Milei Exempts Argentine Crypto Exchanges from 'Cheque Tax' as Cuba Opens Economy to Private Capital

Argentina's President Javier Milei has issued an executive order exempting registered Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) from the country's 'cheque tax'. This move aims to level the playing field for crypto exchanges in the Argentine financial market. The exemption applies to VASPs registered in Argentina and is intended to adapt regulations to technological advancements.

The 'debt and credit' tax, also known as the 'cheque' tax, was introduced by former President Alberto Fernández's executive order 796/2021, which excluded crypto assets from exemptions. The new executive order, number 475/2026, extends these exemptions to VASPs.

In another development, Cuba has passed a set of 176 historic reforms to liberalize its economy and open several sectors, including the financial sector, to private capital. This move would allow private investment in real estate development on the island and pave the way for large private companies to emerge.

Meanwhile, El Salvador continues to add to its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, with the latest buy pushing the stack past 7,680 BTC. The country's strategy of 'Buying the dip, every day' has seen it acquire over 1,600 coins between January and April alone, with a total value of more than $510 million.