2/10/2023 - economy-and-finance

How are crypto payments advancing in Latin America?

By rodrigo coronel

How are crypto payments advancing in Latin America?

Payments with crypto: How are they advancing in Latin America?

Fintech companies in Latin America are increasingly incorporating blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies into their purchasing and payment services. In 2022, there was a significant increase in the adoption of these technologies in the region, which allowed companies to provide safer, more efficient and affordable solutions to their customers.Blockchain technology offers a secure and decentralized platform to perform financial transactions, which means users can make payments and purchases without the need for reliable intermediaries. In addition, technology also provides greater transparency in transaction management, which increases user confidence in the system.

What advantages do cryptocurrencies offer us?

Cryptocurrencies, in turn, offer a form of globally accepted and decentralized payments, which means users can carry out financial transactions without relying on traditional intermediaries. In addition, cryptocurrencies are more affordable than traditional payment methods, which means users can access high-quality financial services at a lower price.In Latin America, the use of cryptocurrencies began as a method of investing, but with the so-called crypto-invierne registered in the last months of last year, many of the crypto investors sold their positions for fear of a considerably higher low. Now there is a group of users who have been growing more and more that are those who use cryptocurrencies and their stable currencies to repatriate work done abroad, local people who work for other countries or well the new digital nomads, who are foreign people living in Latin American countries, who use cryptocurrencies to pay up to a Cola Coca.Fintech companies in Latin America are taking advantage of these advantages and offering blockchain and cryptocurrency-based purchase and payment solutions for their customers. For example, many companies are developing mobile apps that allow users to make online payments and purchases with cryptocurrencies, which means users can perform financial transactions faster and more efficiently.In addition, some companies are also offering cryptocurrency-based debit cards, which means users can use their cryptocurrencies to shop online and in physical stores. This offers users a more flexible and convenient way to use their cryptocurrencies, which increases their adoption and popularity.It is important to note that among the Fintech there are scholarships, DeFi, neobanks that are players in payments with crypto or buying-sale of crypto and their solutions go from instant exchange to payment or as well that trades directly accept payments in cryptocurrencies.

What are the companies that offer this service?

In Argentina, Lemon Cash offers reception and payment with cryptocurrencies with direct conversion to Argentine pesos to trade and is now sumó Ualá, in Chile Paxful, in Colombia Bitrefill allows to pay with Bitcoin in more than 60 trades in addition to making phone refills, in Peru as in Brazil Satoshi Tango, in Mexico Wirebit allows payments and charges with cryptocurrencies.In conclusion, the incorporation of blockchain and cryptocurrencies technology into the procurement and payment solutions of fintech companies in Latin America is a rising trend in 2022. Over time, it is likely that the adoption of these technologies will continue to increase in the region, which will allow users to access more efficient, lower cost and more access financial solutions, making more non-banking people access financial services.In 2022, some of the leading fintechs that admit payments with cryptocurrencies in Latin America include:
  • Bitex: a blockchain-based payment platform that allows users to perform online transactions and in physical stores with cryptocurrencies.
  • Paid Market: an online payment platform that offers cryptocurrencies payment solutions for its customers throughout Latin America.
  • Uala: an Argentine fintech that offers cryptocurrency-based debit cards and allows users to make purchases and payments with online cryptocurrencies and in physical stores.
  • Cryptomkt: an exchange of cryptocurrencies based in Chile that offers payment solutions with cryptocurrencies for your customers.
  • Flow: a Colombian fintech that offers payment solutions with cryptocurrencies for its customers, including the possibility of shopping online and in physical stores with cryptocurrencies.
These are just a few examples of fintechs that admit payments with cryptocurrencies in Latin America in 2022. Over time, there is likely to be an increase in the number of companies that offer these solutions to their customers.Passing through the regulatory theme in 2022, the following Latin American countries began to regulate the use of cryptocurrencies for payments:Brazil: In 2020, the Brazilian National Value Commission (CVM) issued a regulation that allows fintech companies to use cryptocurrencies to facilitate payments and transactions.Mexico: In 2019, the Bank of Mexico issued a regulation that allows fintech companies to use cryptocurrencies to facilitate payments and transactions.Colombia: In 2020, Colombia’s Financial Superintendent issued a regulation that allows fintech companies to use cryptocurrencies to facilitate payments and transactions.Argentina: In 2021, the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina issued a regulation that allows fintech companies to use cryptocurrencies to facilitate payments and transactions.Chile: His Fintech Law came into force on 3 February this year, regulates cryptocurrencies as financial assets, but does not mention payments with cryptocurrencies.These are just a few examples of Latin American countries that have regulated the use of cryptocurrencies for payments. The regulation of cryptocurrencies continues to evolve around the world, including in Latin America, and we are likely to see more countries regulating the use of cryptocurrencies in the future, so the challenges that still face the sector are:
  • Lack of clear regulation: In many Latin American countries, regulations on using cryptocurrencies are still uncertain, which can create uncertainty and obstacles to fintech that wish to offer cryptocurrencies-related services.
  • Security concerns: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies poses regulatory challenges regarding the protection of the assets and the privacy of users.
  • Money laundering risks: Due to the lack of regulation, fintechs may be exposed to risks of money laundering and terrorist financing if they do not implement appropriate measures to prevent such risks.
  • Disloyal competition: Inconsistent regulations may allow fintech to compete unfairly with regulated financial institutions, which can undermine trust in the financial system and generate competitive imbalances.
  • Regulatory changes: Regulations on cryptocurrencies can change over time, which can create uncertainty and difficulties for fintech that wish to offer services related to cryptocurrencies.

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rodrigo coronel

rodrigo coronel

With a career spanning over 21 years, I have taken on various leadership roles in finance, technology, sales, operations, and delivery, specializing in IT/Business transformation. I have led multi-country and interdisciplinary teams incorporating innovation strategies and methodologies such as Lean, Design Thinking, agile, 6Sigma, and exploring emerging technologies in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, LLM, web3, and AR/VR/MR.

Bachelor's degree in Administration from El Salvador, master's degree in finance from CEMA, specialization in Six Sigma quality management from El Salvador. I hold certifications in Digital Journalism Reuters, Google Project Management Certificate, Certified Blockchain Expert Blockchain Council, Mastering Design Thinking MIT Sloan School of Management, Driving Strategic Impact Columbia Business School.

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