Bolivia is formally evaluating whether to integrate the stablecoin USDT into its national payment system, Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza announced. The proposal would allow Tether’s USDT to circulate alongside the U.S. dollar and the Bolivian boliviano, marking a significant step in the country’s digital asset adoption.
The review comes as USDT usage has surged during Bolivia’s prolonged foreign currency shortage. Businesses have already turned to USDT for fuel purchases, and major banks now offer USDT services. Banco Unión integrated USDT into its Yasta electronic wallet in April 2026, while Banco FIE launched a Crypto Account enabling customers to buy and sell USDT via its mobile app. These moves followed regulatory agreements signed by Bolivian banks in 2025.
Despite the growing adoption, Espinoza stressed that a comprehensive regulatory framework is still needed before formal integration. Bolivia is on the Financial Action Task Force gray list, so authorities must establish robust anti-money laundering safeguards. The government aims to move stablecoin use from an informal to a regulated environment, ensuring compliance with international standards.
The minister also reaffirmed broader plans to incorporate digital assets into banking, allowing savings accounts, loans, and credit cards tied to crypto. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted the trend, stating that USDT is becoming “more and more used as a cornerstone within several emerging market economies.”
