Argentina securities regulator approves Bitcoin futures index
The regulated Bitcoin futures index is reportedly a first in Latin America and is set to debut in May.
The securities regulator of Argentina has approved a Bitcoin-based futures index set to debut on the Matba Rofex exchange. The Bitcoin (BTC) futures contract will start trading in May, with the exchange claiming it would be the first regulated Bitcoin futures index in Latin America.
The National Commission of Value (CNV), the country’s securities regulator, approved the Bitcoin futures index as part of a strategic innovation agenda. The innovation agenda, which launched in the first quarter of 2022, is focused on creating a space for public-private collaboration to develop new and creative products in the capital market.
The Bitcoin futures contract will be based on the price of BTC provided by various entities in the nation offering BTC/ARS trading pairs. All trades will be settled in the national fiat currency, with traders required to deposit Argentine pesos through bank transfer.
For the provision and use of payment services in the nation, an exchange providing these contracts must ensure it has a valid contract with a payment services provider registered with the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic.
The regulated Bitcoin futures index would offer qualified investors a safe way to gain BTC exposure in a transparent and regulated environment. At the same time, the CNV has also asked the Matba Rofex exchange to incorporate alerts that warn investors of the risks associated with such financial instruments.
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