Tether invested $20 million in Mercado Bitcoin, a Brazilian financial services company, as part of a strategic growth financing round that also included SoftBank. The investment will accelerate expansion of on-chain payment infrastructure across Latin America. Brazil is advancing stablecoin regulations, providing clear rules that attract global institutional funds seeking to establish operations in the region.
Tether Commits $20 Million to Mercado Bitcoin Growth Round
Tether disclosed a $20 million investment in Mercado Bitcoin as part of a strategic growth financing round that also included SoftBank. The global stablecoin company identified Mercado Bitcoin as "one of the most comprehensive regulated on-chain financial platforms in Latin America."
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, explained that both companies were striving to build a more "open, accessible and efficient financial infrastructure for the world." He stated: "Mercado Bitcoin has built exactly that, a regulated, full-stack on-chain financial platform serving millions of users across one of the world's most dynamic financial markets. We look forward to supporting Mercado Bitcoin's next phase of growth as a strategic partner and investor."
Mercado Bitcoin Allocates Funds to Tokenized Assets and Regional Expansion
Mercado Bitcoin will deploy the capital to build tokenized assets, payments infrastructure improvements, and on-chain capital markets. The company operates in Brazil and Europe with over 4.5 million customers. The investment aims to secure a wider footprint across Latin America.
Roberto Dagnoni, Mercado Bitcoin's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the move to bring financial markets online was already in development. He stated the investment strengthened their "ability to accelerate the next generation of on-chain financial services in Brazil and across global markets."
Brazil Stablecoin Regulation Attracts Institutional Capital
Brazil is in the process of regulating stablecoins to offer companies a clearer set of rules. Institutions are increasingly moving their operations on-chain for efficiency, cost, and speed advantages. The regulatory framework provides clear rules that attract global institutional funds to the region.
Tether Previous Latin America Investments Include Parfin and Oobit
Tether's investment in Mercado Bitcoin is part of a series of similar investments in payments and infrastructure companies in the region. Last year, Tether invested in Parfin, a crypto service company focusing on institutions, and in Orionx. In 2024, Tether backed mobile payments company Oobit's expansion into Latin America.
FAQ
What did Tether invest in Mercado Bitcoin?
Tether invested $20 million in Mercado Bitcoin as part of a strategic growth financing round that also included SoftBank.
How will Mercado Bitcoin use the investment funds?
Mercado Bitcoin will deploy the capital to build tokenized assets, improve payments infrastructure, and develop on-chain capital markets, aiming to establish a wider footprint across Latin America.
Why is Brazil attracting institutional crypto investments?
Brazil is advancing stablecoin regulations, providing clear rules that attract global institutional funds. Institutions are moving operations on-chain for efficiency, cost, and speed advantages.
