Uruguay; Virtual Asset Regulation in Uruguay; Stability of Uruguay’s Financial System; Strengthening Security and Police Intelligence.

Friday, July 24, 2026. Uruguay This week, we turn our attention to Uruguay, a country that may be modest in size but carries an impressive reputation for stability, professionalism, and institutional strength. Located between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay has distinguished itself as one of Latin America’s most dependable business environments, supported by strong democratic traditions, transparent institutions, a highly educated population, and a growing technology and services sector. Beyond its well-known cultural traditions, from football and mate to its celebrated coastal cities, Uruguay has become an increasingly important market for international companies, legal professionals, investigators, risk advisors, and compliance specialists. Its position as a regional hub, combined with its openness to foreign investment and digital innovation, creates opportunities while also requiring careful attention to due diligence, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and the verification of business relationships. In this week’s newsletter, we explore Uruguay from the perspective of investigation, risk management, security, and professional services. We will consider the country’s commercial environment, the challenges organizations may encounter, and the value of having reliable local resources when conducting business, protecting assets, or resolving sensitive matters. As always, our objective is to provide practical insight while highlighting the importance of trusted professional relationships throughout Latin America. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: The Central Bank of Uruguay Approves Regulations for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) On July 10, the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU) approved the final regulations governing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for companies engaged in activities involving crypto-assets, virtual assets, and blockchain technologies within the country. The new regulation introduces a formal regime for licensing, supervision, corporate governance, compliance, and anti-money laundering (AML) obligations applicable to covered entities. It regulates, among other activities, the exchange of virtual assets, the conversion of virtual assets into fiat currencies, the transfer, custody, and administration of virtual assets, as well as the provision of financial services related to their issuance or commercialization. The framework also addresses certain activities conducted through smart contracts and decentralized protocols. One of the regulation’s most significant features is the establishment of a compliance timeline for existing market participants. Companies currently engaged in regulated activities may submit authorization applications to the BCU between September 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, while new operators must obtain prior authorization before commencing operations. The new regulatory framework requires companies to review their corporate structures, business models, compliance programs, anti-money laundering procedures, custody and client protection mechanisms, and, where applicable, adapt to the capital and corporate governance requirements established by the regulatory authority. The regulation marks a major milestone for Uruguay’s fintech and digital asset ecosystem, providing greater legal certainty while strengthening transparency, regulatory oversight, and investor confidence across the sector. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Uruguayan Financial System Remains Strong Amid a Challenging Global Environment Uruguay’s financial system continues to demonstrate high levels of stability and resilience, according to the latest assessment by the Financial Stability Committee. Authorities concluded that the country’s financial institutions remain in a strong position, supported by adequate liquidity, solid capitalization, and prudent risk management practices, all of which enhance the sector’s ability to withstand periods of economic uncertainty. Although the global economic environment continues to be shaped by geopolitical tensions, market volatility, and slower worldwide economic growth, the report emphasizes that Uruguay’s banking system maintains strong fundamentals and shows no significant vulnerabilities that would threaten its short-term stability. Financial authorities stated that they will continue to closely monitor external risks that could affect the national economy, as well as developments in international markets and global financial conditions. They also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining rigorous supervision and strengthening regulatory mechanisms to preserve confidence in the financial system. The stability of Uruguay’s financial sector remains a key driver of the country’s competitiveness, fostering a favorable environment for investment, improving access to financing, and supporting business development. This strong financial foundation further reinforces Uruguay’s reputation as one of Latin America’s safest and most reliable destinations for investment and commercial activity. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Carlos Negro Led Meeting with Police Chiefs to Strengthen Security Strategy Interior Minister Carlos Negro chaired a strategic meeting with the National Police Command, national directors, and police chiefs from Uruguay’s 19 departments to coordinate the key operational and strategic priorities that will guide law enforcement efforts across the country in the coming months. The meeting focused on strengthening public security through enhanced coordination among police agencies, increased human and material resources, and the incorporation of new technologies to improve crime prevention and criminal investigations. Among those in attendance were Secretary General Gerardo Siri, National Police Director José Manuel Azambuya, Deputy Secretary General Rubén Amato, National Police Deputy Directors Julio Sena and Robert Taroco, as well as departmental police chiefs and directors of national police units. Authorities reviewed the priorities established by the Executive Branch in the national budget review, which includes reallocating public funds to reinforce police presence throughout the country. The plan provides for the recruitment of new officers, the acquisition of additional vehicles, and the deployment of advanced technologies to enhance patrol operations, crime control, and investigative capabilities. During his remarks, Minister Negro praised the daily commitment of police personnel and reaffirmed the government’s institutional support for officers serving throughout Uruguay. He emphasized that law enforcement operates wherever criminal activity occurs, including against organized criminal groups, and stated that the Ministry will utilize all available resources to support operational deployments and improve officer safety. The Minister also stressed that the current administration is implementing a comprehensive security strategy developed jointly with the National Police to combat crime, organized criminal networks, and violence. Operational and Investigative Results During the meeting, several national police directorates presented updates on ongoing investigations, specialized operations, and training programs. The General Directorate of Police Information and Intelligence outlined progress in developing a centralized criminal intelligence system through the National Police Investigation Directorate. The new platform will provide a georeferenced database of criminal incidents, enabling investigators