Stablecoins have overtaken Bitcoin as the most purchased digital assets in Latin America, according to a new report by Bitso. The report shows that dollar-backed stablecoins like USD Coin and Tether accounted for 40% of all crypto purchases in 2025, compared to Bitcoin’s 18%.
The findings, based on data from nearly 10 million users across key markets such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, show a clear shift in user behavior. Crypto in the region is no longer driven mainly by speculation, but increasingly used as a practical financial tool for saving, payments, and access to US dollar value.
Oluwajeminipe Fasheun-Motesho
Why Stablecoins Are Winning in Latin America
In 2025, about 40% of all crypto purchases on Bitso’s platform were stablecoins like USD Coin and Tether. Bitcoin, by comparison, made up just 18%.
This is the first time stablecoins have taken the lead. Many people in Latin America are not using crypto to trade or take risks. They are using it to survive economic pressure. Local currencies in several countries lose value quickly due to inflation. Savings can shrink fast. Access to US dollars is also limited in some places.
Stablecoins offer a way out. They are tied to the US dollar, so their value stays more stable. People can store money, send payments, and even receive salaries in a currency that does not change as much day to day.
As the Bitso report explains, “this reflects a structural shift… less as a speculative instrument and increasingly as financial infrastructure.”
Digital Dollarization Is Becoming a Reality
This trend is often called digital dollarization. It means people are using digital versions of the US dollar instead of their local currency. But unlike traditional banking, stablecoins are easier to access. All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection. There is no need for a foreign bank account.
Across Latin America, people are now using stablecoins for everyday things. They save money in them. They send remittances to family in other countries. They even use them for business payments.
The global stablecoin market has grown rapidly, reaching hundreds of billions of dollars. But in Latin America, the use case feels more real and immediate. It is not just about innovation. It is about financial survival and control.
Even companies in the region are starting to build around this idea. For example, Mercado Libre has explored stablecoin-based remittance tools to help users move money across borders more easily.
Bitcoin Still Holds Its Ground as a Long-Term Asset
Even though stablecoins are now leading purchases, Bitcoin is not going away. In fact, it still plays a very important role. The Bitso report shows that Bitcoin makes up about 52% of crypto portfolios in the region. That means people are still holding it, even if they are buying less of it in the short term.
This shows a clear pattern. People are using stablecoins for daily needs, but they are keeping Bitcoin for the future.
Bitcoin is still seen as a long-term store of value. It is limited in supply, decentralized, and not controlled by any government. These qualities continue to attract users who want to protect their wealth over time.
A New Generation Is Driving Adoption
Another interesting part of the report is who is using crypto. Young people are leading the way.
Users between 18 and 24 years old now make up a growing share of the crypto population in Latin America. This shows that crypto is no longer just for tech experts or traders. It is becoming part of everyday financial life for a new generation.
At the same time, a smaller group of advanced users continues to handle most of the trading activity. This suggests the ecosystem is maturing. Some people use crypto simply to manage money, while others use it for more complex strategies.
Oluwajeminipe Fasheun-Motesho
