Yahoo Financeยท2025-09-21 13:57Group 1: Adoption of USDT in Bolivia - Three major automakers, Toyota, BYD, and Yamaha, have begun accepting USDT payments in Bolivia, marking a significant milestone in cryptocurrency adoption [1] - The Central Bank of Bolivia reported crypto payment transactions totaling $294 million in the first half of 2025, representing a 630% increase from $46.5 million in 2024 [2] - The Bolivian government removed the crypto ban on June 25, allowing "virtual assets" to gain official status and enabling financial institutions to facilitate client transactions to crypto exchanges [3] Group 2: Regulatory Framework and Initiatives - The initiative to accept USDT payments has been facilitated within a regulated framework, as noted by Bolivia's financial regulator, ASFI [4] - Bolivia's Banco Bisa launched custodial services for Tether's USDT starting in October 2024, enhancing trading capabilities for customers [5] - A memorandum of understanding was signed between Bolivia's Central Bank and El Salvador's National Commission of Digital Assets to promote crypto development as a reliable alternative to traditional currencies [5] Group 3: Regional Trends in Stablecoin Adoption - Economic instability and currency weakness in Latin America have led to increased reliance on stablecoins like USDC and USDT as wealth protection tools [6] - Argentina, facing inflation above 100%, has adopted stablecoins to mitigate financial volatility, while Brazil has seen consistent growth due to clear regulations [7] - Mexico remains a leading crypto hub in the region, with Bitcoin and USDT being prominent in international transfers amid a 23% decline in the peso [8]