Fiat currency inflation, US dollar shortages, and global competition are prompting the government to integrate cryptocurrencies. The government of Bolivia will integrate cryptocurrencies and stablecoins into the financial system in a push to modernize the country’s economy, Bolivia’s economic minister, Jose Gabriel Espinoza, announced on Tuesday. Banks will be allowed to custody crypto on behalf of clients, enabling digital currencies to function as a legal tender for savings accounts, credit products, and loans, according to Reuters. “You can’t control crypto globally, so you have to recognize it and use it to your advantage,” Espinoza said. Read more
Tether is now being accepted for payments at Toyota, Yamaha and BYD in Bolivia as businesses increasingly turn to stablecoins to navigate the country’s US dollar shortage. Three major international vehicle manufacturers have started accepting a Tether in Bolivia to navigate its collapsing US dollar reserves, marking a major step in the Latin American country’s crypto adoption. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino shared that Toyota, Yamaha, and BYD are taking Tether (USDT) for payment on Sunday, while crypto security firm BitGo confirmed the first Toyota was purchased in Bolivia with USDT on Saturday. Pictures shared by Ardoino show a dealership displaying signs that advertise USDT as an “easy, fast, and safe” payment option for car purchases. Read more