What is Guatemala's FATF status?

Guatemala is classified by FATF as: partially_compliant.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Guatemala?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

🇬🇹 Guatemala

Cryptocurrency activities in Guatemala are restricted with no formal regulatory framework. The Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB) and Banco de Guatemala have issued warnings against crypto use.

Overview

Status	Restricted
Risk Score	55/100 (High Risk)
Region	central america
Currency	GTQ

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)	10% CGT on asset disposals
Capital Gains (Corporate)	25% corporate tax
VAT on Crypto	No
Staking Tax	No specific guidance
Airdrop Tax	No specific guidance

No crypto-specific tax guidance. General 10% CGT may apply.

Licensing & Registration

Required	No
Regulator	SIB / Banguat
Framework	No crypto framework; SIB/Banguat warnings

No crypto licensing. Banguat has issued multiple warnings about crypto risks.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Low

Consumer warnings issued.

AML / KYC

KYC Required	Yes
Travel Rule	No
FATF Member	No
FATF Status	partially_compliant
FATF Body	GAFILAT
Suspicious-Activity Reporting	Yes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Unclear

No regulation.

Stablecoins

Status: no_rules

No framework.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No regulation.

Mining

Legal	No
Electricity Cost	$0.12/kWh
Renewable Energy	60%
Infrastructure	fair

Mining is restricted due to regulatory uncertainty and energy infrastructure limitations. Electricity cost is relatively high compared to global averages. Renewable energy share is significant, mostly hydro and solar.

Geopolitical Risk

Stability	moderate
Sanctions	No
Corruption Index	25/100
Banking Access	restricted

Risk Factors

capital controls
regulatory uncertainty
corruption
limited banking access

Guatemala has moderate political stability but faces challenges with corruption and regulatory uncertainty impacting crypto businesses. No major international sanctions apply. Banking access for crypto firms is restricted.