Mediante la Resolución N.º 9/2025, el Secretario de Industria y Comercio del Ministerio de Economía, por recomendación de la Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia (CNDC), instó a revisar dos leyes que otorgan exclusividad al Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (BAPRO) para el pago de haberes para empleados municipales de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, con el objetivo de restablecer la competencia.
La Ley 14.881 de la provincia de Buenos Aires, promulgada el 29 de diciembre de 2016, establece todos los organismos públicos, autárquicos y descentralizados de la provincia, incluidos los establecimientos educativos privados subvencionados, los Municipios y sus organismos descentralizados, deberán implementar el pago de haberes al personal mediante el Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, a través de apertura de Cuentas Sueldo para cada uno de los agentes en dicha entidad bancaria pública.
La carta orgánica del BAPRO, aprobada mediante el Decreto-Ley PBA 9434/79, establece que las municipalidades deberán implementar el pago de haberes al personal mediante el Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, a través de la apertura de cajas de ahorro común para cada uno de los agentes.
La CNDC consideró que las normativas generan una restricción a la competencia dado que le otorga una ventaja indebida al BAPRO por sobre las demás entidades financieras públicas y privadas. La falta de competencia en ese segmento del mercado de servicios bancarios podría impedir la oferta de servicios con mejores condiciones (como menor precio y más beneficios) tanto para las entidades contratantes como para los empleados que cobran sus haberes. Por ello, recomendó modificar la Carta Orgánica del BAPRO y establecer una nueva redacción de la ley provincial 14.881 de manera de eliminar la restricción a la competencia en el pago de haberes de los empleados de los municipios y otros establecimientos públicos y privados subvencionados.
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Brief
"On January 31, 2025, the National Commission for the Defence of Competition issued an update regarding Opinion on free competition - payment of employees' salaries. The commission recommended modifying the Carta Orgánica del BAPRO and establishing a new version of Law 14.881 to eliminate restrictions on competition in the payment of salaries for municipal employees and other public and private establishments, allowing for more competitive services."
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Purpose
The purpose of Resolución N.º 9/2025 is to review two laws that grant exclusivity to Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (BAPRO) for paying salaries to municipal employees of the Province of Buenos Aires, with the aim of restoring competition in the market. This resolution was prompted by a recommendation from the Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia (CNDC), the National Commission on Competition Defense.
The CNDC considered that these regulations create a restriction on competition because they grant an undue advantage to BAPRO over other public and private financial entities. This lack of competition in the banking services market could prevent the offer of better services, including lower prices and more benefits, for both contracting entities and employees receiving their salaries. Therefore, the CNDC recommended modifying the Organic Charter of BAPRO and establishing a new version of Provincial Law 14,881 to eliminate this restriction on competition.
Effects on Industry
The review of the two laws that grant exclusivity to BAPRO for paying salaries is expected to have significant effects on the banking industry in the Province of Buenos Aires. The elimination of this restriction could lead to increased competition among financial entities, resulting in better services and more favorable conditions for both contracting entities and employees. This change would likely benefit consumers by offering them a wider range of options for their banking needs.
Moreover, this review could also have a positive impact on the economy of the Province of Buenos Aires as it would promote competition and innovation in the financial sector. The increased competition among banks could lead to more efficient services, lower prices, and better investment opportunities for both individuals and businesses.
Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders affected by this resolution are primarily the employees of municipalities and other public and private establishments subvencionados in the Province of Buenos Aires, as well as the contracting entities themselves. Additionally, the banking industry, including BAPRO, will also be impacted by the elimination of the restriction on competition.
Moreover, the review of these laws could have implications for the broader economy, particularly if other provinces or countries consider similar changes to their laws and regulations. Therefore, the relevant stakeholders extend beyond the Province of Buenos Aires to include financial institutions, businesses, and individuals in Argentina and potentially worldwide.
Next Steps
To comply with this resolution, BAPRO will need to modify its Organic Charter to eliminate the restriction on competition for paying salaries. This change may involve updating internal policies and procedures to accommodate multiple banking options for employees’ salary payments.
Furthermore, the Province of Buenos Aires should establish new regulations to ensure that all entities, including municipalities and public establishments, comply with this resolution and do not favor BAPRO or any other financial institution. The CNDC will likely continue to monitor the implementation of these changes to ensure that competition is restored in the banking services market.
Any Other Relevant Information
The review of laws granting exclusivity to BAPRO for paying salaries has significant historical context, as it reflects a broader trend towards promoting competition and innovation in various sectors. The CNDC’s recommendation to eliminate this restriction on competition is consistent with efforts to create a more level playing field among financial institutions.
Moreover, the Province of Buenos Aires’ actions demonstrate its commitment to modernizing laws and regulations that promote fair competition and economic growth. This initiative could serve as a model for other provinces or countries seeking to review their own laws and regulations to ensure they are conducive to healthy competition in various sectors.
