The adoption of blockchain technology and asset tokenization is advancing at a rapid pace, but the real engine driving its global development is the existence of a clear, consistent and innovation-friendly legal framework.
Some countries have already established themselves as regulatory benchmarks, establishing specific rules for cryptoassets, DLT infrastructures and token issuance with legal backing. In this article we show you relevant information about blockchain regulation in Peru, which you can use as a guide if you are looking to operate internationally or evaluate different strategic locations.
Current legislation on blockchain and virtual assets in Peru
Law No. 27693 (UIF Peru)
Establishes the national framework for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The UIF and the SBS supervise VASPs/PSAVs, obliging them to comply with AML/CFT regulations and report suspicious transactions. Since 2023, VASPs are formal regulated entities. The regulations follow FATF standards.
SBS Resolution No. 02648-2024
The SBS reinforces the obligations of VASPs in the prevention of money laundering. Requires internal controls, client identification and reporting of unusual operations. Institutions must inform the FIU about activities with crypto-assets. This resolution updates and complements previous regulations.
SUNAT tax criteria
SUNAT considers crypto-asset gains as income subject to income tax. It applies criteria according to the type of operation: purchase-sale, mining or receipt as payment. Taxpayers must declare and tax this income. There is no specific tax law for cryptoassets.
Bill No. 1686/2021-CR
This project, still pending, seeks to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptoassets and VASP in Peru. It proposes licensing requirements, transparency, consumer protection and AML/CFT measures. Its approval would consolidate the regulation of the sector. Until June 2025, it is still under discussion.
Tokenization makes it possible to digitally represent real-world assets through blockchain, but for it to have legal value, it is essential that there is a regulatory framework that recognizes this operation. Peru adopts its own approach, establishing specific rules for the issuance, custody or trading of tokens. In this block we explain how asset tokenization is regulated from a legal point of view, taking an advanced jurisdiction such as Peru as an example.
Regulation of asset tokenization in Peru
Currently, Peru does not have specific legislation regulating the tokenization of assets, whether financial or non-financial. Projects related to the issuance of security tokens may be subject to the provisions of the Securities Market Law, under the supervision of the Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores, if their structure qualifies as a transferable security. However, most initiatives in the field of tokenization of real assets operate under the framework of general private law, without a sectoral framework of their own.
There are still no specific provisions legally recognizing the use of DLT technology as an official means for the representation of rights over assets. Nor have regulatory sandboxes or pilot tokenization regimes been implemented. Despite this, there is growing interest in promoting innovation in the digital financial sector. Bill No. 1686/2021-CR includes proposals to enable a legal framework that allows for greater clarity and control over the issuance and management of tokenized virtual assets.
The future development of tokenization in Peru will depend on the evolution of legislation and the adaptation of regulatory authorities to international best practices in this area, although harmonization with FATF standards and the follow-up of regional initiatives may help accelerate this process.
Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and AFP (SBS)
The SBS regulates the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism in operations with virtual assets. Supervises financial institutions and VASPs, requiring internal controls, customer identification, monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions. It issues technical guidelines and specific resolutions for the sector.
Peruvian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-Peru)
The FIU-Peru is the national authority for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. It supervises AML/CFT compliance of VASPs and manages the registry of regulated entities, including virtual asset service providers. It analyzes suspicious transaction reports and collaborates with international organizations.
National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT)
SUNAT defines the tax treatment of operations with cryptoassets in Peru. It establishes criteria for the declaration of income derived from activities with virtual assets and supervises the tax compliance of taxpayers. It issues guidelines on the accounting valuation of these operations. Its work ensures correct taxation in the digital ecosystem.
Launching a business based on digital assets requires more than just technology: it is also necessary to comply with legal requirements such as licensing, registration and regulatory obligations. These conditions ensure that the business model is viable and sustainable over time, and that it complies with transparency and fraud prevention standards. In this section we explore what licenses are usually required and what compliance criteria blockchain companies operating in Peru must follow.
What licenses and requirements are needed to operate with cryptoassets in Peru?
Registration in administrative records (VASP)
There is currently no specific license to operate as a virtual asset service provider in Peru. However, VASPs are required to register in administrative registries under the supervision of the SBS and the UIF, and must comply with the obligations established for the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism.
AML/KYC Compliance
Compliance with AML/KYC regulations is mandatory for all VASPs operating in Peru. It includes customer identification and verification, implementation of anti-money laundering policies, transaction monitoring, risk analysis and suspicious transaction reporting to the FIU-Peru.
Tax obligations
Crypto-asset activities are subject to Peruvian tax regulations. Taxpayers must declare the income derived from these operations and comply with the corresponding tax obligations. In addition, they must keep adequate accounting records to support their declarations.
Are you exploring developing your blockchain project in Peru?
At Metlabs we help companies like yours and offer comprehensive support in the development of blockchain projects and tokenization of assets such as real estate, carbon credits, commodities, intellectual property, financial instruments, franchises and more, fully aligned with blockchain regulation in Peru and international regulatory standards.
Contact us and find out how we can help you meeting all your business model needs, from technical validation and structuring to design, development and implementation of custom blockchain solutions, ready to scale from day one.