Bolivia Plans Integration of Stablecoins into Official Financial System

Bolivia Plans Integration of Stablecoins into Official Financial System

Bolivia will allow banks to offer custody, accounts, and payments in stablecoins like USDT, reflecting a regulated move into everyday crypto finance amid rising dollar demand.

USDT

Fact Check
The assessment is 'likely_true' with high confidence based on a strong, direct, and highly authoritative primary source. A Reuters news article, with maximum relevance and high authority, explicitly reports that a Bolivian government official announced a plan to integrate cryptocurrencies, specifically starting with stablecoins, into the nation's financial system. This piece of evidence directly confirms the statement. This claim is further corroborated by another highly relevant source which reports that Bolivia's prior ban on cryptocurrency was lifted. The lifting of this ban is a critical prerequisite for any official integration plan, making the government's stated intention plausible and logical. While one source mentions a 2014 ban on cryptocurrencies by the Central Bank of Bolivia, this appears to be historical context that has been superseded by the more recent development of the ban being lifted. Therefore, it does not represent a direct contradiction but rather a part of the policy evolution leading to the current plan. The remaining sources provided are irrelevant, focusing on other countries, private companies, or general industry topics, and do not contribute to the assessment of this specific claim about Bolivian government policy.
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Summary

Bolivia is set to integrate stablecoins into its regulated banking system, permitting services such as custody, savings accounts, and payments tied to USDT. Economy Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza confirmed the policy, with Banco Bisa already offering USDT custody and transfer. Crypto adoption in Bolivia surged by over 500% in 2024, reaching $294 million in activity in the first half of 2025, driven by currency instability and limited access to physical US dollars. Merchants in sectors such as imports and automotive sales are testing USDT payments, while banks plan stablecoin-denominated savings products and loans. The policy stops short of making stablecoins legal tender, leaving acceptance voluntary, with regulatory oversight addressing risks like liquidity, security, and AML compliance. Pilot programs will roll out over months, aiming to boost cross-border transfers and savings stability.

Terms & Concepts
  • Stablecoin: A cryptocurrency pegged to a stable asset, such as fiat currency, to reduce price volatility.
  • USDT: Tether, a widely used stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, designed to maintain a 1:1 value ratio with USD.