Bolivia lifts ban, crypto payments surge sixfold, reach four hundred thirty million.
Supreme Decree 5384 enforces strict licensing rules for all crypto providers.
The Central Bank launches workshops teaching safe crypto use and scam prevention nationwide.
Bolivia’s crypto market is growing fast. The Central Bank of Bolivia has reported that crypto payment transactions have reached 430 million US dollars in just 12 months. This happened after Bolivia lifted its ban on crypto in 2024. Compared to last year, this is an increase of 630%.
VASPs Face Strict Licensing and AML Demands
Majority of such transactions are conducted by usual citizens. Indeed, individuals made 86% of all crypto payments. Binance and similar platforms are used by many of such people. This demonstrates that crypto is getting popular as a method of everyday payments and savings.
The Bolivian government is meanwhile moving to tame this rapid development. In May of 2025, it issued Supreme Decree No. 5384. A new law enables the simple regulation of virtual assets and Fintech companies. It tells what virtual assets are and what tokenized assets imply, how blockchain networks and custody services operate.
Additionally, the decree stipulates tough licensing requirements on Virtual Asset Service providers (VASPs). Every VASP is now mandated with compliance to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing regulations. These regulations are in conformance with GAFILAT regulations. In this way, Bolivia is going to make the crypto market safer to all.
The central bank of Bolivia has also started a financial literacy program to make the people know how to use crypto safely. Such a step is essential since many individuals are using cryptocurrency, first time. The campaign will provide on-site workshops within all nine departments of Bolivia.
The workshops learn people to handle the private keys and wallets. They also assist citizens to detect fraud and realize the danger of crypto price fluctuations. Even trainers teach people how to evade cheating on such applications as WhatsApp. Getting this information, the government hopes that people will use crypto without being scammed and losing their money.
This rise in crypto is linked to a major change in government policy. Until June 2023, the usage of virtual assets payments in Bolivia was prohibited altogether. Then, the ban was lifted by the government in June 2024. This would present an opportunity to new crypto services and trading platforms.
Bolivia Shows Trust in Crypto for Public Sector Deals
Central Bank argues that crypto payments make the foreign currency accessible to the people. Crypto is being used to make international payments by many families as well as smaller enterprises. This is useful to self-employed workers and small shops to expand the businesses.
Crypto is not used only by ordinary citizens. The national energy company in Bolivia, YPFB, also utilizes digital assets. YPFB started paying with crypto on imported fuel on March 13, 2025. This initiative was as a result of lack of US dollar, lack of supply chain.
It was the case where Bolivia made use of Bitcoin or other crypto in any of their government-owned companies. It reveals that the government has confidence that crypto can be used to make quick and safe payments.
In the future, the Central Bank will provide more information to the population. It will issue a report after every three months. Such reports will demonstrate the quantity of crypto that is being traded. The central bank shall also work with the tax office. They will also ensure that the crypto payments comply with the Bolivia tax, which incorporates VAT.
In conclusion, the crypto market in Bolivia is thriving. The nation is also going slowly in encouraging innovation and safeguarding its citizens. It is believed that Bolivia is prepared to have a robust digital future.
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