Tokenization Boosts Latin America Market Inclusion, Bitfinex Event Shows

The core argument presented at Bitfinex Securities Day, and detailed in its accompanying Latin America Market Inclusion Report, is that tokenization directly attacks the chronic inefficiencies plaguing regional capital markets. These frictions—exorbitant issuance costs, painfully slow settlement cycles, limited investor pools, and bureaucratic complexity—have traditionally restricted access to capital. Jesse Knutson, Head of Operations at Bitfinex Securities, stated that the technology is now redefining this landscape. “Financial markets are beginning to transform thanks to tokenisation and digital assets,” Knutson said, emphasizing its role in redefining capital access and expanding the investor base while reducing costs and shortening listing timelines.

This is not merely theoretical. Institutions operating on the ground provided concrete testimony. Andrea Gómez, Commercial Manager of Structured Finance at Banco Atlántida, explained how her bank has integrated tokenization into its existing suite of services. “We have incorporated tokenisation as a project finance tool that uses all of the other products that we provide to be able to structure leaner projects so that the returns for our customers are greater,” she said. This practical application shows tokenization acting not as a replacement for traditional finance, but as a powerful enhancer, creating more efficient structures that ultimately benefit end clients.

A central theme of the event was El Salvador’s assertive role in fostering this new financial ecosystem. As the first jurisdiction globally to enact a comprehensive digital assets law in 2023, the country has established a clear regulatory framework. Bitfinex Securities itself was the first entity licensed under this pioneering legislation. César Córdova, Proprietor Director of the National Commission of Digital Assets (CNAD), articulated the country’s ambition clearly: “We are leading not just in regulation but in use cases that make sense.”

Córdova highlighted the inherent advantages that make tokenization viable, noting, “the transaction costs are low and are faster, so that makes the case for tokenisation to be regulated here.” This regulatory clarity is designed to attract business and build a hub. Nina Bardi, President of The Bitcoin Fund Management Agency (AAB), expanded on this vision, stating the aim is “to position El Salvador as a more efficient financial hub, working together and co-developing the ecosystem of digital assets together with traditional finance and DeFi coming together.” The message was an open invitation for global partners to collaborate in building the region’s future financial center.

The event moved beyond policy to showcase tangible momentum. Alongside Banco Atlántida, firms like KraneShares and SatStreet shared first-hand experiences of how tokenized securities are enabling access to global investors, improving liquidity, and drastically reducing the traditional time and cost of bringing projects to market. This collective experience underscores a market shift already in progress.

The presence of H.E. Ramin Navai, the British Ambassador to El Salvador, alongside local regulators and financial leaders, signaled the cross-border and institutional interest in this evolution. The discussions reinforced that tokenization’s value proposition—leaner projects, greater returns, and seamless global capital access—is gaining recognition across both the traditional (TradFi) and decentralized (DeFi) financial spectrums. As Bitfinex Securities’ report concludes, these technological advancements are creating more efficient, cost-effective, and seamless interactions between investors and issuers, laying a new foundation for regional growth and long-term investment.