The city of São Paulo in Brazil is preparing to roll out a blockchain-based microloan program aimed at supporting small-scale farmers, with loans of up to R$15,000 (approximately $2,800). Developed in collaboration with fintech firm Tanssi, the initiative is designed to simplify credit access for rural producers who often face obstacles in traditional banking systems, such as lengthy processing times and collateral requirements.
The program relies on a private blockchain infrastructure built by Tanssi, which guarantees predictable transaction costs and uninterrupted uptime, contrasting with public blockchains like Ethereum or Solana that can experience fee volatility and network congestion. This stability is essential for managing public funds transparently and efficiently. Farmers will apply for and receive loans through a mobile app, with physical payment terminals available to cater to remote areas.
This deployment expands on a successful pilot in Santo Antônio da Alegria, where a closed token system was used to distribute municipal aid, restricting spending to approved categories to prevent misuse on non-essential items like gambling. The São Paulo program is scheduled to go live in December 2025 and aligns with Brazil's broader push into tokenized financial infrastructure, including explorations in agriculture and financial inclusion.
