Bolivia Partners with El Salvador to Build National Crypto Framework

Cryptocurrency adoption in Bolivia is gaining speed, and it’s now getting international support. On Wednesday, Bolivia’s central bank signed a memorandum of understanding with El Salvador to support the growth of cryptoassets in the country. 

With crypto usage rising fast and access to U.S. dollars tightening, this partnership could redefine how Bolivians interact with money. 

Dive into the details below.

Bolivia and El Salvador Unite to Shape Crypto Framework

The Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) and El Salvador’s Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales (CNAD) will collaborate on building a legal and technical framework for digital assets. Their joint efforts will focus on blockchain intelligence, regulatory policy, and risk management. The agreement is open-ended and active immediately.

Signed in La Paz by BCB Acting President Edwin Rojas Ulo and CNAD President Juan Carlos Reyes García, the deal focuses on sharing best practices, regulatory expertise, and technical know-how.

Crypto Transactions Are Booming

This partnership comes at a time of rapid crypto growth in Bolivia. According to the BCB, crypto-related transactions rose from $46.5 million in June 2024 to $294 million by June 2025.

This massive growth came after the introduction of Decree No. 082/2024, which lifted previous restrictions and opened the door for wider use of cryptocurrencies in the country. The policy shift allowed banks and financial institutions to support transactions in Bitcoin and stablecoins.

El Salvador Brings Regulatory Experience

Bolivia notes that El Salvador’s CNAD has become a key player in the digital asset ecosystem globally, as it promotes innovation, security, and regulatory compliance in this sector.

Bolivia’s Central Bank also said that it is working to modernize the financial system and help more people access it by using new crypto-friendly policies.

Crypto Usage Surges Amid Dollar Shortage

Bolivia’s shift to crypto began in June 2024, when the government lifted its long-running ban on digital currencies and allowed banks to process transactions in Bitcoin and stablecoins.

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With the local currency losing value and U.S. dollars in short supply, more Bolivians are using crypto platforms like Binance and stablecoins like Tether. Monthly transactions hit a record $68 million in May 2025.

For many, digital money has become a more stable and accessible option.

Govt. Backed Crypto Payments in Action

In March this year, the state oil company, YPFB, was authorized to use crypto to pay for fuel imports, an urgent response to the country’s worsening shortage of U.S. dollars and rising import hurdles.

The country’s foreign exchange reserves have plummeted from $15 billion in 2014 to under $2 billion by the end of 2023. Some local shops have started pricing goods in Tether (USDT), which shows how digital assets are becoming a practical solution in everyday life amid the currency crisis.

Bolivia’s alliance with El Salvador is a sign of good things to come. We might soon see Bolivia become a key player in Latin America’s digital finance scene. 

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