Argentina is becoming more control-oriented when it comes to the financial services landscape, especially in the segments related to merchant servicing and purchase acceptance. The Central Bank of Argentina has adopted a more proactive approach by concentrating on intermediaries between merchants and the greater financial infrastructure. A monthly data release is the new norm here.
Recently, a regulatory change was made that sets a monthly routine for data disclosure. This will not be a matter of theory in 2026 as it has already been integrated into the working procedures of those businesses impacted. The change is not just about regular inspection. It modifies the way entities collect, organize, and verify information operating within their networks.
Prior to reading, you can take a look at the article about BCRA updates for PSPs in 2026.
Tracking the Monthly Disclosures
Such a system adheres to a straightforward and cyclic pattern:
- Data is shared one time every month;
- Every report corresponds to the previous month’s data;
- Submission is always scheduled for the 22nd of the month.
This structure hardly allows the possibility of procrastination or unreliability. Instead of reviewing the performance of a company from time to time, they will have to keep their records up to date at all times. Not only that, but the internal systems have to also run efficiently all the time, and not just at times when reports are due.
Scope of Data: Merchant-Related Activity
The regulator is requesting a much more comprehensive report on merchant-related operations. Total figures alone are not sufficient. Attention is also on the whole detailed structure behind each operation.
Enterprises should disclose:
- Identification number of sub-processor or intermediary, if any;
- Short code for the customer’s instrument;
- Short code of the processing framework;
- Place where the instrument was issued;
- ID number of the issuing institution, with a foreign one highlighted;
- Channel for the initiation of the operation;
- Format for the settlement;
- Short code for the interoperable platform provider;
- Merchant Category Code (MCC);
- The total number of operations;
- The original currency;
- The total value for each currency.
Collection at this depth provides authorities with a clear picture of:
- Each party involved in the chain;
- Operations with foreign elements;
- The business types that are obtaining the funds;
- Exposure to multiple currencies.
Instead of depending on approximate figures, this method allows for a deep and layered knowledge of the industry.
Merchant Equipment: Physical Terminal Inventory
The framework also extends to the tools merchants use to accept customer purchases. Physical infrastructure is now part of the disclosure process.
Types of Equipment Included
Only tangible devices provided to or used by merchants are relevant:
- Standard POS terminals;
- Portable POS devices (mPOS);
- Integrated systems used for collections.
Required Information
For each type of equipment, businesses must indicate:
- The number of devices currently in use;
- Data showing how actively those devices are utilized.
For instance, a provider may report 120 active POS terminals and 30 mPOS devices, with usage data showing how many of them were actually used during the month.
Summary: Key Data Categories
| Area of Disclosure | Elements to Include |
| Merchant Operations | Instrument codes, scheme codes, issuing entity details, MCC, currency, totals |
| Intermediaries | Tax ID of sub-processors or aggregators |
| Access & Processing | Channel of initiation, form of settlement |
| Platform Identification | Interoperable platform provider code |
| Currency Breakdown | Original currency and total amount per currency |
| Merchant Equipment Inventory | POS, mPOS, integrated systems, usage data, number of devices |
Practical Considerations for Market Participants
The implementation of these rules will raise a number of operational challenges, such as:
- Standardizing internal databases at different service levels;
- Setting up data exchanges with external partners;
- Ensuring consistent classification of financial instruments and merchant categories;
- Keeping track of issuers operating across borders;
- Maintaining records of terminal installation and operation as up-to-date as possible.
Besides that, the technical instructions of Section III of Communication “A” 8310, which explain the organization of data, must be taken into account as well.
Market Implications
The revised framework is sending a clear signal from the government side:
- Stricter surveillance of financial transactions related to merchants;
- Greater accountability of all participants in the processing chain;
- A shift towards more efficient handling of structured data.
Existing providers may have to update their systems as a result. New ones will consider this as an opportunity to better equip themselves for the Argentine market.
How Eternity Law International Supports Your Business
Navigating these changes will not only require you to interpret regulations but also to execute accurately.
To help you understand the changing landscape, Eternity Law International offers:
- Design of internal work processes for monthly data submission;
- Consultation on how to classify operational and infrastructure data;
- Help in adjusting your relations with aggregators and partners;
- Continuous advisory taking into account Argentina’s financial scenario, etc.
Since the obligations are already in place, a fast and precise adjustment is crucial to keep the operations going without any breaks.
Apart from that, we help in getting PSP permits and launching a licensed PSP in Argentina.
Conclusion
The regulatory framework set by the BCRA is a bold move toward a more rigorous oversight of the merchant processing sector in Argentina. By mandating the submission of structured monthly data and in-depth information on the infrastructure, the regulator is piecing together a detailed picture of the ecosystem.
Those who put resources into proper data management and internal synchronization will have an advantage to continue their operations with confidence under this new regulatory regime.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the new monthly data submission framework?
This framework is aimed at enabling the authorities to have a more precise understanding of the processing of financial flows related to merchants. It mainly involves gathering structured data on operations and infrastructure to enhance the control over the sector.
Who is affected by these obligations?
The new requirements will have to be complied with by those entities that enable merchants to accept customer payments, primarily those that serve as intermediaries between merchants and processing systems.
When must the data be submitted?
The data must be submitted each month and should relate to the preceding month of the calendar. The deadline is the 22nd day of each month.
What type of operational information must be included?
Detailed information on the following aspects, for example, must be submitted:
- Intermediaries identification involved;
- Codes for instruments and processing schemes;
- Information about issuing institutions, including whether or not they are foreign;
- Channel used to launch the operation;
- Merchant classification (MCC);
- Number of operations and total values;
- Currency details.