Criptomonedas y Activos Digitales: Tratamiento Contable y Normativo en Colombia

Abstract

This study examines the accounting and regulatory treatment of cryptocurrencies and digital assets in Colombia, considering the transformations they have introduced into the financial system, as well as the challenges arising from the absence of a clear and unified regulatory framework. In recent years, cryptoassets have gained global relevance, driven by the adoption of technologies such as blockchain, which have significantly reshaped investment and transaction processes (KPMG, 2019).

The use of cryptocurrencies in Colombia has increased among both legal entities and individuals; however, a standardized regulatory framework defining their treatment has yet to be established. In this context, the (DIAN, 2023) states that these assets, as part of an entities or individual’s wealth, entail tax implications. Meanwhile, the (CTCP, 2023) indicates that their accounting classification depends on the purpose for which they are held, allowing them to be recognized either as inventories or as intangible assets. This divergence in criteria affects accounting practice and underscores the need for clearer regulatory guidance.

At the international level, there is still no definitive consensus regarding their accounting treatment. According to the (NIFF, 2013), cryptocurrencies do not fully meet the definition of a financial asset and have therefore been analyzed under standards such as IAS 38 (IAS 38, 2014) and IAS 2 (IAS 2, 2013). This has led to diverse interpretations across districts, thereby hindering the comparability of financial information among organizations (McCaffrey & Stock, 2022).

Furthermore, the review of documentary and regulatory sources reveals that cryptoassets pose significant risks, particularly in relation to money laundering and tax evasion. These risks are associated with their high volatility and the limitations in the traceability of certain transactions (Interpol, 2023; Scorechain, 2023). Although countries such as Canada, El Salvador, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico have made progress in regulating these assets, a universal regulatory framework ensuring comprehensive oversight is still lacking (Reuters, 2025).

In this regard, information on cryptoassets remains fragmented across institutional reports, accounting regulations, and academic studies. In Colombia, (Betancur & Gómez Torres, 2025; Cámara de Representantes, 2025), highlight the existence of legal gaps that affect both proper taxation and legal certainty. This occurs despite the emphasis placed by the (Banco Mundial, s. f) and the (OCDE, s. f.) on the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks.

In conclusion, the objective of this study is to identify and categorize documentary and regulatory sources and to analyze their content from a scientific perspective to enhance the understanding of the accounting treatment of cryptoassets in Colombia. To this end, a qualitative documentary approach is employed, based on the analysis of academic articles, regulations, and specialized reports, with the aim of providing greater clarity in the regulatory and accounting evaluation of these digital assets.