Colombian SMEs are navigating a complex environment of international payments, where high fees, unpredictable settlement times, and ongoing currency volatility threaten their competitiveness. According to the Colombian Association of Exporters (Asoexport), more than half of Colombian exporters have experienced payment delays exceeding 30 days, which directly impacts their ability to operate efficiently and maintain global relationships (muralpay.com).

This is in a country leading Latin America with over 400 fintech companies driving innovation.

These persistent obstacles highlight the urgent need for modern stablecoin payment platforms like Mural Pay, which are transforming the way businesses approach global payments.

As cross-border commerce expands, the adoption of stablecoins and digital payment solutions is enabling Colombian companies to bypass traditional barriers and streamline international transactions.

• Cross-border wires cost SMEs up to $50 and take days; stablecoins settle in minutes.

• Over 60 % of Colombian SMEs are open to using stablecoins for exports.

• Compliance with UIAF, SFC, and DIAN rules remains essential for digital payments.

• Virtual USD accounts paired with stablecoins help businesses hedge FX risk and improve cash flow.

The Cross-Border Payment Challenge for Colombian SMEs

Traditional cross-border payment systems have long been plagued by delays, high costs, and operational risks for businesses in Colombia. In 2023, Colombian companies processed over $13 billion in cross-border payments, yet 41% of merchants reported at least one delayed or failed international transaction in the past year (muralpay.com).

Card-not-present fraud also surged by 30% year-over-year, compounding operational risks for SMEs.

Exporters report that delayed payments can increase financing costs by up to 15%.

These persistent problems can erode trust and financial agility for SMEs operating on thin margins.

As a result, more companies are seeking alternatives that can provide faster, more reliable, and cost-effective solutions to support their global ambitions. For a deeper dive into these pain points, see our overview of common payment challenges Colombian businesses face.

What Are Stablecoins—and Why Are They a Game Changer?

Think of stablecoins as digital assets designed to maintain a consistent value—typically pegged to a fiat currency such as the US dollar. For Colombian SMEs, this means the ability to transact internationally without exposure to sudden currency swings or unpredictable fees.

Unlike traditional bank wires, stablecoins such as USDC, USDT, and DAI settle quickly, operate 24/7, and offer transparent exchange rates. DAI, for example, is decentralized and governed by its community, not issued by a single entity.

This difference has helped stablecoins become a preferred payment method for cross-border transactions, particularly in markets where currency volatility or banking restrictions add friction.

The key advantages of stablecoins—including speed, transparency, and stability—are explored in more depth in our Benefits of Stablecoins: Advantages and Disadvantages Explained.

How Stablecoins Solve the SME Payment Pain Points

For Colombian SMEs, stablecoins directly address the most pressing challenges of cross-border payments. They enable global payments that are not only faster but also less expensive and more predictable than traditional banking methods. Stablecoin transactions often settle in minutes, with costs as low as $0.10–$2 per transaction—compared to $30–$50 and days of waiting with legacy wires (muralpay.com).

A recent survey found that 60% of Colombian SMEs are open to using stablecoins for exports (muralpay.com). This shift is driven by the need for operational agility, cost control, and the ability to hedge against local currency risk.

For exporters, this stability is especially valuable in managing contracts and cash flow when dealing with buyers from volatile markets.

For additional strategies to reduce costs, see how fintechs can save on international payments using stablecoins.

Real-World Proof: Stablecoin Adoption in Colombia

The impact of stablecoins is already being felt by businesses across Colombia. "We see growing demand among Colombian SMEs for faster, dollarized payments—stablecoins fill that gap," said Valeria Gutiérrez, Bitso Colombia Country Manager (muralpay.com).

Bancolombia, the country’s largest bank, has also entered the digital asset space, aiming to onboard tens of thousands of users to stablecoin-powered solutions. Minteo’s COPM stablecoin, audited monthly by BDO, saw over 100,000 users adopt the product within months of launch, further highlighting sector momentum.

These moves reflect a broader trend: over 70% of Colombian fintechs plan to offer stablecoin payment options by 2025 (muralpay.com).

To see operational benefits in action, read about batch stablecoin payouts for Colombian fintechs.

Navigating Compliance—What SMEs Must Know

For all the promise of stablecoins, compliance remains a central concern for Colombian SMEs. "Regulatory clarity and compliance are the top challenges for batch payment adoption among Colombian fintechs," observed Catalina Gutiérrez, Director of the Fintech Colombia Association (muralpay.com).

Colombia’s regulatory sandbox ‘La Arenera’ provides a controlled environment for fintechs and SMEs to pilot new crypto integrations under direct supervision.

SMEs must monitor guidance from the UIAF, SFC, and DIAN, and implement AML/KYC protocols, as non-compliance can result in significant penalties. Colombia’s Financial Superintendence imposed $1.5 million USD in fines for non-compliance in 2023 (muralpay.com).

For a comprehensive overview, visit our resource on cross-border payment compliance for Colombian SMEs.

Leveraging Virtual USD Accounts for Exporters

Virtual USD accounts give Colombian SMEs the ability to collect and hold revenue in dollars without opening an overseas entity. When paired with stablecoin rails, these accounts create a flexible treasury setup: funds can arrive as USDC, sit in a dollar balance, or convert to COP when market rates are favorable. This approach streamlines cross-border FX management and keeps working capital in the currency that best matches suppliers or operational costs.

Overcoming Barriers—Tech, Integration, and Security

Despite the advantages, integration and cybersecurity remain key hurdles. Eighty-five percent of Colombian businesses cite manual processing as a top pain point, highlighting the urgency for digital payment integration (muralpay.com).

The lack of universal standards for stablecoin protocols can complicate integration, so SMEs should prioritize platforms with strong interoperability.

Integrating stablecoins with legacy systems and establishing airtight security protocols are essential steps for SMEs to realize the full benefits of digital payments.

For practical guidance, see our overview of best practices for stablecoin API integration.

The Future of Stablecoins for Colombian SMEs

Looking ahead, the trajectory for stablecoin adoption among Colombian SMEs is clear. Over 70% of Colombian fintechs plan to offer stablecoin payment options by 2025 (muralpay.com), signaling a shift towards digital payments in Latin America and greater financial inclusion in Colombia.

Latin America ranked high globally for crypto adoption, with Colombia fifth in the region and $25 billion in crypto transactions in a recent 12-month span.

Colombia’s leadership in stablecoin adoption positions its SMEs to compete more effectively on the global stage, with enhanced speed, transparency, and security.

Explore more on Colombia’s leadership in stablecoin adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stablecoins and SME Payments

How can SMEs convert stablecoins to Colombian Pesos?
SMEs can use reputable exchanges or fintech platforms that offer fiat on/off-ramps to convert stablecoins to COP. Selection should factor in compliance, exchange rates, and platform reputation.

For a step-by-step guide, see our article on converting stablecoins to Colombian pesos.

Are stablecoin payments legal for Colombian companies?
Yes, provided transactions comply with UIAF and SFC guidelines and all AML/KYC protocols are followed. Compliance requirements are being updated, so regular updates from regulatory agencies are recommended.

Do stablecoin payments help with currency volatility?
Absolutely. By pegging to stable assets like the US dollar, stablecoins allow SMEs to hedge against sudden fluctuations in the Colombian peso.

What are the main risks for SMEs using stablecoins?
Aside from regulatory uncertainty, SMEs should be aware of cybersecurity threats, integration challenges, and the need for strong compliance measures.

What platforms support stablecoin payments for Colombian SMEs?
Platforms such as Mural Pay, Bitso, and other leading fintechs provide tailored solutions for businesses seeking reliable, fast, and compliant stablecoin transactions.

Next step: If you’re ready to test stablecoin payouts or invoicing, take a look at our quick-start guide on integrating Mural’s Payouts API—then reach out to our team for sandbox access.

References

• Colombian Association of Exporters (Asoexport). (2024). Avoiding Payment Delays: Modern Solutions for Colombian Exporters. muralpay.com/blog/avoiding-payment-delays-modern-solutions-for-colombian-exporters

• Mural Pay. (2024). Are Stablecoins a Good Option for Exporters in Colombia? muralpay.com/blog/are-stablecoins-a-good-option-for-exporters-in-colombia

• Mural Pay. (2024). Most Common Payment Challenges for Colombian Merchants in 2025. muralpay.com/blog/most-common-payment-challenges-for-colombian-merchants

• Mural Pay. (2024). Colombia vs Mexico: Which Country Is Winning on Stablecoin Adoption? muralpay.com/blog/colombia-vs-mexico-which-country-is-winning-on-stablecoin-adoption

• Mural Pay. (2024). Best Practices for Stablecoin-to-Fiat API Integration in Colombia. muralpay.com/blog/best-practices-for-stablecoin-to-fiat-api-integration-in-colombia

• Mural Pay. (2024). Colombian Cross-Border Payment Compliance: A Complete Guide. muralpay.com/blog/colombian-cross-border-payment-compliance-a-complete-guide