Bolivia Evaluating Integration of USDT Stablecoin Into National Payments System

Jul 13, 2026

Bolivia is evaluating the integration of Tether's USDT stablecoin into its national payments system to address a scarcity of U.S. dollars. Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza confirmed the review, which follows a June 2024 decision to lift a ban on crypto, leading to a surge in transaction volume to $14.8B. While banks are already adopting USDT, the plan faces hurdles as Bolivia remains on the FATF's grey list for financial crime risks.

USDT integration proposal

▪The proposal remains under technical review, and USDT has not been granted legal-tender status.
▪Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino commented that USDT is increasingly used as a "cornerstone" in emerging market economies.
▪Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza stated the government is considering allowing USDT to circulate alongside the boliviano and the U.S. dollar.
▪Bolivia is evaluating a proposal to integrate Tether's USDT stablecoin into its national payments system.

Dollar scarcity drivers

▪In early 2026, Bolivia moved from a fixed U.S. dollar peg to a floating exchange rate.
▪Bolivians have increasingly used USDT for savings, imports, and remittances due to a scarcity of physical U.S. dollars.

Crypto policy shift

▪Crypto transaction volume in Bolivia increased from $46.5 million in the first half of 2024 to $294 million in the same period of 2025.
▪Bolivia's central bank lifted its ban on cryptocurrency transactions in June 2024.
▪Bolivia recorded $14.8 billion in crypto transactions between July 2024 and June 2025, ranking eighth in Latin America.

Banking sector adoption

▪State-controlled Banco Unión began allowing customers to buy USDT via its Yasta wallet for international payments in April 2026.
▪Car dealerships in Bolivia for Toyota, BYD, and Yamaha started accepting USDT for vehicle sales in September 2025.
▪In October 2024, Banco Bisa launched custody services for USDT.

Regulatory challenges

▪Official adoption of USDT would require Bolivia to implement stronger anti-money laundering controls to address FATF concerns.
▪Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza Yáñez stated that crypto assets must be "carefully evaluated" due to the country's FATF grey list status.
▪Bolivia is on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, indicating deficiencies in its anti-money laundering regime.