Bolivian police have conducted a series of raids at the offices of state-owned energy giant YPFB, unearthing what officials describe as multimillion-dollar corruption schemes centered on subsidized fuel smuggling and irregular contracts. The sweeping investigation, which estimates annual losses of around $1 billion, provides a critical opening for new President Rodrigo Paz to pursue a radical overhaul of the beleaguered company. His administration aims to use the probe to purge alleged malfeasance, open YPFB to foreign investment, and reverse a stark decline in national gas output by shifting fuel imports and distribution to the private sector.
about Bolivia Raids YPFB in $1B Fuel Corruption Probe Under Paz
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Generated 0 posts last week Bolivia Integrates Stablecoins into Banking System
Bolivia has taken a significant step toward integrating stablecoins into its formal banking sector, allowing financial institutions to offer accounts and payment services tied to dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies. This regulatory shift comes amid soaring crypto adoption as citizens seek alternatives to the volatile local currency. The move represents a major policy change that could reshape how Bolivians save and conduct transactions.
about Bolivia Integrates Stablecoins into Banking SystemBolivia Integrates Crypto to Modernize Financial System
In a landmark policy shift, Bolivia is embracing cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as legal tender within its financial system, marking a strategic response to persistent economic challenges including fiat currency inflation and US dollar shortages. Economic Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza announced that banks will now custody digital assets for clients, enabling crypto to function for savings, credit, and loans—a move that positions Bolivia at the forefront of financial modernization in the region.
about Bolivia Integrates Crypto to Modernize Financial SystemBolivia’s New President to Use Blockchain Against Corruption
Bolivia’s President-elect Rodrigo Paz is launching a technological offensive against government corruption, with blockchain technology and smart contracts at the forefront of his reform agenda. The centrist leader, who secured 54.5% of the vote in Sunday’s runoff election against Jorge Quiroga, plans to implement these digital tools specifically in public procurement systems where discretion and opacity have historically enabled corrupt practices. This initiative represents one of two concrete digital asset proposals in his government plan, signaling a significant shift toward technological solutions for governance challenges in Bolivia’s strained economy.
about Bolivia's New President to Use Blockchain Against CorruptionBolivia’s Banco Bisa Launches USDT Banking Services
In a landmark move for Bolivia’s financial sector, Banco Bisa has launched comprehensive USDT custody services, enabling customers to buy, sell, and transfer the stablecoin directly through traditional banking channels. This development marks a dramatic reversal from Bolivia’s decade-long cryptocurrency ban and represents the country’s first regulated banking integration with digital assets. The service comes with explicit regulatory support and structured fee arrangements, positioning Bolivia as an emerging market embracing cryptocurrency within a supervised framework.
about Bolivia's Banco Bisa Launches USDT Banking ServicesToyota, Yamaha, BYD Accept Tether in Bolivia Amid Dollar Crisis
Three major automotive manufacturers have begun accepting Tether (USDT) for vehicle purchases in Bolivia as businesses seek alternatives to the country’s collapsing US dollar reserves. Toyota, Yamaha, and BYD are now offering USDT as a payment option at their Bolivian dealerships. This move represents a significant milestone in cryptocurrency adoption within Latin America’s automotive sector.
about Toyota, Yamaha, BYD Accept Tether in Bolivia Amid Dollar CrisisEl Salvador Aids Bolivia in Crypto Regulation Pact
The Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) has signed a memorandum of understanding with El Salvador’s National Commission for Digital Assets (CNAD) to collaborate on crypto regulation. The pact enables Bolivia to benefit from El Salvador’s experience, including blockchain tools and risk analysis, as it seeks to modernize its financial system. Bolivia’s digital asset market has surged from $46.5 million in 2024 to $294 million this year, driven by Decree 082/2024. El Salvador, a regional leader in crypto adoption since its 2021 Bitcoin Law, will share insights on compliance and innovation. The partnership highlights the increasing role of digital assets in emerging markets and financial inclusion efforts.
about El Salvador Aids Bolivia in Crypto Regulation PactBolivia, El Salvador Partner to Boost Crypto Adoption
Bolivia has signed a memorandum of understanding with El Salvador to accelerate cryptocurrency adoption, framing it as a ‘viable and reliable alternative’ to fiat currencies. The agreement focuses on policy development and sharing crypto intelligence tools to modernize Bolivia’s financial system and enhance financial inclusion for families and small businesses. El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, will provide insights into potential economic and regulatory challenges Bolivia may face. This partnership highlights Bolivia’s efforts to address its economic crisis through innovative financial solutions.
about Bolivia, El Salvador Partner to Boost Crypto AdoptionBolivia’s Inflation Hits 30-Year High Amid Crisis
Bolivia is grappling with its worst inflation spike in more than three decades, fueled by a crippling dollar shortage, fuel scarcity, and mass unrest. The economic turmoil comes at a critical time as the country prepares for a general election, raising concerns about stability and governance. Analysts warn that the combination of financial strain and social discontent could exacerbate political tensions, further destabilizing the economy. The situation highlights the fragile balance between monetary policy, resource availability, and public sentiment in emerging markets.
about Bolivia's Inflation Hits 30-Year High Amid CrisisBolivia’s Crypto Boom Hits $430M Post-Ban Lift
Bolivia’s crypto transactions surged to $430 million in just 12 months after the government lifted its ban in mid-2024, with 86% of these transactions conducted by individuals. Binance channels dominated the activity as citizens turned to digital assets amid inflation, a weak boliviano, and dollar scarcity. Small businesses and street markets are now accepting Bitcoin and Tether, while the government has authorized the national energy company to use crypto for fuel imports—a first for the public sector. Despite regulatory and technical challenges, Bolivia’s rapid adoption has drawn regional attention. The Central Bank is also prioritizing financial education to mitigate risks for new users, many of whom are micro-businesses and individuals new to crypto.
about Bolivia's Crypto Boom Hits $430M Post-Ban LiftBRICS Hits $1 Trillion in Trade, Eyes New Global Economy
The BRICS alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly added members like Iran and the UAE, has reached $1 trillion in internal trade, signaling its growing economic clout. The bloc is prioritizing local currency transactions, payment platform development, and trade facilitation. Additionally, discussions around a gold-backed common currency highlight efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar, though de-dollarization is not yet a unified goal. With 10 partner countries also engaging, BRICS is positioning itself as a key player in global economic restructuring.
about BRICS Hits $1 Trillion in Trade, Eyes New Global EconomyBolivia’s Crypto Payments Surge 630% to $430M Post-Ban Lift
The Bolivian central bank (BCB) revealed a 630% year-over-year surge in domestic crypto transactions, reaching $430 million since regulators reopened payment channels in June 2024. Over 86% of the 10,193 recorded transactions were executed by individuals, predominantly men, with Binance-linked rails dominating activity. The growth follows Resolution 082/2024, which recognized virtual assets and allowed banks to process crypto orders. Bolivia further expanded crypto use in March 2025, permitting state energy firm YPFB to pay for fuel imports amid dollar shortages. The BCB now mandates daily bank reporting, OFAC sanctions screening, and plans quarterly transparency dashboards. A new legal framework (Supreme Decree 5384) introduces fintech licensing and AML rules, while a nationwide literacy campaign educates citizens on risks like fraud and volatility.
about Bolivia's Crypto Payments Surge 630% to $430M Post-Ban Lift