Interesting structural shifts are being detected in the virtual asset ecosystem of the Latin American region. Preference is rapidly increasing for stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, surpassing Bitcoin, which previously enjoyed overwhelming popularity. Analysis suggests that in an environment of soaring inflation rates and a sharp decline in the value of local currencies, residents who find it difficult to access the financial system are seeking 'digital dollars' to defend their assets at an accelerated pace. According to Bitso's 2025 report, reported by Coin Telegraph on the 13th, a historic moment has arrived where the volume of stablecoin purchases has surpassed that of Bitcoin for the first time. This indicates that this is not merely a change in investment sentiment, but part of a survival strategy emerging from a structural crisis in the regional economy.
Based on data aggregated by Bitso, an analysis of the virtual asset adoption status in Latin America based on personal customer data of approximately 10 million users on its exchange shows that 40% of the total purchase volume in 2025 is accounted for by stablecoins such as Tether's USDt and Circle's USDC. In contrast, Bitcoin's share amounted to only 18%, failing to overwhelm stablecoins. This being the first instance where stablecoin purchase volume in the region exceeds Bitcoin clearly demonstrates a new market trend different from the past. These figures prove that Bitcoin is no longer the sole occupant of the throne, reflecting that actual living demand is driving stronger movements than investment sentiment.
This trend shift goes beyond a mere fad and is deeply connected to practical needs in daily life. The report explains that stablecoins are actively utilized in Latin America as savings instruments, daily payment methods, and cross-border remittance tools. While the US dollar itself is not entirely free from inflation, it is considered a stable benchmark point due to its slower rate of value depreciation compared to most local currencies and its recognition as the world's reserve currency. In many countries experiencing repeated price hikes and currency instability, demand for access to dollar-denominated assets without going through bank systems is exploding. Stablecoins have established themselves as 'digital dollars' that can be held relatively easily in such environments, with global market size expanding to approximately $3.2 trillion, and adoption increasing in both developed and emerging nations.
The increase in the share of stablecoins does not mean that Bitcoin's role has weakened. Bitso evaluates Bitcoin as still being the most important long-term holding asset in Latin America, stating that its inclusion in regional virtual asset portfolios stands at 52% in 2025, with little change compared to the previous year. Although Bitcoin has high price volatility, it has been consistently cited as a 'store of value' due to its unique characteristics such as scarcity, decentralization, and difficulty in supply expansion. Despite recent sharp price fluctuations highlighting volatility again, the market sees a clearer trend of dual usage where stablecoins are used for short-term storage and payments, while Bitcoin is utilized for long-term holding. This adoption change in Latin America shows that the cryptocurrency market is shifting from speculative assets to lifestyle financial tools. Particularly, the fact that stablecoins have surpassed Bitcoin holds great significance as it indicates that structural instability in the regional economy is fundamentally changing the way digital assets are used.