Story perspectives

Argentina's New Law Targets $251 Billion in Undeclared Cash

1/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Argentina enacted Law 27.799 on January 2, 2026, to address an estimated $251 billion in undeclared cash savings.
The law raises criminal-evasion thresholds and provides a one-time “pay-first” option to avoid criminal charges.
Economy Minister Luis Caputo urged banks to accept deposits and directed savers to state-owned Banco Nación for easier transactions.
Critics, including Peronist lawmaker Jorge Taiana, argue the law may facilitate money laundering.
The IMF has pressured Argentina to rebuild reserves amid over $19 billion in debt maturities in 2026.

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Story summary

Argentina enacted Law 27.799 on January 2, 2026, to address an estimated $251 billion in undeclared cash savings.
The law raises criminal-evasion thresholds and provides a one-time “pay-first” option to avoid criminal charges.
Economy Minister Luis Caputo urged banks to accept deposits and directed savers to state-owned Banco Nación for easier transactions.
Critics, including Peronist lawmaker Jorge Taiana, argue the law may facilitate money laundering.
The IMF has pressured Argentina to rebuild reserves amid over $19 billion in debt maturities in 2026.