Guatemala Implements Anti-Money Laundering Control for Cryptocurrency Exchanges Starting September 2026

Decree 15-2026 will come into effect in Guatemala on September 17, 2026, requiring cryptocurrency exchanges and custodians to report transactions to the Special Verification Intendancy (IVE) of the Superintendency of Banks (SIB). The regulation classifies these entities as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP), which include businesses that exchange crypto assets for local currency or foreign currencies, as well as the custody of third-party digital funds. The legislation aims to update the Guatemalan legal framework and strengthen mechanisms to prevent and manage risks related to illicit activities. VASPs will be required to conduct due diligence on clients, record the ownership of legal entities with a threshold of 15%, and maintain records for five years. The law excludes users who only store Bitcoin or digital assets in their own wallets, as this holding is not considered a crime. Purchases through a VASP will require identification. The state is working on a technical regulation for the issuance of reports on suspicious operations. Congress approved the legislation with 147 votes in favor, repealing Decrees 67-2001 and 58-2005 to unify the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism. Authorities aim to prevent Guatemala from entering the FATF's gray list by aligning its regulations with the 40 recommendations of this organization before the evaluation in February 2027.

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