Stablecoin On/Off-Ramps for Bolivian Businesses: What You Need to Know

Bolivia’s business environment is changing rapidly. Since the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) lifted its longstanding ban on cryptocurrencies in 2024, the country has seen a 112% increase in crypto adoption, with monthly virtual asset trading volumes doubling to approximately $15.6 million (Cointelegraph, 2024). For Bolivian businesses contending with persistent dollar shortages and tightening cross-border payment controls, stablecoin on-ramps Bolivia and stablecoin off-ramps Bolivia have become essential for maintaining flexibility and access to international markets.

As companies look for faster, more affordable, and reliable payment solutions, understanding the mechanics and compliance requirements of crypto payments Bolivia is now critical for decision-makers. Stablecoins are not recognized as legal tender, and businesses are not required by law to accept them as payment.

To help companies adapt, modern payment providers like Mural Pay deliver stablecoin-powered solutions designed for Bolivian and regional enterprises. This guide breaks down the key concepts, platforms, compliance steps, and future outlook for stablecoin business payments Bolivia.

Understanding Stablecoin On/Off-Ramps in Bolivia’s New Regulatory Era

Think of stablecoin on- and off-ramps as bridges connecting traditional fiat money to blockchain-based assets. With the regulatory shift in June 2024, Bolivia’s financial sector entered a new era: banks like Banco Bisa began offering USDT custody and conversion services, marking a turning point for regulated stablecoin access.

What are stablecoin on/off-ramps?

• On-ramps: Services that let businesses convert Bolivianos or USD into stablecoins (e.g., USDT, USDC).

• Off-ramps: Services that allow businesses to convert stablecoins back to fiat currency.

• P2P exchanges: Platforms enabling direct user-to-user transactions, often used when formal banking options are limited. These became particularly crucial prior to the ban being lifted, when formal banking channels were restricted.

For Bolivian businesses, the Bolivian business crypto regulation now means that both banks and licensed platforms can provide these services, though stablecoins are not recognized as legal tender, and businesses are not required by law to accept them as payment. As Yvette Espinoza, Director of the Financial System Supervisory Authority (ASFI), noted, “This is a custody service that will allow clients to carry out various operations safely, reducing the risk of unsafe interactions in the cryptocurrency market” (Cointelegraph, 2024).

For a deeper dive into the legal status of stablecoins, see our guide to stablecoin legality for Bolivian businesses.

How Bolivian Businesses Use Stablecoin On/Off-Ramps—New Models, Risks & Rewards

Bolivian companies are adopting stablecoins for a range of practical reasons—from small exporters and freelancers to major state enterprises such as YPFB:

• Remittances and supplier payments: Stablecoins provide a near-instant way to transfer value internationally, especially when cross-border payments Bolivia are slowed by capital controls.

• Hedge against volatility: With the local currency’s instability and ongoing dollar shortages, USDT and USDC offer a stable store of value.

• Faster settlements: Stablecoin transactions reduce settlement times from days to minutes.

Banco Bisa’s USDT custody service, launched in October 2024, enables regulated, direct stablecoin transactions for Bolivian businesses, with fees ranging from $5 to $15 per transaction (Banco Bisa, 2024).

According to the World Bank, Bolivian businesses using stablecoins save an average of 3–5% per transaction compared to traditional bank wires (World Bank, 2024).

Recently, the government authorized state energy firm YPFB to use cryptocurrency for fuel imports, reflecting digital assets’ broader economic role.

However, the landscape is not without risks:

• Regulatory uncertainty: While the environment has improved, future policy shifts are possible.

• Potential fraud and counterparty risk: Using unlicensed or opaque platforms increases exposure.

• Compliance requirements: Banks and major platforms require robust KYC and AML checks, as ASFI now mandates for all crypto service providers.

Many Bolivian businesses now rely on stablecoins for cross-border payments, reducing transaction times and costs while navigating compliance with changing regulations.

For a step-by-step guide to opening a virtual USD account, see our virtual account setup guide.

Top Stablecoin On/Off-Ramp Platforms for Bolivian Businesses (and How They Compare)

Choosing the right on/off-ramp provider is critical for operational efficiency and regulatory safety. According to recent industry reports, six Bolivian financial institutions now offer virtual asset services, expanding the options for local businesses.

Here are the top platforms serving Bolivian businesses, with a side-by-side comparison:

1. Mural Pay: As the leading cross-border payments platform for the Americas, Mural Pay enables instant, low-fee stablecoin transactions with full compliance and multi-currency support. Businesses benefit from batch payments, automated invoicing, and real-time tracking—serving 170+ countries and supporting 40+ currencies.

2. Banco Bisa: Bolivia’s fourth-largest bank, Banco Bisa, launched USDT custody services in October 2024. Clients can buy, sell, and transfer USDT directly through their bank accounts. Fees for stablecoin transactions range from $5 to $15, and the service has processed over $2 million in transactions within its first quarter (Banco Bisa, 2024).

3. Binance: The global crypto exchange offers P2P and OTC stablecoin trading, allowing Bolivian users to convert between fiat and digital assets. Compliance is strong, but some features may be restricted depending on changing local laws.

4. Bitso: A popular LATAM-focused exchange, Bitso supports USDT and USDC, with a growing presence in Bolivia. Known for user-friendly onboarding and compliance.

5. Wise/Payoneer: While not crypto-native, these platforms facilitate international B2B payments and can serve as non-crypto alternatives or complement stablecoin strategies.

For a full comparison of international payment methods for Bolivian companies, see our full comparison of international payment methods for Bolivian companies.

Key Risks, Compliance, and Best Practices for Stablecoin Transactions in Bolivia

Navigating compliance is essential for sustainable use of stablecoins in business. The Financial System Supervisory Authority (ASFI) has recently reinforced requirements for robust KYC and AML protocols among all crypto service providers (ASFI, 2024).

This regulatory vigilance is especially salient as ongoing U.S. dollar shortages continue to drive Bolivian businesses toward stablecoin solutions.

Best practices for Bolivian businesses include:

• Always use licensed, transparent platforms or regulated banks for on/off-ramps.

• Monitor official communications from the Central Bank and ASFI for policy changes.

• Consult legal and compliance experts before adopting new digital asset processes.

• Avoid platforms or brokers that guarantee high returns or do not clearly outline their compliance procedures.

For more compliance guidance, see our Bolivian crypto regulation explainer.

The Future of Stablecoin On/Off-Ramps in Bolivia—Trends, Outlook, and What’s Next

As more state-owned enterprises and private businesses explore digital assets for international transactions, stablecoin on-ramps Bolivia and related infrastructure are poised to become a key part of the country’s financial system.

In a recent interview, Franco Urquidi, Vice President of Business at Banco Bisa, stated: “Our customers go through a rigorous verification process, giving them peace of mind that their transactions are carried out through secure and reliable channels” (Cointelegraph, 2024).

With continued economic uncertainty and persistent dollar shortages, industry analysts expect stablecoin adoption in Bolivia to accelerate further in 2025.

This growth parallels Latin America’s wider adoption of digital assets as a strategic response to economic volatility.

The success of Banco Bisa’s USDT custody rollout and the government’s willingness to consider digital assets for public-sector payments signal a softening regulatory tone.

For ongoing updates and case studies, follow our Bolivia stablecoin insights hub.

References

• ASFI. (2024). Official Compliance Guidelines for Crypto Service Providers in Bolivia. https://www.asfi.gob.bo

• Banco Bisa. (2024). Press Releases and Product Announcements. https://www.bisa.com

• Cointelegraph. (2024). ""Bolivia reports 100% rise in virtual asset trading since lifting Bitcoin ban."" https://cointelegraph.com

• World Bank. (2024). ""Remittance and Transaction Cost Reports."" https://www.worldbank.org

• Reuters. (2024). ""Bolivia turns to crypto for energy imports amid dollar, fuel shortages."" https://www.reuters.com