Crypto World
US Seizes $500M in Iranian Crypto Assets, Sanctions Enforcement
The United States has announced a substantial seizure of Iranian cryptocurrency assets, pegged at nearly $500 million, as part of a broad economic pressure campaign against Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disclosed the figure during an appearance on Fox Business, framing the effort as a continuation of Operation Economic Fury, a sanctions program ordered in March 2025 to sever Iran’s financial lifelines through asset seizures, bank account freezes and secondary sanctions on jurisdictions that continue to purchase Iranian oil.
During the interview, Bessent said: “We are freezing bank accounts everywhere. More importantly, we are making people less willing to deal with the regime,” and he added that retirement funds and overseas real estate held by Iranian officials are also being targeted. The update on crypto seizures marks a sharp increase from earlier disclosures, which put the crypto asset total at about $344 million.
According to Cointelegraph, the latest figure surpasses the previously reported total. Last week, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned several crypto wallets tied to Iran, and stablecoin issuer Tether confirmed it had frozen more than $344 million in USDt (USDT) at the request of U.S. authorities. Cointelegraph reached out to the U.S. Treasury and Tether seeking comment on the discrepancy between the two figures, but did not receive a response by publication.
In the evolving narrative around Iran’s use of crypto and its broader financial ties, the United States has emphasized a holistic approach: sanctions on crypto rails, traditional financial assets, and the shadow banking network to disrupt illicit funding channels. This strategy, described as a multi-front pressure campaign, aligns with a broader regulatory posture that seeks to deter black-market finance and deter third-country facilitation of Iranian oil revenues.
Key takeaways
- Nearly $500 million in Iranian crypto assets are reportedly seized, representing a concrete extension of Operation Economic Fury aimed at cutting Tehran’s access to international finance.
- The latest disclosures surpass an earlier $344 million crypto-seizure figure; USDT freezes by Tether reportedly account for a substantial portion of the crypto-related enforcement actions.
- OFAC has sanctioned crypto wallets tied to Iran and expanded enforcement against Iran’s financial networks, including 35 entities and individuals linked to shadow banking and roughly 40 shipping firms tied to Iran’s oil trade; additional targets include a Chinese refinery and components tied to missiles and drones.
- Since February 2025, more than 1,000 Iran-related persons, vessels, and aircraft have been sanctioned under the Economic Fury initiative, signaling a sustained, expansive approach to enforcement across asset classes.
- Iran’s broader economic distress—bank collapses, a currency decline of 60–70% against the dollar—provides context for the intensifying use and monitoring of crypto channels in sanction evasion and revenue flows.
Operation Economic Fury: scope, tools, and implications for compliance
Operation Economic Fury, described by Treasury officials as a comprehensive pressure campaign against Tehran, was officially directed in March 2025 and centers on depriving Iran of financial support networks. The initiative uses a combination of asset seizures, bank account freezes and secondary sanctions to deter both domestic and foreign actors from engaging with Iran’s economy. In public remarks, Bessent framed the effort as not only a financial crackdown but a strategic effort to discourage international actors from facilitating Iran’s financial operations. The emphasis on crypto assets signals a recognition that blockchain rails can serve both sanctioned actors and third-country intermediaries in moving value, underscoring the need for rigorous AML/KYC controls and cross-border cooperation among regulators and financial institutions.
From a regulatory standpoint, the actions illustrate how cryptomarkets intersect with traditional sanctions enforcement. The Treasury’s OFAC has expanded its reach to crypto wallets connected to sanctioned entities, a move that places additional obligations on exchanges, wallet providers and other crypto infrastructure operators to screen for sanctioned parties and to execute asset freezes when identified. The case also highlights the role of stablecoins in sanctioned environments: Tether’s confirmation that USDt was frozen in response to official requests demonstrates how stablecoins can become de facto conduits for sanctioned flows or, conversely, for compliance-aligned enforcement actions. As observed by industry observers, this area remains under close scrutiny, particularly given questions about the adequacy of international coordination and the speed with which sanctions can be enforced on chain.
Regulatory filings and public statements show a layered approach: while crypto asset seizures are a component of the broader regime, OFAC’s actions extend into conventional financial networks and maritime supply chains. The Treasury has sanctioned 35 entities and individuals tied to Iran’s shadow banking network and, separately, targeted a Chinese oil refinery and approximately 40 shipping firms implicated in moving Iranian crude in violation of sanctions. Additionally, 14 entities and individuals were sanctioned for procuring components used in Shahed-series attack drones and ballistic missile propellants. Since February 2025, the department has sanctioned more than 1,000 Iran-related persons, vessels and aircraft as part of the Economic Fury program. These measures collectively illustrate a multi-dimensional enforcement strategy that seeks to constrain Iran’s ability to monetize and move value internationally.
Iran’s economy under pressure and the crypto policy backdrop
Beyond asset seizures, Iran’s economy has faced a destabilizing sequence of events. One of the country’s largest banks collapsed in December, amplifying a currency crisis that authorities say has driven the rial’s value down by roughly 60–70% against the U.S. dollar. In parallel, Treasury actions have intensified sanctions across multiple fronts, including a broader crackdown on Iran’s shadow banking networks and maritime corridors used to export oil to buyers in China and beyond. This constellation of measures compounds the economic strain and provides a backdrop for the government’s apparent interest in controlling cross-border value flows through innovative means, including discussions about tolls in crypto for maritime traffic through critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier in the month, reports emerged that Iran was weighing Bitcoin tolls for vessels crossing Hormuz, with empty tankers allowed free passage and loaded ships taxed at a nominal rate per barrel of oil. Forbes cited claims that Tehran had begun collecting tolls in practice, though the Iranian government has not publicly confirmed the policy. Separately, maritime risk firm Marasis warned of fraud schemes in which actors impersonate Iranian security services and solicit payments in Bitcoin or USDt to clear ships through Hormuz. These developments underscore the evolving intersection of geopolitics, sanctions enforcement and crypto-based value movement, and highlight the ongoing need for vigilant compliance and risk assessment by banks, exchanges and lenders operating in or with Iran-related traffic.
Regulatory and institutional implications for crypto markets
The unfolding events place heightened emphasis on how crypto assets are regulated and monitored across borders. The convergence of sanctions enforcement with blockchain analytics raises questions about licensing, registration and ongoing oversight of cross-border crypto activities. In the European Union, ongoing implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) intersects with U.S. sanctions policy, reinforcing the expectation that crypto service providers maintain robust AML/KYC programs and cooperate with authorities to identify and freeze sanctioned assets. For U.S. and allied institutions, the episode reinforces the imperative to implement rigorous sanctions screening, enhanced due diligence for counterparties, and real-time monitoring of cross-border crypto flows connected to sanctioned states. It also highlights the potential role of stablecoins in sanctioned environments and whether such tokens will face heightened scrutiny, including limits on on-chain transfers to or from sanctioned wallets and counterparties.
From a policy history perspective, the operation sits at the intersection of traditional financial sanctions and emerging digital-asset enforcement. It signals a shift toward more proactive asset tracing and seizure capabilities across both fiat and crypto rails, with implications for exchanges, banks, and payment processors that must implement resilient compliance programs to withstand cross-border enforcement. The regulatory narrative is likely to evolve as authorities assess the efficacy of such measures, the availability of traceable on-chain data, and the readiness of market participants to align with expanded sanctions regimes.
Closing perspective
As authorities extend their enforcement horizon, the coming months will test whether sanctions-driven crypto seizures deter illicit flows and shift Tehran’s strategic calculus. While the exact methodology behind reconciling disparate asset tallies remains under discussion, the broader message is clear: cross-border enforcement, AML/KYC rigor and international regulatory coordination will continue to shape how crypto markets interface with traditional finance and geopolitics.
Ripple Expands Its UAE Base
Ripple has opened a new Middle East and Africa regional headquarters in Dubai’s DIFC, expanding its footprint in the UAE. The move reflects rising demand for regulated blockchain payment solutions across the region. It also supports Ripple’s plan to grow its local team and strengthen partnerships with financial institutions operating in the Middle East and Africa markets.
New Headquarters Supports Regional Growth
Ripple said the new DIFC office can support a larger team. The company now has capacity to double its regional operations.
The expansion comes as more firms seek regulated blockchain payment services. Banks and financial companies are also testing digital asset tools.
Reece Merrick, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at Ripple, said, “In recent years the Middle East has become an increasingly vital driver of Ripple’s global growth.”
He added, “A larger team, based here in Dubai, will enable us to go further in supporting our clients and partners across the region and beyond.”
Ripple Builds on Dubai Regulation
Ripple has also secured key regulatory approvals in Dubai. In March 2025, it became the first blockchain payments provider licensed by the DFSA.
The license allows Ripple to offer regulated cross-border digital payment services from the DIFC. It also supports its work with banks and payment firms.
The DFSA also approved RLUSD as a recognized crypto token in the DIFC. Regulated firms in the financial centre can use the dollar-backed stablecoin.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said, “Ripple’s expansion within DIFC is a strong signal of the confidence that world-leading digital asset firms have in Dubai.”
Binance has opened KGST deposits after completing the stablecoin’s integration on the TRON TRC20 network. The update gives users a new supported route for moving the Kyrgyz Som Stablecoin on Binance. Withdrawals are not yet live, as the exchange said they will open after enough liquidity is available.
Binance Adds KGST Support on TRON
Binance announced that KGST deposits are now available through the TRC20 network. Users can send the stablecoin to Binance by choosing the supported network on the deposit page.
The exchange asked users to check all transfer details before sending funds. It also advised users to avoid using unsupported networks for KGST transfers.
KGST is a stablecoin linked to the Kyrgyz som, the national currency of Kyrgyzstan. Its support on TRON may help users move the token with lower fees.
Meanwhile, the listing adds another fiat-linked asset to Binance’s supported crypto options. It also gives KGST access to a wider trading and transfer base.
Withdrawals Will Open After Liquidity Is Ready
Binance said KGST withdrawals are not yet available. However, the exchange plans to open withdrawals after enough liquidity is in place.
This process is common when exchanges add support for new tokens. Deposits often open first so liquidity can build before withdrawals begin.
Users can deposit KGST now, but they must wait for a later notice about withdrawals. Binance has not shared a fixed date for that step.
Therefore, users are expected to follow official Binance updates. They should also check the withdrawal page before planning any KGST transfer.
Wider Crypto Market Records More Activity
The KGST update came as several exchanges reported fresh market activity. OKX is also set to add MEGA, linked to MegaETH, for spot trading.
The listing is expected to begin today, according to the market update. It adds another token to OKX’s spot market during active trading hours.
At the same time, CoinW shared data on a large trader shorting altcoins and meme tokens. The trader reportedly gained more than $10 million in 90 days.
CoinW said the strategy is now available through copy trading. The platform also stated that the model has no profit share.
In another market move, a whale returned 220 BTC to Binance after about three years. Reports estimated the trader’s profit at around $28 million.
The transfer drew attention because the coins had stayed inactive for a long period. Together, these updates show continued activity across exchanges, traders, and large holders.
CFTC Chairman Michael Selig confirmed the agency is deploying AI tools to review crypto registration applications and monitor trading data, the first major US financial regulator to use artificial intelligence to compensate for a workforce cut of more than 20% under the Trump administration’s federal staffing reductions.
Summary
- CFTC AI tools will flag incomplete applications, reject blank filings, and send inadequate submissions to the back of the queue without human review, with staff trained on Microsoft Copilot and in-house surveillance tools under development.
- The CFTC’s Chicago enforcement office has no active lawyers left following a string of departures and retirements, raising bipartisan concerns in Congress about whether a 20% workforce cut is compatible with overseeing crypto and prediction markets simultaneously.
- Critics warn that AI-reviewed applications could create new compliance blind spots, since the agency has not disclosed how algorithmic errors will be identified, appealed, or corrected.
CFTC AI deployment was confirmed by Chairman Michael Selig in an April 28 interview, when he told reporters the agency is building systems to automate registration reviews and flag applications containing blank spaces, inadequate descriptions, or clearly incorrect information. Crypto Integrated reported that Selig described AI as essential to the agency’s ability to function given the workforce reductions, saying it would allow staff to “focus on more complex cases” while automated systems handle routine filtering.
As crypto.news reported, the CFTC has also launched an Innovation Task Force covering three themes: crypto assets and blockchain, AI and autonomous systems, and prediction markets and event contracts. Selig described AI market surveillance tools the agency already has in place as capable of helping staff “reach conclusions about certain trades,” and said Microsoft 365 Copilot is now being trained across all CFTC staff. The context for this deployment is stark: staff levels have fallen by roughly 25% since the start of 2025, and Barron’s reported the Chicago regional office has no enforcement attorneys left. As crypto.news documented, the CFTC is simultaneously suing New York, Illinois, Arizona, and Connecticut over prediction market jurisdiction, adding new caseload at precisely the moment its enforcement capacity is at a 15-year low. Representative Angie Craig, the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, told Selig directly that “the agency’s workforce is stretched too thin.” Selig responded that the agency is “running more efficiently and effectively than ever before.”
As crypto.news tracked, the CFTC’s expanding jurisdiction over crypto and prediction markets under the CLARITY Act framework would make it the primary federal regulator for non-securities crypto trading, dramatically increasing its oversight mandate even as headcount falls. Whether AI tools can fill the gap left by experienced enforcement attorneys remains the central unresolved question.
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $76,350, which is above several key investors’ cost-basis levels. The one-to-three-month holder average sits at $75,620, placing a large share of recent buyers near breakeven, while the price sits just below the US spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) cost basis of $76,700.
The short-term holder (STH) cost basis and the adjusted realized price extend on either side of this range, increasing the importance of the $75,000 level as a near-term support pivot.
BTC cost basis cluster tightens near $75,000
The one-to three-month holder cohorts share an average cost basis of $75,620. That level capped the price earlier in March when BTC fell to $62,000 from $75,600 in two weeks, but now it aligns as a potential support pivot.
BTC realized price excluding more than a seven-year supply. Source: CryptoQuant
Bitcoin has also closed above the adjusted realized price at $72,300. This metric tracks the average acquisition cost of circulating supply, excluding coins held for more than seven years. A move above it places a large share of investors above the break-even level.
Crypto analyst Darkfost noted that a weekly close above the adjusted realized price on April 19 signaled stronger long-term investor conviction in Bitcoin. The analyst added,
“A truly bullish signal would be for Bitcoin to start building a standard deviation above this average cost basis, pushing more investors into profit and encouraging them to hold due to increased conviction.”
US spot ETF positioning adds an institutional cost basis level. The weighted average cost basis of US spot Bitcoin ETFs sits near $76,700, placing the price close to a key area of recent institutional accumulation. The short-term holder’s cost basis is near $81,800, a level at which investors could build more conviction if the price holds above it.
Bitcoin cost basis for STH, US ETF, and LTH. Source: CryptoQuant
Together, these overlapping cost bases compress around $75,000, concentrating both realized and unrealized positioning in a narrow price range. This clustering increases price sensitivity to flows near this level, making it a key support zone.
Related: Bitcoin eyes $75K after ‘most hawkish’ FOMC as oil hits highest since 2022
BTC liquidity bands outline the near-term range
With the support level established at $75,000, the derivatives data outlines a tight liquidity corridor. Cumulative long liquidation risk nears $74,000, with roughly $2.69 billion at risk, while short liquidations near $80,000 total about $4.48 billion.
Bitcoin exchange liquidation map. Source: CoinGlass
A recent swing between $77,873 and $74,868 on Wednesday cleared $494 million in positions, including $347 million in longs.
Crypto analyst CW said the high-leverage longs have been reduced, while a larger pool of short liquidations sits above $80,000. The $74,000 to $80,000 band continues to anchor positioning, with both sides clustering around key cost-basis levels.
Related: Most crypto investors believe Bitcoin is undervalued: Coinbase survey
Best Multi-Asset Broker is a category within the BeInCrypto Institutional 100, covering platforms that bring crypto into broader brokerage accounts alongside equities, FX, futures, ETFs, and other asset classes.
This Category sits under Pillar 1: Retail to Crypto Bridge, with the 2026 long list drawn from multi-asset brokers and bank-brokerage platforms active between April 2025 and March 2026.
A shortlist will be named in May 2026, with the winner announced at Proof of Talk in Paris on June 2–3, 2026.
- Longlist: 15 firms, covering Nasdaq- and LSE-listed multi-asset brokers, FINMA-supervised Swiss banks with integrated crypto exchanges, German banking-licensed pan-European platforms, US wealth managers entering spot crypto, and CFD-led FX brokers building dedicated spot venues.
- Candidates screened: Starting pool of 32 multi-asset brokers and bank-brokerage hybrids with live crypto offerings; 15 advanced to this longlist, with 5 additional firms held in the outreach pool.
- Scoring (Track B): 30% quantitative data · 50% Expert Council · 20% disclosed company data.
- Criteria assessed: Crypto coverage, execution quality, cross-asset integration, volume and adoption, regulatory standing, innovation, and industry standing.
- Sources: Regulator registers (FCA, FINMA, BaFin, ASIC, CFTC, MAS), audited filings, firm disclosures, partner integrations, and private-market platforms.
| # | Firm | HQ | In Crypto Since | Scale Signal | Crypto Product | Status | Representative Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Interactive Brokers | Greenwich, CT | 2021 | Nasdaq: IBKR 2.5M+ accounts across 170+ markets |
11 spot cryptos via Paxos and Zero Hash Coinbase nano BTC/ETH futures added Feb 2026 |
Public · Nasdaq listed | Expanded crypto access inside a global brokerage account Added crypto-to-account transfers in Mar 2026 |
| 2 | IG Group | London, UK | 2018 | LSE: IGG · FTSE 100 820,000 active clients in FY25 |
55+ tokens via FCA cryptoasset registration Crypto 10 Index and Independent Reserve exposure |
Public · LSE listed | First FCA-registered crypto offering from a UK-listed broker Acquired Independent Reserve in 2025–26 |
| 3 | Swissquote | Gland, Switzerland | 2017 | SIX: SQN 650,000+ accounts; FINMA and CSSF licences |
50+ cryptos through SQX exchange Staking on ETH, DOT, SOL, ADA, XTZ |
Public · SIX listed | Integrated crypto into a Swiss banking and brokerage model Offers native exchange, custody, and staking access |
| 4 | Saxo Bank | Copenhagen, Denmark | 2018 | 1M+ clients 200+ banks and 400+ intermediaries |
Crypto ETPs for all clients Crypto FX pairs for elective professional clients |
Private · Bank-licensed | White-label broker infrastructure with crypto-linked products J. Safra Sarasin 70% acquisition closed Mar 2026 |
| 5 | Charles Schwab | Westlake, TX | 2024 | NYSE: SCHW ~$12T client assets; 38.9M brokerage accounts |
Schwab Crypto launching Q2 2026 Spot BTC and ETH via Schwab Premier Bank |
Public · NYSE listed | Brings spot crypto to one of the largest US wealth platforms Announced 0.75% crypto trading fee in Apr 2026 |
| 6 | Fidelity Investments | Boston, MA | 2018 | Privately held Enterprise custody through Fidelity Digital Assets |
Fidelity Crypto retail trading FBTC, FETH, FSOL and IRA-eligible products |
Private · Trust company | Combines retail trading, custody, and crypto ETP access Uses institutional infrastructure built through Fidelity Digital Assets |
| 7 | flatexDEGIRO | Frankfurt, Germany | 2024 | FRA: FTK 3.35M+ customers across 16 European countries |
Spot crypto launched Dec 2024 0.6% all-in cost; 90%+ customer eligibility |
Public · Frankfurt SE | Reported first €500M crypto-volume quarter in Q1 2026 Grew crypto volume roughly 5x year-on-year |
| 8 | CMC Markets | London, UK | 2017 | LSE: CMCX 12,000+ instruments; 2M+ user logins |
Crypto CFDs across major tokens Bermuda digital asset licence |
Public · LSE listed | Offers crypto CFDs inside a broad multi-asset trading platform Developing broader DeFi “super app” strategy |
| 9 | Plus500 | Haifa, Israel | 2017 | LSE: PLUS $415.1M H1 2025 revenue; 179,931 active customers |
Crypto CFDs on major tokens Separate regional spot and CFD entities |
Public · LSE listed | Maintains crypto exposure across regulated CFD entities Plus500 US extends group into CFTC-regulated markets |
| 10 | XTB | Warsaw, Poland | 2018 | WSE: XTB 2.16M+ clients across 13+ jurisdictions |
50+ crypto CFDs in the EEA 5,400+ instruments through xStation 5 |
Public · WSE listed | Brings crypto CFDs into a large European brokerage platform Expanded regulatory footprint with UAE licence upgrade |
| 11 | Webull | St. Petersburg, FL | 2020 | Nasdaq: BULL 4.3M+ funded accounts across 13+ countries |
Webull Pay crypto app US crypto access via Bakkt |
Public · Nasdaq listed | Separates crypto access from core brokerage through Webull Pay Added prediction markets in 2026 |
| 12 | Pepperstone | Melbourne, Australia | 2019 | Privately held 160 countries; seven-regulator footprint |
Pepperstone Crypto spot exchange BTC, ETH, SOL, USDC, USDT at 0.1% flat fee |
Private · Multi-regulated | Launched dedicated Australian spot crypto exchange in Feb 2026 Also offers 21 crypto CFD pairs globally |
| 13 | OANDA | New York, NY | 2024 | Privately held NFA member with 25+ year operating history |
Spot crypto via Paxos itBit Eight tokens including BTC, ETH, LINK, UNI |
Private · NFA member | Added spot crypto to a long-standing FX brokerage platform Uses mobile and TradingView access for US crypto users |
| 14 | Capital.com | Limassol, Cyprus | 2018 | Privately held 845,000+ traders; $1T+ cumulative client volume |
450+ crypto CFDs MiCA CASP licence through CySEC |
Private · MiCA-licensed | Offers one of the broadest crypto CFD lineups in the sector Secured MiCA CASP licence in Jan 2026 |
| 15 | Exness | Limassol, Cyprus | 2018 | Privately held $1T+ monthly trading volume |
BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, XRP CFDs BTC cross pairs across several fiat currencies |
Private · Multi-regulated | Brings crypto CFD access into a high-volume FX platform Moving selected BTC cross pairs to close-only in Apr 2026 |
About This List
The BeInCrypto Institutional 100 — Multi-Asset Brokers (2026 Long List) identifies brokers and bank-brokerage platforms bringing crypto into wider trading accounts. These firms offer crypto exposure alongside traditional assets, including equities, FX, ETFs, futures, bonds, and CFDs.
The long list covers brokers, Swiss- and European-bank-backed platforms, US wealth managers, and CFD-led operators building spot crypto venues or integrated crypto access. Firms focused only on digital asset trading are evaluated separately under dedicated broker, exchange, and trading infrastructure categories.
Methodology
This category evaluates multi-asset brokers under Track B of the BeInCrypto Institutional 100 methodology: 30% editorial quantitative metrics, 50% Expert Council scoring, and 20% disclosed data.
Assessment spans seven criteria: crypto coverage, execution quality, cross-asset integration, volume and adoption, regulatory standing, innovation, and industry standing.
Data was verified using regulator registers, audited filings, company disclosures, transparency pages, partner integrations, and private-market sources, including PitchBook, Tracxn, and Crunchbase. Figures reflect the most recent available data at the time of publication.
To submit a nomination or share feedback, contact awards@beincrypto.com.
The post BeInCrypto Institutional Research: 15 Multi-Asset Brokers Integrating Crypto Trading appeared first on BeInCrypto.
Digital asset adoption in Latin America is evolving, with more users now converting funds into stablecoins than into Bitcoin — a shift that reflects growing pressure from local economic conditions.
According to Bitso’s 2025 report on crypto adoption in Latin America, 40% of crypto purchases in 2025 were US dollar-linked stablecoins such as Tether’s USDt (USDT) and Circle’s USDC (USDC), while Bitcoin (BTC) accounted for 18%. The report marks the first time stablecoin purchases have surpassed Bitcoin in the region.
The findings are based on data from Bitso’s nearly 10 million retail users across its exchange platform.
The trend reflects a broader move toward what the Latin American crypto exchange described as “digital dollarization.” In countries facing persistent inflation, currency depreciation and limited access to traditional banking, stablecoins offer a relatively accessible way to store value and transact in US dollar equivalents.
While the US dollar itself is not immune to inflation, it tends to depreciate more slowly than many local currencies and remains the world’s dominant medium of exchange, making it an attractive benchmark for users seeking stability.
The most purchased assets in 2025 across Latin America. Source: Bitso
The global stablecoin market has grown to roughly $320 billion, with adoption expanding across both developed and emerging economies. Their Latin American regional appeal is particularly practical: users rely on stablecoins for preserving savings, making payments and sending cross-border remittances.
Use of home-grown stablecoins is benefiting from the expansion. Brazilian retail giant Mercado Libre in early April launched a cross-border remittance product using the Meli dollar stablecoin for users in Brazil, Mexico and Chile, Cointelegraph Brasil reported. That came after the retailer discontinued issuing its own stablecoin, Mercado Coin, earlier this year.
Related: Visa adds Polygon, Base support as stablecoin settlement run rate hits $7B
Bitcoin remains dominant as a store of value
While Bitcoin purchases have declined as a share of total activity, the Bitso report shows the asset still plays a central role as a long-term savings vehicle in Latin America.
“Bitcoin continues to function as Latin America’s primary long-term digital store of value,” the report said, noting that the cryptocurrency is held in 52% of crypto portfolios across the region in 2025. That’s down only slightly from 53% the previous year.
Bitcoin has long been viewed as a store of value, despite periods of volatility and uneven performance compared with previous market cycles. The asset rose above $126,000 in October before pulling back sharply, with prices later trading in the low $60,000 range.
Recent research by index maker MarketVector reframes the store-of-value narrative beyond price performance alone, arguing that Bitcoin and gold share core traits, including scarcity, decentralization and resistance to supply expansion, that underpin their long-term value.
A comparison of Bitcoin’s price performance, volatility and drawdowns since inception. Source: MarketVector Indexes
Related: Did Bitcoin bottom versus gold? BTC price will reach $167K in 2027 if history repeats
Latin America’s crypto adoption path is pivoting toward stablecoins in 2025, reflecting how local conditions—high inflation, currency depreciation, and uneven access to traditional banking—shape user behavior. Bitso’s 2025 crypto adoption report, drawn from nearly 10 million retail users on its exchange, shows stablecoins accounted for 40% of crypto purchases that year, while Bitcoin represented 18%. The shift marks the first time stablecoins outpaced Bitcoin in the region’s purchase mix.
The findings illuminate what Bitso calls a movement toward “digital dollarization.” In economies where local currencies struggle to preserve value, stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar offer a comparatively accessible way to store value and transact in dollar equivalents. As global payment rails expand, stablecoins appear increasingly practical for everyday savings, payments, and cross-border remittances across Latin America.
Key takeaways
- Stablecoins dominated Latin American crypto purchases in 2025 at 40%, versus 18% for Bitcoin.
- Bitcoin remains a core long-term store of value, present in 52% of regional crypto portfolios in 2025, a slight dip from 53% the prior year.
- The region’s stablecoin momentum feeds into a broader global trend, with the sector near $320 billion in market capitalization and growing use as a financial tool beyond investing.
- Local use-cases are expanding, notably Mercado Libre’s cross-border remittance product using the Meli dollar stablecoin for Brazil, Mexico and Chile, following the earlier discontinuation of its Mercado Coin offering.
Stablecoins reshape Latin American on-ramps
Bitso’s data underscore a practical shift in how individuals interact with crypto: stablecoins are increasingly used as a first point of entry and a medium of daily value transfer. In economies facing persistent inflation and currency volatility, stablecoins provide a more predictable unit of account than many local currencies, alongside faster settlement and lower friction for cross-border payments.
Beyond on-ramps, stablecoins are gaining traction as a component of regional financial infrastructure. The Bitso study situates stablecoins not merely as speculative assets but as tools that empower savers and small businesses to navigate volatility, access dollar-denominated payment rails, and send remittances with lower costs than traditional channels.
Bitcoin endures as a regional store of value
While the share of crypto activity tied to Bitcoin has declined slightly as stablecoins gain ground, the asset continues to anchor Latin American portfolios. The Bitso report notes that Bitcoin remains the primary long-term digital store of value, held in 52% of crypto portfolios in 2025, down marginally from 53% in 2024.
Industry observers have long framed Bitcoin as a scarce, decentralized store of value akin to gold. New analyses, including research from MarketVector, broaden that lens by highlighting common traits—scarcity, decentralization, and resistance to supply expansion—that underpin Bitcoin’s narrative as a durable store of value, even amid price volatility.
Local innovations push adoption forward
Regional deployments illustrate how stablecoins are moving beyond speculation toward practical use cases. In early April, Mercado Libre reported the launch of a cross-border remittance product using its Meli dollar stablecoin for users in Brazil, Mexico and Chile. The rollout followed the company’s earlier decision to discontinue issuing its own stablecoin, Mercado Coin, earlier this year. The move signals a shift toward dollar-linked digital currencies as a backbone for cross-border commerce within Latin America.
These developments sit within a broader ecosystem trend: the global stablecoin market has grown to roughly $320 billion, with adoption expanding across both developed and emerging economies. The Latin American experience demonstrates how stablecoins can function as a bridging technology—supporting savings, domestic payments, and regional remittances in an increasingly interconnected digital economy.
Broader market backdrop and policy signals
The Latin American story unfolds against a global backdrop where stablecoins are increasingly integrated into payments and settlement rails. For example, larger payment networks have begun to explore or implement stablecoin settlements, a trend that could accelerate liquidity and adoption in regions with imperfect traditional banking access. In related Asia-Pacific and European developments, industry participants emphasize that stablecoins offer efficiency gains for merchants and users alike, while regulators weigh consumer protections and systemic risk considerations.
US dollar dynamics also matter in this narrative. While the dollar itself faces inflationary headwinds, it historically retains greater stability relative to many local currencies, reinforcing the appeal of dollar-pegged digital assets for regional users seeking to preserve purchasing power.
What comes next for Latin America’s crypto landscape
Looking ahead, readers should watch how LATAM regulators balance innovation with safeguards as stablecoins scale in everyday use. The region’s mix of high inflation in some economies, ongoing currency depreciation, and evolving fintech ecosystems creates both opportunity and risk for stablecoins, Bitcoin, and related services. Investor and user interest may hinge on liquidity, on-ramps for new users, and the development of compliant custody and payment rails that can support cross-border activity at scale.
As Bitso’s findings illustrate, stablecoins have moved from niche instruments to practical components of everyday financial life in Latin America. The coming year will reveal whether this digital dollarization trend broadens beyond pockets of inflationary stress to become a pervasive feature of the region’s financial infrastructure.
The prediction market will deploy a custom on-chain detection model to flag insider activity.
A U.S. Senate that’s struggled to move crypto market structure legislation moved like lightning on Thursday to ban themselves from participating in prediction markets.
Acting on a simple, 14-line resolution pushed by Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, the Senate agreed unanimously to put a restriction between members and the increasingly popular, controversial betting platforms that have drawn scrutiny over insider-trading activity and fights over who has regulatory jurisdiction.
“United States Senators have no business engaging in speculative activities like prediction markets while collecting a taxpayer-funded paycheck, period,” said Senator Moreno in a Thursday statement. “Serving in Congress should never be about finding new ways to profit; it should be about delivering results for the American people.”
Effective immediately, the change to Senate rules now holds that senators can’t enter “an agreement, contract, or transaction that provides for any purchase, sale, payment, or delivery that is dependent on the occurrence, nonoccurrence, or the extent of the occurrence of a specific event.”
Political betting has surged in popularity, and some candidates for office have already been penalized for wagering on their own races.
One of the leading platforms, Polymarket, posted on social media site X that the company is in “full support” of the Senate’s action. Polymarket, which isn’t supposed to operate in the U.S. after a 2022 agreement with the CFTC, noted that its user rules “already prohibit such conduct, but codifying this into law is a step forward for the industry.”
Betting on Polymarket currently gives Democrats even odds that they’ll reclaim the Senate majority in the November elections. Democrats have generally been more critical and suspicious of the fast-growing industry.
Crypto World
Apple (AAPL) Stock: Q2 Earnings Beat Expectations with 17% Revenue Jump and $100B Buyback
Key Highlights
- AAPL demonstrates 17% revenue increase, though shares decline in extended trading
- Quarterly performance surpasses Wall Street projections on both earnings and sales
- Company unveils $100B share repurchase initiative alongside robust services performance
- iPhone sales maintain momentum while market response remains cautious post-announcement
- Solid Q2 performance meets mixed investor sentiment in after-hours session
Apple Inc. (AAPL) shares climbed following the tech giant’s impressive quarterly performance, though momentum cooled during extended trading hours after initial gains. The Cupertino-based company delivered robust financial results powered by sustained iPhone sales and expanding services offerings. Nonetheless, certain segment shortfalls and ongoing supply challenges tempered enthusiasm in after-market activity.AAPL shares concluded regular trading at $271.35, registering a 0.44% increase following the earnings announcement.
Quarterly Financial Performance Shows Robust Top-Line Expansion
Apple disclosed quarterly sales totaling $111.2 billion, representing a 17% year-over-year improvement. The technology leader posted earnings per share of $2.01, surpassing consensus estimates from analysts. Sustained consumer appetite for iPhone products underpinned overall results, even as certain product categories delivered mixed outcomes.
iPhone division generated $56.99 billion in revenue, falling marginally short of projections while still demonstrating healthy annual expansion. Both Mac and iPad product lines outperformed expectations, providing diversified revenue contributions. The services division continued reinforcing the company’s subscription-based income foundation.
Services segment revenue climbed to $30.97 billion, showcasing consistent growth from subscription offerings and digital content. Gross profit margin expanded to 49.3%, signaling enhanced operational efficiency. The company sustained earnings momentum despite persistent global supply chain complexities.
Expanding Services Division and Capital Allocation Strategy Bolster Position
Apple’s services business unit posted consistent advancement, fueled by increasing subscriber adoption across multiple digital platforms. The corporation strengthened its ecosystem spanning payment solutions, cloud infrastructure, and media entertainment services. Consequently, the services segment generated higher-margin revenue contributions.
Management authorized a fresh $100 billion stock buyback initiative designed to maximize shareholder value. The company simultaneously raised its quarterly dividend to 27 cents per share, reinforcing its commitment to returning capital. These measures bolstered investor sentiment in the wake of earnings disclosure.
Research and development expenditures surged substantially, demonstrating ongoing commitment to emerging technologies and innovation. R&D costs jumped 33% compared to the prior year, totaling $11.42 billion. The company remains focused on advancing artificial intelligence capabilities and next-generation product development.
Regional Performance, Supply Dynamics, and Executive Succession Frame Future Direction
Apple achieved notable expansion in Greater China, generating $20.49 billion in regional revenue. This outcome surpassed market forecasts and illustrated strengthening demand in key territories. The organization benefited from sustained premium device positioning across international markets.
Worldwide memory component shortages stemming from AI data center infrastructure buildout created manufacturing constraints for hardware divisions. Elevated memory pricing pressured margins throughout the broader technology industry. Apple successfully preserved profitability despite these headwinds.
Executive leadership succession planning introduced additional strategic considerations for investors. Tim Cook announced his planned September departure, with John Ternus designated as his replacement. The company continues advancing its artificial intelligence roadmap through strategic collaborations and product innovation initiatives.
Tim Cook cites performance, roadmap and successor readiness for Apple exit
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