🌎 Frontera: Presenting the potential of crypto in LATAM

🌎 Frontera: Presenting the potential of crypto in LATAM 

Latin America has become one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the crypto world. 

Frontera is the new newsletter by Espacio Cripto, you’ll recieve a weekly edition with the most important stories in LATAM. 

Covering: 

• Hot startups

• Community events

• Regulatory updates

• Company profiles 

• And more…

Next week, we’re excited to release our first report in Frontera, which will help you take a deep dive into the Latin American market and the unique opportunities it presents.

While established markets like North America and Asia often dominate the headlines, LATAM is opening its own path, marked by economic resilience, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit that sets it apart. 

This report is essential for startups and protocols seeking to make a meaningful impact in this growing ecosystem.

Here’s a preview of the insights you’ll find:

• Expansion Opportunities in the Region
  You will discover specific pathways for growth in LATAM’s crypto space, from stablecoins as economic protection to blockchain-based solutions for financial inclusion, remittances, and investment.

• Vibrant Communities as the Driving Force of Adoption
  You will understand the role of Latin America's unique communities in advancing adoption. From Argentina’s FORK DAO to Brazil’s Ethereum Brasil, these communities are catalysts for education, innovation, and development.

• Regulatory Challenges and the Future of the Ecosystem
  We'll explain the complex regulatory landscape, with updates on the progress in Brazil, the shifting environment in Argentina, and the potential impacts of new political leadership on crypto-friendly policies.

• How to Find Important Insights from the Latin Market
  Gain actionable advice for engaging with local communities and adapting your strategies to meet the economic and social challenges of the region.

Stay tuned and subscribe to Frontera for the release next week, and prepare to unlock essential insights that can help your protocol or startup thrive in Latin America’s unique crypto landscape.

📰 Latam Crypto News 📰

Community & vibes

🇸🇻 El Salvador: A Bitcoin Success Story
A Harvard study showcases El Salvador's shift from violence to a Bitcoin innovation hub. Co-authored by Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, it highlights how Bitcoin adoption boosts tourism, investment, and GDP. President Bukele’s strategy has transformed the nation's image, driving sustainable growth and positioning it as a leader in digital finance.

🇦🇷 LaBitConf 2024 Arrived to Argentina to Revolutionize the Crypto Ecosystem
LaBitConf 2024 took place in Buenos Aires from November 1-2 and brought together top industry leaders, workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities. This event was the largest yet, further strengthening the regional crypto community.

🤝 Blockchain revolutionizes international transfers between Asia and Latin America
At LaBitConf, TruBit executives highlighted how blockchain and stablecoins are reducing the costs of international transfers, enabling settlements within minutes with low fees, transforming trade between Asia and Latin America. Discussions also covered the tokenization of assets like bonds and real estate, enhancing liquidity and attracting international investors.

🇲🇽 Bitcoin Captivates Mexican Interest
Bitcoin is the top cryptocurrency of interest for Mexicans, per Bitso’s analysis. Discussions focus on Bitcoin as a safe-haven amid economic concerns and its price trends, with most activity on X and TikTok. Mexico ranks 14th globally in crypto adoption, driven by financial inequality and major events like Bitcoin halving and ETF approvals.

🇲🇽 Binance Brings Fans a VIP Experience at the Mexico Formula 1 Grand Prix
Binance invited fans to the Mexican Grand Prix with exclusive access to the Alpine team’s VIP areas. Attendees enjoyed backstage tours, met drivers, and received personalized gifts, all while experiencing the thrill of F1 up close.

Regulatory & policy

🇧🇷 Brazil Considers New Licenses and Taxes for Stablecoin Remittances
Brazil is planning to regulate stablecoin remittances by implementing new licenses and taxes by 2025. In August, transactions reached R$ 17.5 billion (approximately $2.98 billion USD), driving the regulatory framework to prevent money laundering and improve traceability.

🇧🇴 Bolivia Aims for Top 5 in Crypto Adoption
Deputy Mariela Baldivieso promotes crypto-friendly regulations to address dollar shortages and boost the economy, highlighting $45 million in monthly transactions. She emphasizes financial education for indigenous communities and plans to use abandoned oil wells for mining to drive growth.

🇻🇪 Crypto Adoption Surges in Venezuela Amid Political Crisis
Venezuela ranks fourth in Latin America for cryptocurrency adoption in 2024, with transaction volumes doubling. Political turmoil has led to a preference for stablecoins and altcoins over Bitcoin, which now represents only 12% of transactions. Increased interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) signals a shift toward financial innovation despite ongoing challenges.

🇧🇷🇦🇷 Stablecoins Drive Crypto Growth in Latin America
Latin America has become the second-fastest-growing crypto region in 2024, with stablecoins dominating transactions as a hedge against inflation. Brazil and Argentina lead in adoption, using stablecoins for global transfers and financial stability amid economic crises.

🇦🇷 New Token Regulation in Argentina
Milagros Santamaría introduced a project to regulate the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) in Argentina. The Argentine Fintech Chamber supports the initiative, aiming for a regulatory sandbox to promote Web3 and crypto.

The project is expected to be implemented by the end of this year, covering real estate, financial assets, and identity certification.

Startups & hackers

🇲🇽 Bando was selected for BNB Chain's Most Valuable Builder acceleration program
The Most Valuable Builder (MVB) is a 4-week accelerator program for builders, founders and developers focused on growing the BNB Chain ecosystem. The program is jointly run by Binance Labs—the venture capital and incubation arm of Binance—and CMC Labs, CoinMarketCap’s exclusive accelerator program for startups.

🔵 "Based LatAm Buildathon" concludes with over 100 projects showcased
Base, Coinbase's blockchain, wrapped up the "Based LatAm Buildathon" in Buenos Aires with over 100 projects presented. The event awarded 25 ETH (about $60,000) to the best on-chain projects in Latin America, highlighting initiatives like Bondi Finanzas, CrediTalent, and various regional stablecoins.

Enterprise

🇧🇷 HKMA partners with the Central Bank of Brazil to test cross-border tokenization
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) are joining forces in cross-border tokenization projects, exploring payment and delivery systems for trade and carbon credits. As part of the Project Ensemble and Drex programs, this effort aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in international payments, driving global adoption of tokenized assets.

🇨🇴 Wenia from Bancolombia to Launch MasterCard for Crypto Payments
Wenia is introducing the WeniaCard, enabling the use of cryptocurrencies in stores that accept MasterCard. Integrated with Apple and Google Pay, it promises fast and secure transactions. With lower conversion fees, Bancolombia is making a strong push for crypto adoption in Colombia.

🇲🇽 Bitso Dominates Mexico’s Crypto Market
Bitso handles 99.5% of Mexico’s crypto trading volume, as revealed by Kaiko's report, "The State of LATAM Crypto Markets." In 2024, Bitso processed MXN 4.2 billion in trades, far outpacing Binance and Bitfinex. Despite rising monthly volumes since late 2023, trading activity remains below early 2023 levels. Kaiko suggests Bitso's competitive fees and regional economic conditions could drive further crypto adoption across Latin America.

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