Stablecoin Purchases Surpass Bitcoin for First Time in Latin America

Stablecoin purchases surpassed Bitcoin for the first time in Latin America last year, according to a report from the regional cryptocurrency exchange Bitso analyzing data from nearly 10 million retail users.

The report, covering markets including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina, found that dollar-pegged stablecoins such as Tether's USDT and Circle's USDC accounted for 40 percent of all cryptocurrency purchases in 2025, compared to 18 percent for Bitcoin. Other cryptocurrencies made up the remaining 42 percent. This marked a significant reversal from prior years when Bitcoin dominated transactions in the region.

The shift stems from economic pressures including hyperinflation and currency devaluation, particularly in countries like Argentina, where annual inflation exceeded 100 percent, and Venezuela, where the bolivar has lost nearly all value. Users increasingly favor stablecoins for their price stability tied to the U.S. dollar, making them suitable for everyday savings, payments and cross-border remittances. Bitso described the trend as a move toward "digital dollarization," with stablecoins serving as a reliable store of value amid local currency volatility.