Bolivia is assessing the potential inclusion of Tether's USDT stablecoin into its national payments system, according to a Friday briefing from Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza Yáñez reported by La Razón. The minister emphasized careful evaluation due to Bolivia's placement on the Financial Action Task Force grey list and stated the government is working on regulations for crypto asset use. The South American nation removed a block on crypto transactions in 2024 and facilitated more than $14.8 billion in crypto transaction volumes from July 2024 to June 2025.
Bolivia Cites FATF Grey List in USDT Assessment
Minister José Gabriel Espinoza Yáñez stated in the Friday press conference that "Bolivia is on the [Financial Action Task Force] gray list, yet another consequence of the problems they left us with in the past, and these crypto assets must be carefully evaluated," per La Razón. He added that "we are working on regulations to govern their use for those who have adopted them, in many cases out of necessity, and know how to use them properly."
The FATF grey list identifies nations with deficiencies in countering money laundering and terrorist financing. Bolivia is under increased monitoring by the FATF but is deemed to be "committed to resolving" the issues quickly.
Espinoza Yáñez stated that "the Bolivian economy today is considerably different from what we found eight months ago" and that "the measures we implemented are part of a plan designed before we took office, and the results are beginning to validate that approach."
Bolivia Records $14.8 Billion Crypto Transactions July 2024-June 2025
Bolivia facilitated more than $14.8 billion in crypto transaction volumes from July 2024 to June 2025, according to data from Chainalysis. The nation ranked eighth among its Latin American peers during this period, outpacing Ecuador and Puerto Rico.
Latin America recorded almost $1.5 trillion in crypto transactions over a three-year stretch ending June 2025, according to Chainalysis data. Bolivia removed a block on crypto transactions in 2024.
Banco Bisa Launches USDT Custody Services
In October 2024, Banco Bisa—one of Bolivia's biggest banks—launched crypto custody services. The bank allows its members to store and transfer USDT, but no other crypto assets.
Tether CEO Comments on Bolivia Consideration
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino posted on X following news reports about Bolivia's consideration: "USDT is more and more used as a cornerstone within several emerging markets economies."
USDT ranks third among all crypto assets with a market capitalization of more than $184 billion, making it the leading stablecoin by market cap.
FAQ
What is Bolivia assessing regarding USDT?
Bolivia is assessing the potential inclusion of Tether's USDT stablecoin into its national payments system, according to a Friday briefing from Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza Yáñez reported by La Razón.
How much crypto transaction volume did Bolivia facilitate from July 2024 to June 2025?
Bolivia facilitated more than $14.8 billion in crypto transaction volumes from July 2024 to June 2025, ranking eighth among Latin American nations according to Chainalysis data.
What crypto custody services did Banco Bisa launch?
In October 2024, Banco Bisa launched crypto custody services allowing members to store and transfer USDT, but no other crypto assets.
