Summary

  • Tether is investing $20 million in a funding round for Mercado Bitcoin, a Brazilian cryptocurrency exchange, aimed at enhancing blockchain financial services throughout Latin America.
  • Mercado Brazil reports it has 4.5 million users, has issued over R$2 billion in tokenized assets, and possesses more than 10 licenses in Brazil and Europe.
  • The investment will focus on enhancing payment systems, expanding tokenized investment options, improving lending services, developing on-chain capital markets, and facilitating international growth.

On Tuesday, Tether, a well-known stablecoin issuer, announced its decision to invest $20 million in a financing round for Mercado Bitcoin, a Brazilian crypto exchange, as both companies aim to broaden blockchain financial services across Latin America.

Founded in 2013, Mercado Bitcoin has evolved from a digital asset exchange into a comprehensive financial platform that provides trading, tokenized investment solutions, credit and lending services, stablecoin-based transactions, banking infrastructure, and cross-border offerings.

The platform claims to currently serve 4.5 million users, has issued over 2 billion reais (approximately $387 million) in tokenized assets, and holds more than 10 licenses in Brazil and Europe, including a payment institution license from Brazil's central bank.

“Tether’s mission is to create open, accessible, and efficient financial infrastructure globally,” stated Tether's CEO Paolo Ardoino. “Mercado Bitcoin has achieved just that, establishing a regulated, comprehensive on-chain financial platform for millions of users in one of the world’s most vibrant financial markets.”

Ardoino further emphasized, “The extensive regulatory licenses, tokenization infrastructure, and integrated financial services offered are unparalleled in Latin America. We are excited to act as a strategic partner and investor in Mercado Bitcoin's next growth phase.”

The investment will be allocated to enhance payment systems, expand tokenized investment offerings for both retail and institutional investors, boost lending capabilities, develop on-chain capital markets, and support international growth efforts.

“The question is no longer if finance will transition to on-chain; that shift is already happening,” remarked Roberto Dagnoni, Chairman and CEO of Mercado Bitcoin. “Now, our focus is on creating the infrastructure necessary for tokenization, stablecoins, payments, and capital markets at scale, transforming how money is transferred, investments are accessed, and capital is utilized.”

“Mercado Bitcoin has dedicated over a decade to building a regulated foundation for this future, and this investment enhances our capacity to accelerate the next generation of on-chain financial services in Brazil and beyond,” he added.