Mexico's Ley Fintech 2018 established one of the world's first comprehensive fintech regulatory frameworks — creating specific licence categories for crowdfunding, electronic payments, and virtual assets under CNBV and BANXICO supervision.
Mexico's Law to Regulate Financial Technology Institutions (Ley para Regular las Instituciones de Tecnología Financiera, 2018) was one of the world's first comprehensive fintech regulatory frameworks. The Ley Fintech created two new licence categories — Crowdfunding Institutions (IFC) and Electronic Payment Funds Institutions (IFPE) — regulated jointly by CNBV and BANXICO, with specific rules for virtual asset operations.
Marensa Advisory advises on Ley Fintech licensing strategy for international fintech businesses entering Mexico — assessing the applicable ITF category, advising on CNBV/BANXICO regulatory requirements, and coordinating the application process.
Apply Under Mexico's Fintech LawThe Ley Fintech's two primary ITF licence categories cover crowdfunding and electronic payments — with virtual assets as an additional authorisation layer.
Mexico's Ley Fintech provides one of the world's most developed fintech regulatory frameworks — with clear licence categories, open banking requirements, and a regulatory sandbox for innovative models.
Marensa Advisory advises on Ley Fintech licensing as part of a Mexico and broader LATAM fintech market entry strategy.
Start the ConversationLey Fintech ITF authorisations have taken between 12–24 months from initial application to approval — longer than anticipated at the law's inception. Early applicants experienced delays as CNBV developed its assessment processes. Current applicants should plan for a 12–18 month timeline.
Foreign investors can hold equity in a Mexican ITF — but the ITF must be incorporated as a Mexican legal entity (SAP). Foreign ownership restrictions may apply depending on the ITF's primary shareholders and activities.
Crypto exchanges in Mexico that operate with virtual assets must obtain BANXICO authorisation under Circular 4/2019 if they are ITF-licensed entities. Non-ITF crypto businesses may operate in a currently less clearly regulated space — CNBV has signalled intent to regulate crypto exchanges more broadly.
The minimum paid-in capital for both IFC and IFPE is MXN 500,000. Additional capital requirements based on transaction volume and operational risk apply — CNBV sets these on a case-by-case basis during the authorisation process.