Stablecoin Pay-Ins vs. Pay-Outs: Which Is Cheaper for Colombian PSPs?
Colombia is quickly becoming a leader in Latin America’s fintech sector, and payment service providers (PSPs) are looking for ways to lower costs and speed up transactions. Stablecoins are central to this shift. As of 2024, stablecoins account for 31% of all cryptocurrency acquisitions in Colombia, reflecting strong market adoption (muralpay.com). For PSPs, the benefits are clear: transaction costs have dropped below 1%, and settlement times are now measured in minutes rather than days.
This article compares stablecoin pay-ins and stablecoin pay-outs to help Colombian PSPs decide which option offers the most cost and operational efficiency.
Understanding Stablecoin Pay-Ins and Pay-Outs for Colombian PSPs
Stablecoin pay-ins involve receiving digital assets into a PSP’s system, while pay-outs refer to sending funds out to partners, contractors, or clients. This distinction is crucial for Colombian PSPs because each method comes with its own technical workflows, cost structures, and compliance requirements. For example, the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (SFC) oversees compliance and reporting standards for PSPs handling stablecoins. Colombia’s regulatory environment is now considered the second most advanced in Latin America, thanks to ongoing legal and policy updates (muralpay.com).
Stablecoin fees for Colombian PSPs are shaped by these factors, making it vital for platforms to understand both sides of the transaction equation.
For more on these terms, see our glossary.
The Real Costs: Stablecoin Pay-Ins vs. Pay-Outs in Colombia
Stablecoin transactions consistently outperform traditional options on cost. In Latin America, businesses using stablecoins report fees as low as 0.1% to 0.5%, compared to the 3–5% typical of cross-border methods like SWIFT (damex.io). While Colombia-specific breakdowns are limited, these regional statistics highlight the savings available to local PSPs on both pay-ins and pay-outs.
In Colombia, the cost of stablecoin transactions is a major differentiator, especially as settlement times decrease from days to minutes.
Stablecoin Pay-Ins | Stablecoin Pay-Outs | |
|---|---|---|
Typical Fees | 0.1–0.5% (regional average) | 0.1–0.5% (regional average) |
Settlement Speed | Minutes | Minutes |
Compliance/Reporting | Required; UIAF (Colombia's Financial Intelligence Unit) standards apply | Required; UIAF standards apply |
Traditional Wire Fees | 3–5% (SWIFT) | 3–5% (SWIFT) |
Traditional Timing | 1–5 business days | 1–5 business days |
Stablecoins also enable instant reconciliation and full transaction tracking, reducing manual overhead for finance teams.
To learn how batch payments can transform PSP operations, check out our Batch Payments for Colombian Payment Service Providers: Quick Guide.
Why More Colombian PSPs Are Choosing Stablecoin Pay-Outs
Cost savings are just one benefit—stablecoin pay-outs also drive new efficiencies. A virtual assistant agency in Argentina reduced payout times by 70% after switching to batch payments via Mural Pay (muralpay.com).
Stablecoin pay-outs in Colombia are popular because they enable batch and recurring disbursements, streamline reconciliation, and support compliance requirements.
Nano Rodriguez, Head of Strategic Alliances at Bitso, explains, “By combining stablecoins with local payment rails, we’re unlocking a powerful cross-border experience—something traditional banking infrastructure simply can’t deliver” (Fireblocks Blog, 2025).
Over 70% of Colombian fintechs plan to offer stablecoin payment options by 2025, reflecting a market-wide shift toward digital rails.
For more on integrating stablecoin payments, visit our integration guide.
The Hidden Costs and Risks PSPs Must Consider
Despite the clear benefits, Colombian PSPs must be mindful of compliance and operational risks. In 2023, Colombia’s Financial Superintendence (SFC) imposed over $1.5 million USD in fines for non-compliance in the fintech sector (muralpay.com).
Compliance with stablecoin regulations in Colombia remains a moving target; in addition to visible costs, PSPs can encounter conversion fees and significant compliance expenses.
All PSPs must implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, as mandated by Colombian authorities.
Catalina Gutiérrez, Director of the Fintech Colombia Association, notes, “Regulatory clarity and compliance are the top challenges for batch payment adoption among Colombian fintechs” (BNAmericas, 2024).
For best practices, see our stablecoin-to-fiat API integration guide.
Case Study: Batch Stablecoin Payouts in Action
A virtual assistant agency in Argentina faced high costs and delays processing over 80 monthly international payouts. After adopting batch payments via Mural Pay, the agency achieved a 70% reduction in payout time and improved contractor satisfaction (muralpay.com).
This case shows how stablecoin pay-outs in Colombia and across Latin America can deliver operational benefits for service-oriented businesses with high-volume payouts.
This approach also shields earnings from local currency volatility, a key concern for many Latin American businesses.
For a step-by-step guide, see How Colombian Fintechs Can Integrate Stablecoin Payments.
Regulatory Realities: What Colombian PSPs Need to Know
Colombia’s legal framework for stablecoins is advancing rapidly. The SFC’s regulatory sandbox allows fintechs to pilot batch payment solutions under supervision, making Colombia’s framework second only to Brazil in the region (muralpay.com).
The SFC’s regulatory sandbox has allowed fintechs to pilot crypto-related services, driving innovation while maintaining compliance oversight.
Stablecoin compliance requirements in Colombia are shaped by ongoing legislation and the outcomes of these sandbox pilots. PSPs should stay current on policy developments.
For full compliance requirements, see our cross-border payment compliance guide.
Expert Insight: The Future of Stablecoin Payments for Colombian PSPs
Industry leaders remain optimistic about the future of stablecoins in Colombia. Juan Pablo Córdoba, President of the Colombian Stock Exchange, points out, “Colombia is making significant progress in digital asset regulation, and stablecoins are being closely studied as part of upcoming fintech laws” (muralpay.com).
Recent surveys show that 40% of respondents in Latin America cite customer demand as the main driver for stablecoin adoption, underlining its relevance for financial service providers.
Stablecoin adoption across Latin America is expected to accelerate as regulatory clarity improves and more PSPs implement batch and cross-border solutions.
For a broader perspective, see Are Stablecoins a Good Option for Exporters in Colombia?.
Key Takeaways: Making the Right Choice for Your PSP
Stablecoins enable Colombian PSPs to lower transaction costs, speed up settlements, and expand their reach. However, the best approach balances cost savings with compliance, operational, and technical factors.
For those evaluating stablecoin fees for Colombian PSPs and seeking robust stablecoin integration for PSPs, platforms like Mural Pay offer infrastructure designed for security, efficiency, and regulatory readiness.
Explore our Payments page to learn more about stablecoin payments infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stablecoin Pay-Ins and Pay-Outs
How fast are stablecoin transactions?
Stablecoin transactions usually settle in minutes, a notable improvement over traditional methods that can take several days (damex.io).
For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide to converting COP to USDC for cross-border payroll.
What are the main risks for Colombian PSPs?
The primary risks involve regulatory compliance, conversion fees, and potential fines for non-compliance. Staying updated on new policies and ensuring proper reporting is essential. PSPs should be cautious of partner platforms that lack transparency about stablecoin reserves or operational practices.
References
Mural Pay. (2024). How Colombian Fintechs Can Integrate Stablecoin Payments. https://www.muralpay.com/blog/how-colombian-fintechs-can-integrate-stablecoin-payments
Damex. (2024). How PSPs Can Improve Payment Efficiency With Stablecoins Transactions. https://damex.io/blog/how-psps-can-improve-payment-efficiency-with-stablecoins-transactions/
Mural Pay. (2024). Batch Payments for Colombian Payment Service Providers: Quick Guide. https://www.muralpay.com/blog/batch-payments-for-colombian-payment-service-providers-quick-guide
Mural Pay. (2024). Best Practices for Stablecoin-to-Fiat API Integration in Colombia. https://www.muralpay.com/blog/best-practices-for-stablecoin-to-fiat-api-integration-in-colombia
Fireblocks Blog. (2025). Interview with Nano Rodriguez.
BNAmericas. (2024). Fintech Colombia Association on Batch Payment Adoption.
