New Regulation on Communal and Savings Funds Strengthens Local Financing and Financial Inclusion
The Financial Policy and Regulation Board of Ecuador issued Resolution No. JPRF-F-2025-0154, which reforms the legal framework for community savings and loan funds. The regulation seeks to strengthen local financing and financial inclusion, particularly in rural and urban-marginal areas. Among its provisions, it requires that these funds are established as legal entities, obtaining authorization from the Superintendency of Popular and Solidarity Economy (SEPS), and operate exclusively among individuals with common purposes. In addition, it sets asset limits, imposes restrictions on advertising and branch offices, and establishes transparency and corporate governance obligations.
Asset Regulation for Travelers under the Organic Law for the Prevention, Detection, and Eradication of Money Laundering and Crime Financing.
Starting July 29th, the National Customs Service of Ecuador (SENAE) is implementing a new mandatory requirement for travelers: the online declaration of values exceeding USD 10,000, in compliance with the Organic Law for the Prevention, Detection, and Eradication of Money Laundering and Crime Financing. This regulation aims to reinforce transparency and combat illicit activities in capital movements.
New Regulation for the Calculation of Fines in the Field of Personal Data Protection
The Superintendence for the Protection of Personal Data (SPDP) has issued the Regulation for the Application of the Methodology for the Calculation of Fines in the Administrative Sanctioning Regime, along with the Models for Calculating the Amount of Administrative Fines. This regulation complements the Organic Law on the Protection of Personal Data (LOPDP) and its General Regulation (RLOPDP), strengthening the sanctioning framework and its practical application in Ecuador.
Corporate Transformation and Sports Corporations: Comply with the National Solidarity Law
The new Regulation to the National Solidarity Law mandates that Simplified Stock Corporations (S.A.S.) operating in strategic sectors—such as mining, finance, insurance, telecommunications, energy, or biodiversity—must take urgent actions: either convert into another permitted corporate form, amend their bylaws to exclude such activities or voluntarily dissolve within a six-month period. Furthermore, the Regulation introduces a clear legal framework for the figure of the Sports Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Deportiva – S.A.D.), established exclusively for conducting professional sports activities.
Commercial Use Licenses in Ecuador
Did you know that commercial use licenses are key to legally protecting and leveraging your trademarks, software, or franchises? In Ecuador, these licenses are regulated by Código de Ingenios and allow rights holders and businesses to operate with legal security.
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Environment in Ecuador
Resolution No. 003-2024-DG-NT-SENADI establishes the technical standard for the application of preparatory procedures for verification and URL blocking to protect intellectual property rights in the digital environment in Ecuador, in the event of infringements and the difficulty of locating infringers.
New Labor Rights under the Organic Law on Persons with Disabilities
The new Organic Law on Persons with Disabilities, published in July 2025, repeals the previous 2012 law and introduces significant changes in the labor sphere. It strengthens the inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment, more clearly defines the rights of substitutes and caregivers, and establishes new obligations for employers.
S.A.S. and Sports Joint Stock Companies: New rules under the Organic Law of National Solidarity
The Organic Law of National Solidarity reinforce the restrictions applicable to Simplified Joint Stock Companies (S.A.S.) by expanding the list of prohibited activities — including mining and strategic sectors — to ensure that these entities remain focused on ventures with lower regulatory risk. Additionally, it introduces the Sports Joint Stock Company, a new legal form designed to professionalize the management of sports clubs and teams, subject to strict controls to prevent illicit activities.
Ecuador and the Netherlands Strengthen customs control and Intellectual Property protection
The new Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters between Ecuador and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, published in the Second Supplement of the Official Register No. 63 (June 19, 2025), strengthens efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeiting, and commercial fraud. Through information exchange and coordinated surveillance mechanisms, it also reinforces the protection of intellectual property rights, benefiting authorities, operators, and rights holders.
Lease Agreements in Ecuador: Legal Requirements for Formalization and Registration
In Ecuador, lease agreements can be verbal or written, but the law requires a formal contract before a notary if the monthly rent exceeds the unified basic salary. Knowing these legal conditions is essential to protect both landlords and tenants and avoid legal risks.
