The adoption of digital assets in Latin America is evolving, with more users now converting their funds to stablecoins rather than Bitcoin – a shift that reflects the growing pressure of local economic conditions.
According to Bitso 2025 report Regarding crypto adoption in Latin America, 40% of crypto purchases in 2025 were US dollar-pegged stablecoins, such as Tether’s USDt (USDT) and Circle’s USDC (USDC), while Bitcoin (BTC) accounted for 18%. The report marks the first time stablecoin purchases have exceeded Bitcoin in the region.
The results are based on data from almost 10 million Bitso retail users on its exchange.
The trend reflects a broader shift toward what the Latin American crypto exchange described as “digital dollarization.” In countries facing persistent inflation, currency depreciation, and limited access to traditional banking services, stablecoins offer a relatively accessible way to store value and transact in U.S. dollar equivalents.
While the American dollar itself is not immune to inflation, tends to depreciate more slowly than many local currencies, and remains the primary medium of global exchange, making it an attractive benchmark for users seeking stability.
The most purchased assets in 2025 in Latin America. Source: Bitso
THE global stablecoin market has reached approximately $320 billion, with growing adoption in developed and emerging economies. Their regional appeal in Latin America is particularly practical: users rely on stablecoins to preserve their savings, make payments and send funds cross-border.
The use of local stablecoins benefits from the expansion. Brazilian retail giant Mercado Libre in early April launched a cross-border remittance product using the Meli dollar stablecoin for users in Brazil, Mexico and Chile, Cointelegraph Brasil reported. This came after the retailer stopped issuing its own stablecoin, Mercado Coin, earlier this year.
Related: Visa Adds Polygon and Base Support as Stablecoin Settlement Rate Hits $7 Billion
Bitcoin remains dominant as a store of value
Although Bitcoin purchases have declined as a proportion of total activity, the Bitso report shows that the asset still plays a central role as a long-term savings vehicle in Latin America.
“Bitcoin continues to function as Latin America’s leading long-term digital store of value,” the report said, noting that the cryptocurrency is held in 52% of crypto wallets in the region in 2025. This figure is only slightly down from 53% the previous year.
Bitcoin has been seen for a long time as a store of value, despite periods of volatility and uneven performance compared to previous market cycles. The asset rose above $126,000 in October before pulling back sharply, with prices subsequently trading in the low $60,000 range.
Recent research by index creator MarketVector reframes the store of value narrative beyond price performance alone, arguing that Bitcoin and gold share fundamental characteristics, including scarcity, decentralization, and resistance to supply expansion, that underpin their long-term value.
A comparison of Bitcoin’s price action, volatility and declines since its inception. Source: MarketVector Indices
