Bolivia's Ministry of Economy and Public Finance has adopted a new regulatory framework for Financial Technology Companies (Empresas de Tecnología Financiera, fintechs), requiring firms that provide digital services in financial services, the securities market and insurance to be authorised and supervised by the Financial System Supervision Authority (ASFI). The regime applies to private, public and mixed-ownership entities and is intended to bring more than 40 existing fintech operators into a formal legal perimeter. Covered activities include payment platforms and services involving digital assets or blockchain, with firms required to obtain ASFI authorisation and meet security requirements aimed at ensuring confidentiality, integrity and authentication to protect users. Fintechs must apply to ASFI for a permit to establish and an operating licence, and some activities may be required to enter a controlled testing environment. The decree groups permitted services into five areas: blockchain-based solutions (including tokenised assets, virtual assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers), payment systems, financing platforms, technologies for businesses and future initiatives defined by ASFI. ASFI has 40 business days to issue the implementing regulation, after which firms operating in Bolivia will need to align their operations with the new requirements.
Ministry of Finance (Bolivia) 2025-05-07
Bolivia's Ministry of Economy and Public Finance sets a fintech licensing regime and gives ASFI 40 business days to issue detailed rules
Bolivia's Ministry of Economy and Public Finance has introduced a regulatory framework for fintechs, mandating authorisation and supervision by the Financial System Supervision Authority (ASFI). It applies to private, public, and mixed-ownership entities, covering payment platforms and digital assets, with firms required to meet security standards. Fintechs must obtain ASFI permits and may need to enter a controlled testing environment for certain activities.