asset services, setting authorization and supervision requirements for their operations in the local market.

Deadlines for operating in Uruguay

The new rules establish two regimes, depending on each company's status. Firms already operating in Uruguay must apply for authorization between September 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. While that application is being reviewed, they may continue operating.

New entrants must request authorization starting September 1, 2026 before beginning activities in the country.

Compliance requirements

According to coverage of the rule, the BCU also set prudential and compliance requirements for these companies. These include information reporting obligations, corporate governance requirements and conditions for managing the risks associated with digital asset operations.

The regulation is aimed at bringing the activity under a prior authorization and supervision model, with specific rules for companies already active in the Uruguayan market and for those seeking to enter from scratch. In practice, that means compliance is not limited to an administrative filing, but also extends to internal structure, information reporting and risk management for digital asset service providers.