Crypto Biz: When dollars disappear, stablecoins step in
Stablecoins have long been pitched as a faster way to move dollars across borders. In Bolivia, they‘re increasingly becoming a way to access dollars in the first place. The country’s recent proposal to recognize Tethers USDt (USDT) for payments underscores how economic instability is driving adoption in many emerging markets. Elsewhere, Bitcoin miners are discovering that pivoting to AI infrastructure may unlock new revenue streams, but it doesnt shield them from investor scrutiny. Bolivia weighs recognizing USDT amid dollar shortage Bolivia is considering a regulatory framework that would recognize Tether‘s USDT as a payment currency, marking another step in the country’s push to integrate digital assets into its financial system. Economy and Public Finance Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza said the proposal would allow USDT to circulate alongside the boliviano and the US dollar for payments and savings. The framework remains under review and would include anti-money laundering safeguards, as Bolivia is still on the Financial Action Task Force‘s gray list. The initiative follows the lifting of the country’s crypto ban in 2024 and the new administrations pledge to expand access to digital asset services. The proposal comes as Bolivia struggles with a prolonged shortage of US dollars after pressure on foreign exchange reserves forced the