Bitso Says Stablecoins Surpass Bitcoin in Latin America Crypto Volume

Stablecoins accounted for 40% of all crypto purchases in Latin America during 2025, surpassing Bitcoin for the first time, according to a new report from Bitso, the region's largest crypto exchange.

The exchange's annual Crypto Landscape in Latin America report, which analyzed behavior from nearly 10 million retail users across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, found that dollar-linked assets now dominate new buying activity in the region.

USDC led the stablecoin category at 24% of 2025 acquisitions, followed by USDT at 16%. Bitcoin, long the default entry point for Latin American crypto buyers, captured just 18% of purchase volume.

The distinction matters: purchase volume reflects what users are actively buying, not what they already hold. Bitcoin still represented 52% of regional crypto portfolios in 2025, down only marginally from 53% in 2024, according to the same Bitso data.

That gap between purchase share and portfolio share tells the story: Latin American users are increasingly buying stablecoins for everyday use while continuing to hold Bitcoin as a longer-term store of value.

Dollar demand is driving the stablecoin surge

The shift toward stablecoins in Latin America reflects a straightforward economic pressure. Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico have all experienced periods of elevated inflation and local currency depreciation, making dollar-denominated assets attractive for savings preservation.

Unlike Bitcoin, which can swing 5% or more in a single day, USDC and USDT offer a stable dollar peg. For users whose primary concern is protecting purchasing power rather than speculating on price appreciation, stablecoins function as a practical digital dollar account.

Remittances and cross-border payments add another layer of demand. Stablecoins settle faster and cheaper than traditional wire transfers across Latin American corridors, and Bitso's nearly 10 million user base spans four countries where remittance flows are significant.

The pattern mirrors a broader global trend. The total stablecoin market cap reached roughly $292 billion as of May 2025, underscoring the growing role these assets play beyond Latin America.

Bitcoin retains its portfolio anchor role

The Bitso data does not suggest Latin American users are abandoning Bitcoin. The 52% portfolio share indicates that most existing holdings remain in BTC, even as new purchase activity tilts toward stablecoins.

This dynamic is consistent with how crypto markets have matured elsewhere. Bitcoin serves as a reserve asset and a long-term savings vehicle, while stablecoins handle the transactional layer. The two assets increasingly serve different functions rather than competing directly.

Bitcoin traded at roughly $77,351 at the time of the Bitso report's release, with the broader crypto media noting the milestone as evidence of a structural behavioral shift in the region. Meanwhile, the Fear & Greed Index sat at 26, reflecting cautious sentiment across the market.

What the shift signals for regional exchanges

For exchanges operating in Latin America, the data points toward growing demand for stablecoin-native products: yield accounts, payment rails, and on/off ramps optimized for USDC and USDT rather than BTC trading pairs.

Bitso's report also noted that users aged 18 to 24 rose to 29% of the platform's base, while advanced traders represent only about 8 to 10% of users. The typical Latin American crypto user, in other words, looks more like a savings-oriented retail customer than a speculative trader.

That demographic profile reinforces why stablecoins are winning on purchase volume. Younger, less experienced users drawn to crypto for dollar access are naturally gravitating toward assets that behave like the dollar itself.

The trend also has implications for how institutional crypto products evolve in the region. If retail demand concentrates around stablecoins, exchange-traded products and custody solutions may follow, much as Bitcoin-focused institutional infrastructure developed in response to BTC demand in North America.

The Bitso report covers a single exchange's user base, not the entire Latin American market. But with nearly 10 million users across four major economies, it offers one of the most comprehensive snapshots available of how crypto purchasing behavior is evolving in the region.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.