Argentina Leads Latin America in Cryptocurrency Adoption, Surpassing Brazil

In August 2025, Argentina became Latin America’s leading nation in cryptocurrency ownership, with 19.8% of its population holding digital assets, surpassing Brazil and El Salvador.

Economic instability and hyperinflation drive Argentines to adopt crypto, impacting regional financial strategies and attracting U.S. policy attention.

Argentina surpasses Brazil in cryptocurrency ownership, now leading Latin America with a rate of 19.8%. Economic instability and currency issues drive the adoption surge.

Argentina now leads Latin America in cryptocurrency adoption, as a recent study reveals that 19.8% of Argentines own digital assets, surpassing Brazil’s 18.6%. This surge is largely driven by economic instability and hyperinflation conditions in the country. Economic difficulties have prompted Argentines to turn to cryptocurrencies as a hedge against the national economy. Millennials form the largest age group contributing to this trend, with more than 21% of them owning crypto.

The rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies in Argentina has significant effects on both local and international markets. Noteworthy cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT), both favored for savings and remittances. This highlights a growing preference for digital assets over traditional banking due to economic uncertainty.

“The legacy of currency controls, repeated restrictions, and unpredictable regulatory changes has shaped public sentiment, making cryptocurrencies an appealing alternative for savings and transactions.” – Julian Colombo, General Manager, Bitso Argentina

The implications of these changes extend beyond Argentina, drawing interest from international stakeholders. A delegation from the U.S. visited Buenos Aires to study the nation’s crypto policy frameworks, signaling rising institutional interest. This suggests a potential shift in how cryptocurrencies might be regulated and managed in emerging markets.

Additionally, while Argentina’s crypto environment evolves, there is no immediate indication of any new regulatory frameworks or enforcement actions reported by the government. The organic uptick in cryptocurrency adoption reflects macroeconomic trends, rather than regulatory incentives, continuing to fuel global attention from investors and policymakers.