Tether backs EFY Finance to grow stablecoin use in Latin America
Tether, the leading stablecoin issuer, announced a seed‑round investment in EFY Finance on 13 October 2026. The funding aims to speed up institutional adoption of its USD‑backed tokens (USD₮ and USA₮) by improving the bridge between digital assets and traditional banking services across the region.
EFY Finance’s role in cross‑border payments
EFY Finance provides a suite of infrastructure tools, including on‑ and off‑ramps, OTC services, wallets and cards that operate in more than 12 currencies. It settles payments to local accounts in 17 countries and is licensed as a Digital Asset Service Provider in El Salvador, serving over 25,000 individual and business accounts.
Why stablecoins matter in Latin America
Persistent inflation, volatile local currencies and capital controls have made the U.S. dollar a critical hedge for many residents. Tether’s stablecoins offer a digital way to access the dollar, but reliable banking connections and regulated distribution are required. EFY Finance’s existing network is positioned to fill that gap, especially in Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama and Ecuador.
Market context and growth outlook
Chainalysis data shows that Latin America generated almost $1.5 trillion in crypto transaction volume from July 2022 to June 2025, making it one of the world’s most active regions. Stablecoin purchases now represent more than half of all exchange buys, reflecting strong demand for a stable store of value.
Both Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino and EFY Finance co‑founder Andrés Tobón emphasized that the partnership will help connect digital dollars with everyday financial systems, such as bank accounts, local payment networks and card issuers.
Future steps for institutional adoption
With Tether as a strategic investor, EFY Finance plans to expand its regulated infrastructure, broaden its customer base and deepen banking relationships. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the rollout of institutional‑grade stablecoin services, supporting businesses and large‑scale financial flows throughout Latin America.
Sources: Tether.io, OneSafe, CryptoRank.
