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The cryptocurrency landscape in Latin America is experiencing a major shift as stablecoins have officially overtaken Bitcoin as the most purchased digital asset in the region. According to a new report from crypto exchange Bitso, more Latin American users are now turning to dollar-backed stablecoins like USDT and USDC instead of Bitcoin for daily financial activities and savings.
Bitso’s “Crypto Landscape in Latin America 2025” report revealed that stablecoins accounted for 40% of all crypto purchases in 2025, while Bitcoin represented just 18%. This marks the first time stablecoins have surpassed Bitcoin in purchase volume across the region. The report analyzed data from nearly 10 million retail users across countries including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.
The growing preference for stablecoins reflects the economic realities many Latin Americans face today. High inflation, weakening local currencies, and limited access to reliable banking systems have pushed many people toward digital dollar alternatives. Stablecoins, which are pegged to the US dollar, provide users with a more stable way to save money and conduct transactions without worrying about the volatility commonly associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Bitso described the trend as “digital dollarization,” where users increasingly rely on blockchain-based dollars as a practical financial tool rather than purely speculative investments. In countries where local currencies lose value rapidly, holding US dollar-backed assets digitally has become an attractive option for preserving purchasing power.
Despite the decline in Bitcoin purchases, the leading cryptocurrency still maintains a strong presence in the region. The report noted that Bitcoin remains the most widely held crypto asset in Latin America, appearing in 52% of investor portfolios in 2025. This suggests that while users may prefer stablecoins for transactions and savings, many still view Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and investment asset.
The report also highlights how stablecoins are increasingly being used for cross-border payments and remittances. Many users in Latin America rely on stablecoins to send and receive money internationally faster and at lower costs compared to traditional banking systems. This has made stablecoins especially useful for freelancers, remote workers, and families receiving funds from abroad.
The global stablecoin market has grown significantly in recent years, reaching an estimated value of around $320 billion. Latin America has emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions for stablecoin adoption due to ongoing economic uncertainty and rising demand for alternative financial solutions.
Industry experts believe this shift could reshape the future of crypto adoption in emerging markets. Instead of focusing mainly on speculative trading, users are increasingly embracing crypto as practical financial infrastructure for payments, savings, and financial protection against inflation.
As stablecoin adoption continues to expand, Latin America may become one of the strongest examples of how digital assets can solve real-world financial challenges beyond investment and trading alone.
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