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Stablecoin Use to Grow in Venezuela as Bolívar Weakens

Stablecoin Use to Grow in Venezuela as Bolívar Weakens

Catenaa, Saturday, December 20, 2025-Stablecoin adoption in Venezuela is expected to rise as the country’s economic instability deepens and the bolívar continues to lose value, according to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs.

The report highlights growing reliance on digital assets for daily transactions amid declining trust in banks and regulatory uncertainty.

Venezuelans are increasingly using peer-to-peer platforms and USDT as substitutes for traditional retail banking.

TRM Labs noted that stablecoins now serve as both a store of value and a medium of exchange for routine payments, including payroll, remittances, vendor transactions, and cross-border purchases.

Economic pressures, hyperinflation, and limited access to reliable financial services have driven this trend, with geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela further intensifying demand.

Regulatory ambiguity surrounding the national crypto regulator, SUNACRIP, has also contributed to adoption of blockchain-based solutions.

Data from the 2025 Chainalysis Crypto Adoption Index places Venezuela 18th globally for crypto usage, rising to ninth when adjusted for population size.

More than 38% of crypto-related site visits from Venezuelan IP addresses are directed to peer-to-peer trading platforms, demonstrating the critical role of informal settlement networks in daily commerce.

Local platforms offering mobile wallets and banking integrations are gaining traction, enabling transactions despite infrastructure challenges.

Meanwhile, major companies are moving into stablecoins, with Western Union planning to launch a U.S. dollar-backed token on Solana in 2026 and Visa piloting direct USDC payouts for freelancers and gig workers.