In Venezuela, the use of cryptocurrencies is driven by savings and protection needs.
Latin America ranks fifth globally in adoption, according to Bybit’s World Crypto Rankings.
Patricio Mesri, CEO of Bybit for Latin America, offers an optimistic and detailed vision of the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the region. Based on data from the World Crypto Rankings (WCR), Mesri highlights how this part of the world is leading adoption driven by practical utility, overcoming volatile market cycles.
Our interviewee reveals specific patterns by country: Argentina and Venezuela as pioneers in the use of stablecoins to preserve savingsMexico focused on remittances and Paraguay standing out in mining thanks to its energy infrastructure.
Mesri also discusses Latin American banks’ cautious progress toward cryptoasset integration, anticipating custody phases, efficient remittances, and tokenized products. In addition, he shares his views on global trends that impact the region, such as the maturation of Bitcoin and competition in stablecoins from giants such as PayPal and Ripple, facts reported by CriptoNoticias.
By 2026, Bybit plans to step up its presence in key markets such as Argentina and Mexicowhile strengthening institutional alliances and tools for businesses.
Mesri defends that friendly regulations must prioritize legal clarity, consumer protection and coordination with the traditional financial system. Below are the full questions and answers from this revealing interview.
What is your reading of the adoption and expansion of digital assets in Latin America?
A: Latin America is moving from speculation to pure utility and data our WCR they confirm it. Latin America ranks fifth globally in cryptocurrency adoption, but third in institutional preparation.
What we see on the ground is simple: Argentina and Venezuela use stablecoins to protect savings and move money. Mexico uses cryptocurrencies for remittances and mobile commerce. Peru and Colombia grow from innovation from below.
Bolivia is quietly emerging, driven by need-based demand. Paraguay provides mining capacity and energy infrastructure.
Throughout the region, the digital assets are solving everyday problems, inflation, capital controlscross-border transfers and that is why growth continues despite market cycles.
What aspects do you consider should be evaluated so that there is friendly regulation for cryptocurrencies in Latin America?
A: Regulation in Latin America works when it follows three principles, clear definitions: The WCR shows that countries with greater legal clarity such as Brazil and Argentina attract more users and institutional actors.
Balanced consumer protection: rules must protect users without stopping innovation nor restrict access.
Coordination with the financial system: the use of stablecoins, remittances and tokenized instruments are already entering the banking flow. The regulators they need frameworks that integrate cryptocurrencies instead of isolating them.
When these three pieces are in place, adoption naturally accelerates.
How do you evaluate the fact that companies like PayPal, Cloudflare and Ripple already have their own stablecoins?
A: It shows that the stablecoins crossed a threshold, they are no longer a niche productbut rather central financial infrastructure. In Latin America this trend is even more visible. According to the WCR, the region ranks fifth globally in transactional use of stablecoins.
When global companies launch their own stablecoins, they are validating what Latin Americans discovered years ago: stablecoins are the most efficient way to save, pay and move money.
Competition is going to raise the standards for better transparency, liquidity and compliance and that ultimately benefits users.
In the US and Europe there are already banks doing business with digital assets. How do you see this approach for Latin America?
A: Banks in Latin America are moving more cautiously, but in the same direction. We expect three phases: custody and settlement services, especially for corporate clients. Remittances with stablecoins, replacing expensive correspondent banking routes.
Tokenized products, allowing banks to issue or distribute RWA to a broader audience. The WCR shows that Latin America It is already the third region in the world in institutional preparation. The appetite is there; Banks just need clearer rules and trusted partners to execute.
What trend do you see or are you following most closely at Bybit? RWA? stablecoin adoption? corporate treasuries?
A: We actively monitor all of them, but in Latin America the adoption of stablecoins and RWAs stand out. Stablecoins already support remittances, commerce and everyday savings.
RWAs will give Latin Americans access to global capital markets with much lower barriers, something the region has struggled with for decades.
What particular plans does Bybit have for the region and Spain in 2026?
A: By 2026, our roadmap in the region includes: deepening adoption in Argentina and Mexico. Expand local initiatives in Colombia and Peru. Build better ramps and tools for businesses throughout the region. Strengthen institutional alliances, especially in settlements with stablecoins and RWA products.
Are you one of those who think that the 4-year cycle of bitcoin has been broken or do you think it is still valid?
A: Bitcoin is maturing, liquidity is deeper and institutional participation is stronger, so cycles evolve. But he halving is still relevant. Defines supply dynamics and market psychology. What is changing is that the Adoption is increasingly driven by utilityespecially in regions like Latin America. That adds new sources of demand that smooth out the extremes.
In the debate about the use of the Bitcoin network for monetary or non-monetary purposes, what is your point of view?
A: Bitcoin can be both. In Latin America, its monetary use remains the strongest savingscross-border movement of value and hedging against instability. But non-monetary use cases, such as settlement rails and collateral, are growing in institutional contexts. We view these functions as complementary, not competitive.
Could you offer data or market volume figures for the countries in the region in which you have the most reach?
A: While we cannot disclose exact volume figures, the WCR shows a clear hierarchy in usage patterns. Argentina is top 20 globally in transactional use and stablecoin flows. Mexico is a key remittance corridor with rapid adoption in mobile payments.
Venezuela ranks 15th globally in transactional usage, despite limited institutional infrastructure. In these markets, stablecoins continue to be the main driver.
In the case of Venezuela, how has the demand for stablecoins been? What is your ranking compared to other countries?
A: Venezuela is one of the most stablecoin-dependent economies in the world. The WCR data highlights: high user penetration (25th globally). Very high transactional usage (15th globally). Low institutional preparation (70th globally), which indicates bottom-up, need-based adoption.
Compared to Argentina or Mexico, Venezuelan demand is more concentrated in cases of survival savings, payments and income protection against volatility. In Venezuela, stablecoins are not an alternative: for many families and companies, they are the norm.