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Argentina’s Banks Won’t Take ‘Mattress Dollar’ Deposits Without Central Bank Rule

Lenders say the absence of implementing rules leaves them exposed under anti–money‑laundering law.

Overview

  • Banco Nación said branches are fielding customer consultations but the actual reception of dollars is not enabled until the regulation is issued.
  • Banks insist they need a specific Central Bank rule and procedures from the tax and customs revenue agency before they can accept informal cash.
  • Economy Minister Luis Caputo publicly urged banks to proceed and said Banco Nación would receive the funds, using unusually harsh language in his push.
  • Tax and compliance experts stress that opting into the simplified income regime does not change obligations under Law 25.246 or oversight by the Financial Intelligence Unit.
  • Undocumented large cash deposits would trigger a Suspicious Transaction Report and, if the origin cannot be justified to the bank’s satisfaction, could lead to account closure, with experts also noting a gray zone that allows added executive requirements.