Ricardo Gameroff
Managing Partner at Kreston BA Argentina
RIGI investment opportunity in Argentina
April 30, 2025
Large-scale investors can capitalise on the RIGI investment opportunity in Argentina, a two-year window backed by a regime that guarantees long-term political and economic stability. While Argentina is recovering from its economic woes, it still has issues with how stable a country it is perceived to be for investors. In an effort to decouple its economic system from its political one, Argentina has implemented the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones or RIGI).
Politics from economics: a structural shift
While many countries offer financial incentives for large-scale projects, the RIGI is specifically designed to create conditions of predictability, stability, and legal certainty for large projects in Argentina. For instance, the RIGI guarantees regulatory tax stability for up to 30 years, providing long-term fiscal security for investors.
Politically, Argentina already has a legal framework in place to prevent the state from interfering with large projects, in the form of its Mining Investment Law, enacted in 1993, which has remained unchanged despite shifts in political leadership. This law assures that mining projects can continue without disruptions from sudden changes in policy. The RIGI aims to replicate this framework across other sectors, insulating private projects from direct state control.
The RIGI itself was created through a formal law, meaning it can only be modified or repealed by a new law passed by the Argentine National Congress, one of the three independent branches of government. For a new government to alter or eliminate the RIGI, it would need to secure approval from both the House of Deputies and the Senate, requiring a majority vote across various political parties.
Sectors set to benefit from the RIGI investment opportunity
Argentina is banking on the RIGI to give it the boost it needs to position itself as a global supplier in several sectors. Historically, the country has been a global leader in agriculture and livestock. In recent years, it has made strides in the oil and gas sector, particularly with the discovery of Vaca Muerta, the second-largest natural gas reserve in the world and the fourth-largest unconventional oil reserve. In mining, Argentina shares the Andes mountain range with Chile, which is one of the world’s top mining countries, producing copper, gold, silver, and lithium. While Argentina’s mining sector is currently underdeveloped, it has the potential to rival or even surpass Chile as a global mining powerhouse, particularly with the increasing global demand for lithium.
‘As the Regime’s incentives begin to take effect and local industries scale up, Argentina could emerge as a more competitive player in global markets, particularly in the oil and gas, mining, and agricultural sectors,’ said Ricardo Gameroff, Managing Partner of Kreston BA Argentina. ‘The timeline for this depends on the successful implementation of the RIGI projects, infrastructure development, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce. In the short to medium term, Argentina is likely to see growth in niche areas, but in the longer term, there is significant potential for the country to become a key player on the global stage.’
Why the RIGI investment opportunity requires urgency
Investors keen to take advantage of the RIGI need to move quickly – the scheme is only open for two years.
‘The two-year window is a strategic decision to generate a quick influx of investments and restore confidence in Argentina’s economy,’ said Esteban Babino, CEO of Kreston BA Argentina. ‘With the country needing to rapidly align itself with global investment standards and attract foreign capital, the government is offering a short window to fast-track investments. The need for dollar reserves and the current economic climate, which demands a boost in economic activity, makes this window critical to jumpstart key projects and drive the country’s growth in the near future.’
The RIGI has opened significant opportunities for Kreston BA Argentina, particularly as companies looking to invest in Argentina will require a wide range of specialised services to establish and grow their operations. These services include valuations, due diligence, tax planning and compliance, business law advisory, and business process outsourcing—all essential to ensure smooth market entry and long-term sustainability.
‘As more companies consider setting up operations in Argentina, there will be an increasing demand for advisory services that help them navigate the complexities of local regulations and financial requirements,’ said Gameroff. ‘Moreover, as these businesses grow and expand, there will be a need for audits and risk management consultancy, areas where Kreston BA Argentina can provide considerable expertise.’
According to Babino, Kreston BA Argentina is already seeing an uptick in the number of proposals and inquiries it receives, as more firms recognise the importance of partnering with a local firm that combines global expertise with regional knowledge. This is an excellent opportunity for Kreston BA Argentina to expand its market presence. As Argentina’s fortunes rise under the RIGI, so does Kreston’s and its partners.
