While the 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 the inédita 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 the use of blockchain to areas such as trade finance, credit, and asset digitization.
Meanwhile, Singapore emerged as a hub of blockchain innovation, 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 the transition from traditional financial systems to blockchain-driven economies.
In addition to consumer adoption, blockchain technology is transforming the infrastructure of the financial market in these regions, driving new efficiencies in payments, trade financing, and asset tokenization. The estimated potential market impact is US$ 3.2 trillion as smart contracts increase the security, transparency, and speed of transactions.
"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 such as real estate and commodities more liquid and accessible," says Bruno Batavia, Director of Emerging Technologies at Valor Capital Group. According to Batavia, the implementation of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is being explored by 98% of the global GDP, with Latin America and Southeast Asia leading practical application in the real world.
Singapore stands out as a pioneer with the Ubin Project, a government-supported initiative that integrates blockchain into financial markets. The project has already redefined settlement systems and tested cross-border payments on blockchain in partnership with the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
The Next Frontier: Tokenization of 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 expected to reach $88 billion by 2030, with an estimated $300 million economy in operational efficiency," said Qin En Looi, Partner at Saison Capital, the venture capital arm of Credit Saison.
The study highlights that the rapid adoption of blockchain in these regions presents significant opportunities for investors, fintechs, and global financial institutions. By reducing the cost of international shipments—currently twice the UN Sustainable Development Goals target—and increasing financial access for populations without banking services, blockchain is emerging not only as a speculative asset but also as a key driver of economic modernization.
This report serves as a fundamental plan for stakeholders seeking to leverage the immense potential these regions offer. Credit Saison has been in Brazil since 2023 and has been present in Southeast Asia for over ten years, with the unique ability to implement investments through private credit and venture capital to support the growth of fintechs and founders, both in debt and equity. Through our experience as an operator in global markets with a strong Japanese heritage, partnerships and knowledge exchange are essential to navigate and adapt to local nuances and formulate successful market strategies. For Credit Saison, it is always important to win together with our partners. We look forward to deepening our engagement in both regions to collaboratively open pathways for sustainable growth, added Looi.
Visithttps://latamsea.comto read the report
About Valor Capital Group
Founded in 2011 and with a presence in New York, Silicon Valley, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Mexico City, Valor Capital is a pioneering fund manager in Venture Capital and Growth Equity with a cross-border strategy, aiming to serve as a bridge between the technology markets of the United States and Latin America. Their funds invest in transformative businesses, from early-stage startups to expanding companies. Valor is committed to the success of the companies in its portfolio, providing capital, operational support, and global connections.
