Crypto Regulations in Bolivia 2024

Bolivia is a country located in the western-central region of South America. It is popular for its rich resources and growing economy. Mining, mineral refining, and agriculture are the backbone of the Bolivian economy. 

Tin, silver, lithium and copper are the prominent minerals found in the country. Though the country is the second-poorest country in South America, it has made significant strides in reducing poverty and boosting its Gross Domestic Products. Thanks to its core sectors. Some recent developments indicate that the country is preparing to modernise its economy. 

The Central Bank of Bolivia’s announcement regarding the listing its decade-long ban on cryptocurrencies is a clear example. Certainly, the announcement will be a turning point of the country’s economic growth trajectory. The move will open up new avenues for economic growth and innovation in the country.

1. Crypto Regulations in Bolivia: A General Overview 

This year, Bolivia has taken a significant step by fully embracing the cryptocurrency sector. Last month, the Central Bank of Bolivia lifted its ten-year ban on cryptocurrencies for payments, showing the country’s move towards a more crypto-friendly stance.

While banks can now handle crypto transactions, cryptocurrencies are not yet recognized as legal tender, meaning they can’t be used for everyday purchases.

Businesses are not required to accept digital currencies, but people are free to trade and transact with them. To educate citizens about cryptocurrencies, the Central Bank has introduced an Economic and Financial Education Plan, reflecting the authorities’ cautious approach to fully integrating digital currencies into the economy.

2. Why Bolivia Lifted Its Crypto Ban

Bolivia has lifted its decade-old crypto ban primarily for economic reasons. The country currently relies heavily on the US dollar, which has weakened its economy, which is experiencing a tough economic situation. 

Gas is a major source of foreign currency for the country. Recently, its production saw a sharp decline due to a lack of investment. This resulted in the emergence of a dollar crisis. The Bolivian government’s decision to embrace cryptocurrencies is part of a broader trend where nations seek alternatives to the dollar amid economic instability. 

Cryptocurrencies offer a new financial pathway that could reduce reliance on traditional currencies. The move is expected to positively influence the country’s international trade and likely help the country receive more remittances. These expected benefits align with the country’s targets to reduce its reliance on the US dollar.   

3. Crypto Regulations in Bolivia: What’s New 

June 26, 2024: Bolivia’s central bank lifted its ban on cryptocurrency payments, allowing financial entities to use digital assets. With the move, the economically unstable government targets fixing issues contributing to its instability. Interestingly, the country’s strategy aligns well with that of its counterparts in the Latin American region, which is suffering a similar economic crisis.   

4. Crypto Taxation Framework in Bolivia Explained 

There is no specific crypto tax framework in Bolivia. In the future, the country may either establish a tax framework for digital assets or revamp the existing one to accommodate the digital asset sector. 

Currently, Bolivia taxes only local income. Foreign earnings, including investments, are not taxed. 

Corporations pay around 25% on income earned in the country, with high rates for the mining, banking, and insurance sectors. Capital gains are also taxed at the corporate rate. 

Residents pay 13% on local income, but capital gains are not taxed. The country’s gift and inheritance taxes range from 1% to 20%, depending on the recipient’s relationship. Wealth over BOB 30 million, including foreign assets, is taxed between 1.4% and 2.4%.  

Currently, crypto gains for corporations are taxed as capital gains at the corporate rate of 25%. For residents, cryptocurrency gains are not taxed, as capital gains for individuals are exempt from taxation under the existing tax framework. 

5. Timeline of Crypto Regulation Evolution in Bolivia 

2024: The Central Bank of Bolivia officially lifted the decade-long ban on cryptocurrencies. The move aims to modernise the financial system and stimulate the Bolivian economy. 

2023: A congresswoman proposed a bill to lift the ban on cryptocurrencies. The proposal sparked a debate about its potential benefits and risks.

2021: The Central Bank of Bolivia reiterated its stance through a press release. The release emphasized the ban on cryptocurrencies within the national payment system.

2020: The Central Bank of Bolivia issued Resolution No. 144. This resolution reinforced the ban and prohibited financial entities from using, commercializing, or negotiating digital currencies.

2014: Bolivia banned using cryptocurrencies, fearing tax evasion and monetary instability.

6. Crypto Regulation Evolution in Bolivia: The Political Background 

The Bolivian government’s decision to lift the crypto ban is seen as a reflection of the Bolivian political regime’s pro-crypto attitude. President Luis Arce, an economist, recently emphasized the benefits of cryptocurrencies. His government considers lifting the ban as the strategy to overcome its economic instability, worsened recently by the country’s extreme dependence on the US dollar. Arce, president since 2020, is a member of the Movement for Socialism. He was a former finance minister. The latest move related to the cryptocurrency sector expresses his regime’s focus on economic innovation and stability.    

Endnote  

The latest developments in Bolivia related to the cryptocurrency sector, especially lifting the crypto ban in the country, align with a broader trend in Latin America, where countries are exploring digital currencies to combat economic challenges. The country is paving the way for future economic stability and innovation by allowing banks to handle crypto transactions. 

This move underscores the region’s growing confidence in the crypto sector. How the launch has been executed indicates that the Bolivian authorities are very keen to ensure people are well aware of the risks related to the crypto sector. Shortly, the country may develop some regulations to ensure safety and avoid misuse of the ban lift.   

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