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Argentina Targets $250 Billion Kept Outside Banks as Data Show World-Leading Per-Capita Stash

The government is rolling out incentives alongside bank channels to draw hidden dollars into the formal system.

Overview

  • BCRA vice president Vladimir Werning cited IMF-based estimates showing residents hold about US$250 billion outside Argentina’s financial system, roughly 40% of GDP and second globally after Russia.
  • Adjusted for population, Argentina ranks first with about US$5,400 per person held off the system, according to GMA Capital strategist Nery Persichini.
  • Officials aim to convert part of these savings into onshore deposits and credit under the Inocencia Fiscal regime, a push reinforced by Banco Nación’s campaign encouraging savers to move cash into banks.
  • Implementation has begun at banks, with cash deposits permitted and anti–money laundering rules requiring identification above 40 minimum wages; Grupo Supervielle is the first private bank to enable the channel.
  • Werning outlined a stabilization path featuring deficit elimination, more flexible exchange rates, reserve purchases consistent with monetary balance, and positive real peso rates, alongside investment plans that include RIGI projects exceeding US$25 billion approved and US$60 billion announced.