Bolivia considers incorporating Tether's USDT into its payment framework

Bolivia is actively considering the incorporation of Tether's USDT stablecoin into its national payment framework, a significant policy shift reflecting the country's evolving stance on cryptocurrencies.

During a recent press briefing, Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza revealed that the government is evaluating USDT's potential alongside the national boliviano and the U.S. dollar. This exploration comes on the heels of a remarkable increase in crypto transactions, which skyrocketed to $430 million after the central bank lifted previous restrictions in mid-2024.

However, the implementation of USDT as a legal payment option is still in the planning stages, with no formal guidelines published yet. The government is focusing on creating a robust framework for banks and digital payment services, which will need to adhere to stringent anti-money laundering regulations due to Bolivia’s current status on the Financial Action Task Force's grey list.

Since the central bank allowed freer crypto exchanges in June 2024, transaction volumes have surged dramatically, jumping from $46.5 million in the first half of 2024 to $294 million in the same period in 2025, marking an extraordinary 630% growth. This shift is driven by heightened demand for cryptocurrency as Bolivians seek alternatives amidst constraints on the availability of U.S. dollars, backed by the recent transition to a floating exchange rate.

Further, state-owned YPFB has expressed interest in utilizing cryptocurrencies for energy imports, while Banco Unión has begun enabling USDT purchases through its Yasta wallet for remittances and international transactions. As these developments unfold, Bolivia is positioning itself to integrate digital currencies into its economy more comprehensively.