Regional Pulse
La Sobremesa
La Sobremesa: Crypto in Latin America
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La Sobremesa: Crypto in Latin America

As cryptocurrency gains popularity in Latin America, many business owners are asking whether they should explore this emerging sector. Blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis estimates the region received nearly $415 billion in cryptocurrency between July 2023 and June 2024 — about 9.1% of the world’s total during that period.

While blockchain technology is helping shape cheaper and faster methods for sending money across borders, it also carries legitimate risks. 

Join Southern Pulse’s Director of Operations Caitlin Klemme and Managing Editor Kristin Majcher for an informal conversation that seeks to demystify what cryptocurrencies are, their impact on Latin America’s business sector and their role in organized crime. 

In this podcast, Klemme and Majcher discuss:

  • What cryptocurrencies are, and how Latin American residents are using them to guard against inflation and send money back home 

  • The top countries in Latin America using cryptocurrencies

  • An overview of virtual asset regulations in the region 

  • How Latin American businesses and financial institutions are using cryptocurrencies

  • The role of crypto in organized criminal activity

  • The effectiveness of sanctions on curbing illicit crypto transactions  

  • Risks and opportunities for Latin American businesses interested in using crypto

Additional Reading

Check out these links to additional reports and information cited in the podcast.

Chainalysis | 2024 Geography of Crypto Report and 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index 

Chainalysis | Latin America’s Search for Economic Stability: The Rise of Stablecoins Amid Volatility

Southern Pulse | Paraguay’s Power Struggles: Electricity Theft and Higher Tariffs Test Crypto Mining Boom

Cointelegraph | The Crypto Travel Rule: An Overview

Notabene | What is the Crypto Travel Rule? The FATF Crypto Travel Rule, Explained

Bloomberg | Venezuela Crypto Remittances Skyrocket as Migration Crisis Worsens

Argentina National Securities Commission (CNV) | List of Registered Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)

Chainalysis | Crypto and the Opioid Crisis: What Blockchain Analysis Reveals About Global Fentanyl Sales

US Treasury Department | Treasury Sanctions Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization

Substack | Brazil Crypto Report and LATAM Crypto Report (Majcher is a contributor)


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