Argentina’s Central Bank Approves First Bitcoin-Based Futures

The Argentinian financial markets regulator, the National Securities Commission (CNV), has approved the first Bitcoin-based futures contract, which gives investors exposure to the top cryptocurrency. It marks the first time the regulator is approving such a product in the country.The futures contract is based on the Bitcoin index listed by the Argentinian securities exchange, Matba Rofex. Following the listing, Matba Rofex released the guidelines on how the futures contract will be traded in a statement yesterday (Thursday)."The measure, which was adopted through a resolution, intends to facilitate adaptation to the regulatory challenges imposed by new technologies in the provision of financial products," the CNV said in a statement translated from Spanish.Trading GuidelinesOne of the guidelines is that the futures contract will be traded only by qualified investors, as defined by the CNV. Under the guideline, the payment services providers offering the futures contract are required to verify whether their users are qualified to trade.Additionally, the CNV stated in the statement that Matba Rofex must ensure that the payment services providers are registered with the central bank of Argentina. It is one of the measures the regulator is taking to protect investors from fraud.Matba Rofex has warned investors about the risks involved in trading the new Bitcoin futures contract. One of the risks is the fluctuation in the prices of Bitcoin which can result in financial losses. Additionally, the trading platform explained that the CNV does not control the activities of the payment services providers offering the contract.Argentina Softens Stance on CryptoArgentina has attracted major cryptocurrency companies offering digital currencies to users in the region who are currently facing a high inflation rate. Finance Magnates reported in April that Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, was expanding its services in the country.Currently, Binance allows users in Argentina to purchase and sell cryptocurrencies using pesos. The service is accessible through one of the exchange's financial partners. Initially, Binance allowed peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions.However, Argentina is yet to allow regulated financial institutions, including banks, to offer cryptocurrency services in the country. Last year, the country's central bank warned financial institutions that they could not offer digital asset services. The warning was issued after two banks confirmed that they were facilitating such transactions. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.