While major economies are still testing blockchain-based solutions, Latin America (LATAM) and Southeast Asia (SEA) have already adopted this technology at scale. Both regions are among the global leaders in cryptocurrency adoption, with 19.8% in LATAM and 27.3% in SEA, according to a groundbreaking study by Valor Capital Group and Credit Saison. In Brazil, the Central Bank is developing the Drex initiative, which aims to tokenize the national economy at scale. Brazil already has one of the most advanced digital payment ecosystems in the world, driven by Pix, which accounts for 16.5% of financial transactions. The country is now expanding blockchain use into areas such as trade finance, credit, and asset digitization.
Meanwhile, Singapore has emerged as a blockchain innovation hub, with 55% of the population considering cryptocurrencies a viable payment method. The report highlights that Latin America and Southeast Asia, with a combined population of over one billion people, are at the forefront of transitioning from traditional financial systems to blockchain-driven economies.
Beyond consumer adoption, blockchain technology is transforming financial market infrastructure in these regions, driving new efficiencies in payments, trade finance, and asset tokenization. The estimated potential market impact is $3.2 trillion as smart contracts enhance security, transparency, and transaction speed.
“International payments, which traditionally take three to five days to settle, can now be completed in seconds with blockchain, eliminating intermediary costs. Additionally, asset tokenization is creating a $1.4 trillion market, making real-world assets like real estate and commodities more liquid and accessible,” says Bruno Batavia, Emerging Technologies Director at Valor Capital Group. According to Batavia, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) implementation is being explored by 98% of global GDP, with Latin America and Southeast Asia leading real-world application.
Singapore stands out as a pioneer with Project Ubin, a government-backed initiative integrating blockchain into financial markets. The project has redefined settlement systems and tested blockchain-based cross-border payments in partnership with the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
The Next Frontier: Tokenizing Global Trade and Commodities
“With LATAM and SEA playing strategic roles in global trade, the next step in blockchain adoption focuses on commodity tokenization. Indonesia, the world’s largest exporter of palm oil and coal, already uses blockchain in carbon credit markets through the IDXCarbon initiative. The country’s asset tokenization market is projected to reach $88 billion by 2030, with an estimated $300 million in operational efficiency savings,” said Qin En Looi, Partner at Saison Capital, the venture capital arm of Credit Saison.
The study highlights that rapid blockchain adoption in these regions presents significant opportunities for investors, fintechs, and global financial institutions. By reducing the cost of international remittances—currently double the UN Sustainable Development Goals target—and increasing financial access for unbanked populations, blockchain is emerging not just as a speculative asset but as a fundamental driver of economic modernization.
“This report serves as a foundational blueprint for stakeholders seeking to leverage the immense potential these regions offer. Credit Saison has been in Brazil since 2023 and in Southeast Asia for over a decade, uniquely positioned to implement investments through private credit and venture capital to support fintechs and founders in both debt and equity. Through our experience as an operator in global markets with strong Japanese heritage, partnerships and knowledge exchange are essential for navigating local nuances and formulating successful market strategies. For Credit Saison, the priority is always winning together with our partners. We look forward to deepening our engagement in both regions to collaboratively pave the way for sustainable growth,” added Looi.
Visit https://latamsea.com to read the report
About Valor Capital Group
Founded in 2011 with offices in New York, Silicon Valley, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Mexico City, Valor Capital is a pioneering venture capital and growth equity manager with a “cross-border” strategy aimed at bridging the technology markets of the United States and Latin America. Its funds invest in transformative businesses, from early-stage startups to expansion-phase companies. Valor is committed to the success of its portfolio companies, providing capital, operational support, and global connections.
